Red Fox and Tree

Visiting Japan, especially the northern island of Hokkaido, fulfilled a long-held dream for me. As I wandered through the vast winter landscape, with fields blanketed in pristine snow broken only by the occasional tree, a smile spread across my face. This was something I had imagined for so long.

My main goal for the trip was to capture the beauty of Hokkaido’s trees against the backdrop of the cloudy winter skies and snow-covered fields. But I also harbored a desire to encounter a red fox in its natural habitat. As the sun began to set on my final day on the island, I finally spotted one!

From a distance, I noticed a beautiful white birch tree, and as I approached, I saw the red fox peacefully napping in the snow nearby. I watched silently, not wanting to disturb it. After some time, just as I was about to move on, the fox stirred from its slumber. It began to walk toward the back of the hillside before stopping abruptly, seemingly overcome by post-nap confusion. It sat down and gazed intently at the tree. I couldn’t help but wonder if it, too, was admiring the tree’s beauty.

Moments like these, simple yet profound, are what I cherish most in nature. They etch themselves into my memory, reminding me of the wonder and beauty that surrounds us.

I hope you enjoy this image as much as I did creating it.

~Andrew