19/05/2026
A Quiet Goodbye
What began as a peaceful afternoon photographing frogs in a small open stream quickly turned into one of my favourite wildlife encounters of the year so far.
While I was focused on the water’s edge, my partner quietly whispered that something was moving nearby. I slowly crouched down, careful not to disturb whatever had appeared. As I settled into position, a handsome young fox emerged through the long grass and reeds, completely calm and unbothered by our presence.
He passed only a few feet away from us and continued along the pathway. Keeping a respectful distance, I followed behind until he suddenly stopped and paused. I quickly laid down to capture him at eye level, creating a much more intimate connection in the image. It felt less like a photograph and more like a quiet acknowledgement, as if he was saying goodbye… and perhaps even thank you for respecting his space.
Some wildlife encounters are exciting because of the rarity of the animal. Others stay with you because of how they make you feel. This was one of those moments – calm, trusting, and deeply humbling. To me, the natural world is full of surprises and entertainment, and if you can experience encounters like this, you’ll feel more connected to nature than ever before.
