Outfoxed by the tide (1 Viewer)

A strange sighting on Morecambe Prom today!
The high tide had pushed a mixed group of waders to a stone groyne now surrounded water.It was about 100 yards from shore.
They suddenly flew up and I was amazed to see a fox on the rocks.
The poor thing realised it was trapped and the water was rising rapidly.
It attracted a few interested observers taking photos.
After about 15 minutes it decided to swim for it.We all watched anxiously as it swam the 100 yards to shore.
Despite a strong cross current it bravely made it, to everyone's amazement and relief.
I have seen some things, out birdwatching, but this takes the biscuit.

Birdwise there was a Short Eared Owl at Teal bay as well as A Teal[seldom see a Teal at Teal Bay.]Also a female Scaup.

Eeee I bet it was a bit scared!

What an amazing bit of drama to observe.

D

It wasn't doing the doggy paddle was it? Certainly an unusual sight and one to remember.

Yes it was quite dramatic.
The fox was doing a doggy paddle against a very strong current.
Seen it all now!
Apart from that it was an enjoyable birdwatching morning what with the Short eared Owl,Scaup and the sight of 1000's of waders getting pushed into Teal Bay.

I must admit I've never seen a fox swimming though I did once see a stoat swimming after some ducklings.

We witnessed a similar incident (photo's attached) at Parkgate last year. The fox was stuck for over an hour and when we left we assumed it would drown. However I was told by an eye witness that it waited several hours for the tide to drop & the current to slow then swam (doggy paddled) back to dry land.