WOW // Special Moments in WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY | HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH FOXES & CUBS THE ETHICAL WAY

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much to you all for such great comments! You mention the word 'Ethics' and you loose a few Subscribers and get a few thumbs down! 😂! Plus I do whisper so you may have to turn it up. Cheers Rich

[@fynendandy4407]

Great footage of these ultra cautious country foxes. All the best to you n the family in Canada mate. Lots of wildlife (and territory) to cover. Looking forward to the vids.

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi there, thanks very much indeed for commenting and for the wishes I really appreciate it. I'm not sure we've spoken before so great to hear from you. Very exciting indeed, can't wait to get out in the wilds of Canada. All the best and thanks again Rich 👍

[@Rob.1340]

Brilliant. Thanks Rich. Cracking film. Great images. Nature First. Fantastic. All the best. 👍👍📷😎

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Rob, as the Mandalorian's say ' This is the way' lol.... All the best mate. Rich 👍

[@marksymonds8477]

Great video as always Richard and lovely footage of the fox cubs

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Mark, such a cracking subject to photograph. Cheers Rich 👍

[@UKSTAGROSCO]

Great film not easy to find a fox earth that is being used

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much, I was chuffed to bits they have had a successful breeding season so far. Cheers Rich 👍

[@smiffy5467]

Field craft and animal welfare is paramount, the images whilst great to get, can always wait… Top work Richard 👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Smiffy, well said and totally right. Cheers Rich 👍

[@samknight8695]

Beautiful images and footage Richard, fantastic work!

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks a lot Sam, it was a joy to see them and in good numbers this year! Cheers Rich 👍

[@steves8661]

Wow what an amazing privilege great captures great fieldcraft advice

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Steve, it really was. All the best Rich👍

[@leehanley71]

Class video Richard, just loved it. Such beautiful creatures Foxes, and them Cubs 😍 stunning. Lovely film and stills you got there Mate. Thank you for bringing us along with you 📸👍🏽 See you on the next one Mate

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Lee, really glad you enjoyed it. Nice to have some great feedback, as it always makes it worth the effort. Cheers Rich 👍

[@leehanley71]

@@RichardBirchett ❤️📸

[@MAKE_PHOTOGRAPHS_ANYWHERE]

Great video..... Foxes are extremely tough in my areas so excellent work !

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much for watching, sorry to hear they aren't an easy subject local to you! Hopefully one day you'll get just rewards. All the best Rich 👍

[@MAKE_PHOTOGRAPHS_ANYWHERE]

@@RichardBirchett You bet Rich Take Care.

[@sarahbirchett3331]

Just lovely to see these in their natural environment 🦊🦊🦊🥰

[@RichardBirchett]

So lucky to have them in our woodland😀

[@KGsPhotography]

That was a special moment or should I say couple of hours. Amazing video Rich loved it 👍👏. Cheers Keith

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers mate, lots of failed sessions though, lol.. things you don’t see😂👍

[@KGsPhotography]

@@RichardBirchett I can totally image 😂

[@RichardBirchett]

😂👍

[@stevecolwill9761]

Brilliant stuff mate and a very important message: animal welfare first, images second. 👍🏻

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Steve, glad you feel the same! The only way to roll😀👍

[@dezyboy7]

Stunning Richard and so good to see a photographer actually putting in the hours and field craft,rather than opting for near certain opportunities sitting in a commercial hide,these truly wild foxes are ultra skittish, and I know one wrong move and it’s game over,it’s so satisfying when all the hard work comes together thou,excellent job.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thats one of the best comments to receive I really can't thank you enough for your support. For me doing it the wrong way doesn't sit well at all with me and there is very little challenge if not any sitting in a hide waiting for the subject to grab the bait! Feeding stations for birds is a great learning tool for photography but I feel lots of these hides are now becoming the norm for many! Sadly the element of fieldcraft and study is becoming less and less. I've always said each to their own! It's just not my thing. Thanks again Rich 👍😀

[@keithwilson7358]

I totally agree ,for me the fieldcraft,the waiting and sometime no sorry most times you come away with nothing but the biggest reward is a good feeling you get just being out in nature I spend hours out getting wet,being uncomfortable but I always go home with a massive smile

[@RichardBirchett]

Got it in one Keith, wouldn’t have it any other way! Failure rates always high, but when the stars align and it goes well, such a buzz and doing it ethically is the best way. Thanks for watching 👍

[@wildphil]

Well done, Richard. What lovely footage and photos! Fantastic job! Proper wild country foxes!!!🎉😊

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers Phil, that's the only way mate, lol.. All the best Rich 👍

[@ianmahoney2669]

Stunning mate, I think this is my favourite one you've done. BZ.

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers Mo, such a magical time of year and the cubs were just amazing to watch 👍

[@ianlewisphotography]

That was a great video, what a wonderful experience

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Ian, it really was magical....😀

[@VinceMaidens]

You mean to tell me, that wildlife photographers in the UK aren't ethical? I never noticed how many people love to take the short cuts, paid hides and justifying it by saying they are feeding birds or mammals at risk... or the fact they will do just about anything to get the shot...or go to raptor centres and say they are wild. Being from Canada and the snowy owl capital of the world, I've seen every level of arsehole baiting and shortcut known, but here in the UK it's just so normalised that people get offended when you say it's not real wildlife photography. You put the effort in, you do the right thing, you're the kind of guy I will respect.

[@RichardBirchett]

Lol, Hit that nail on ones head there Vince...... It really is the normal run of things these days, I understand people are busy and want to save time but come on it's not the way to do it! Loads of people got to BOP centres are take images and pass them off as wild birds and the trained eye can tell! I am looking forward to getting out there and experience how others do things, to learn new wildlife and spend time in the true wilderness all being well, without getting nobbled by a bear😂! People really do get a bit excited about the ethics bit, it's not as if I point out individuals, they just thumbs down and unsubscribe from the channel which obviously makes them feel much better about the whole experience! Thanks my friend, it's good to know there are others who feel the same. Cheers Rich👍

[@NikCan66]

Another sublime video and informative video . Were entering their environment and respect to the wildlife as if treated badly may cause untold damage to the local ecosystem

[@RichardBirchett]

Well said mate and totally right! Always respect the subject and leave as little trace as possible. Cheers Rich 👍

[@alisonmeagor2355]

So wonderful to watch this footage.They are so cute and it was lovely to see them enjoying themselves totally unaware of your presence.Looking forward to seeing more as they grow.🥰👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Alison, it was a great photography session and to see them so young and up close was magical! Cheers Matt👍

[@CamillaI]

Beautiful spot love the Bluebells and Fox cubs great work Richard 👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Mark, such a cracking session and I loved just spending time with them! Awesome. Cheers Rich

[@markjarrett8168]

Great vlog as usual Richard! Look forward to seeing your content from Canada, I know you’ll enjoy your time there. A friend of mine moved to Toronto, through work, on a two year stint. That was about thirty years ago. He’s still there. Just sayin! 😂

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Mark, I hope to start the videos once I am settled and the family are sorted. I've heard this story quite a few times now, and people keep saying it to me, lol... Haven't spoke to one person yet that actually returned!! We shall see, thanks agin for watching and supporting the channel. Cheers Rich 👍

[@SimonMcCabe]

Awesome Rich. Beautiful vlog and subject to die for! Super cute cubes.

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers Simon, what a subject indeed! lol.. All the best Rich 👍

[@nickclaytonphotography]

Absolutely beautiful mate! Such a privilege for all of us, & I was right there with you shaking as the Cubs emerged - what a buzz! Fantastic stuff Rich, the woodland is looking fabulous too. Hope you get to spend more time with them, and the deer, buzzards & erm.... Polecats??? Very nice mate! Keep on keeping on bud. Best, Nick

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Nick, it was lovely to see their heads pop up check for danger and then relax and play in front of me! Magical moments in nature as always! It is looking lovely, I'm hoping to but time is getting short now, less than 2 months before the off! Yep, Polecats, you not a fan?? Cheers Rich 👍

[@user-kk9cw]

Fantastic Richard! Well worth the wait and look forward to the next instalment. Great to hear you emphasise the importance of ethics.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much for watching and great to hear you agree on the ethical side of photography, it's the only way. Cheers Rich

[@laurencearnold5822]

Superb Richard, it must be a magical experience look forward to another video👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers Laurence, it was a top session! Magical to watch their world unfold. 👍

[@barrycurwen6949]

Fantastic footage, thank you for sharing this experience. I was privileged to witness a similar opportunity to watch the development of five fox cubs in my garden during lockdown. The most surprising observation was the amount of involvement by the dog fox. Well done Richard.

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi Barry, thanks very much for watching and it’s my pleasure. That’s an awesome thing to witness and so close to home, our dog fox had little to do apart from the early stages when the cubs were below ground, once they appeared above he departed and pretty much left the vixen to do all the work. Cheers R👍

[@martynhall1752]

Hi Richard that was absolutely fantastic,stunning video work and photos totally agree with you doing it the ethical way, you just showed us how to do a wildlife video should be done, truly incredible video Richard thank you for taking the time out and sharing it with us. Martyn

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers mate, it was such a great experience seeing them so young! Dare I say it, CUTE!!! I really couldn't do it any other way! Just doesn't sit well with me. My pleasure, bit of a break now as it's hectic with Canada preps but I'll be back soon. Thanks again for your support. Cheers Rich👍

[@garylancelles6666]

Brilliant vlog Richard ,lucky to have a fox family in your wood

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Gary, very lucky. I hope they all do well and make it to adulthood! Cheers Rich 👍

[@steveford6900]

Another great vlog Richard. I find it hard to believe that anyone passionate about nature can find fault with what you do and how you go about doing it. I will miss your local blogs but really look forward to seeing what you put out from Canada. I subscribe to Stefano Ianiro and am amazed at the birds he sees over there, especially the owls. Looking forward to more from you before you leave.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Steve, you get them mate! Trouble is putting yourself on things like KZbin does invite people to try and put you down or pick holes in what you do. For me as long as people enjoy it and learn something then it's worth doing. And those people who try, don't win, I've got a thick skin and being Ex-Military helps, lol... Can't wait to get out there to be honest, I follow him too, top stuff! With amazing birds and mammal species. Cheers Rich 👍

[@deanseldon5640]

Awesome stuff mate

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Dean👍

[@dbanniste]

Excellent footage , very lucky to have access to the foxes 🦊

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Dave, very lucky indeed. Cheers Rich👍

[@andyheywoodsphotographya-h7913]

Amazing experience Richard thank you 📸👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Great stuff Andy, thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it. 👍

[@deerohdeer8000]

Friend that was so moving to watch ! I personally know how hard to get those captures & ti find a active earth !! Seriously fantastic post🦊 !!! Take care 👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks loads Craig, you are very kind! It was the best session and long, lol.. Cheers Rich 👍

[@michaelsaltsman7550]

ah what part of canada u off to love round Alberta Lake Louise fab mountains and the best scenery

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks for watching, living on the outskirts of Toronto for the 1st year, then moving to Ottawa for 3 years. Can't wait to be honest. Cheers Rich 👍

[@Kellysher]

Oh my goodness! I’ve never seen kits let alone photographed them! So amazing to see this. Of course I’ve never sat in a hide for 8 hours. Great work and 100% agree on welfare of the animal first. I’m fairly new and working on my field craft. I’m embarrassed to say I don’t always understand the wind direction. Do you have tips and tricks there? I also come across dens and really don’t know fox from coyote. Or active vs old dens. So any guidance there? Thanks for explaining your field craft!

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Kelly, it was fantastic to witness them so close and to watch them grown and explore their surroundings. The welfare for me always comes first, never at the expense of the image! I've done a few videos on tips in the field covering wind direction etc, try some of my Exmoor Red Deer videos as that covers quite a bit of fieldcraft. I've yet to find a Coyote Den as I am new to Canada but I can find out, I'd image some footprints near the den site would reveal specie, it's a project I am working on so a video out at some point in the next few months. Thanks again Rich 👍

[@Good-DaySunshine]

Did you visit Birchett's Green before you left UK? Looks so lovely with lots of photo ops for wildlife. 🎉 You do a beautiful job!

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much indeed for watching, it was an amazing time to share with the foxes… Birchett’s Green? Do you mean our woodland? Thanks Richard 👍

[@Good-DaySunshine]

@@RichardBirchett Birchett Lane, Cottage & Wood, Ashford. There is also Birchett's Green in a different location. I have it with my Genealogy records, but I'll look. I'm a Birchett as well.

[@RichardBirchett]

Oh wow! That’s amazing, I’m guessing you live in Canada then? Or the USA? Such great info, never knew any of that! Thanks 👍

[@Good-DaySunshine]

@@RichardBirchett USA There are certain things here (in US) with Birchett surnames. Parks, Streets, etc.

[@adrianmoore4690]

GREAT VIDEO

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Adrian👍

[@KWTImages]

Incredible Images Incredible Footage and what a experience. We'll done on all counts...😍👍👏👏

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Keith, the kit did really well in the woodland and the images even at high ISO were really pleasing. Really appreciate it mate. All the best Rich👍

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Lovely video mate, both the stills and footage. Good luck in Canada,are you going for long? All the best, Steve.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Steve, I loved being there with them and to see all 5 was superb! Yep not long now! Cheers Rich 👍

[@cornishsideburn3016]

Wow, thats awesome. The woodland has come to life. Sorry to hear you're taking flak. Some people like the easy way and are prepared to dispense with the ethics of it. Personally I like to blend in with surroundings. Makes for a better experience all round. And that comes through in your results. The girls think the cubs are very cute 👍😊

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Jon, really glad you enjoyed it and so did the girls! They are pretty cute aren't they, lol... And cheers for the Ethics bit, I feel it's the only way, and if people don't want to follow me that's up to them. Cheers big lad 👍

[@maxwood2365]

Great video Richard, very interesting to watch

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks for watching Max👍

[@alanarmer8069]

Great video again Richard,all the best to you and yours in Canada 🦅🦡👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Alan, I will still be doing KZbin when I get there, hope you'll be following still. Cheers Rich 👍

[@TrevsTreks964]

Absolutely magical Richard fantastic work. I’ll miss you’re uk work but look forward to some spectacular Canadian wildlife! Shame I didn’t make it to one of your workshops.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Trev, really appreciate the comment and for checking out the video. Yep, can't wait to get out into the Canadian wilderness and get some great shots and memories. Maybe when I am back you can get down for a workshop? Cheers Rich 👍

[@chrisdesmond2240]

Another level buddy, absolutely amazing ❤

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much mate👍

[@balgavieslochospreys6836]

Great video Richard, keep up the good work m8 ;-)

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much mate glad you enjoyed it, all the best Rich 👍

[@clivemear4481]

Missed you too... hope Canada plans going well... when do you go. I'm down w/c 12th Aug, would love to grab a coffee maybe if you are still around and free

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Clive, I leave on the 24th of July so I’ll sadly miss you. That’s a shame, I will be continuing the KZbin channel whilst in Canada with lots of new adventures. Cheers Rich 👍

[@clivemear4481]

@@RichardBirchett ce la vie - catch you when you return… and it’s Cornwall… you’ll be back! Lol

[@RichardBirchett]

@@clivemear4481 😂😂👍

[@davedewdney]

What a great video when u move to Canada are u still doing KZbin thanks for sharing

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi Dave, thanks very much for watching. Yep, I aim on starting as soon as all my kit arrive from the UK and once we are settled. Lots to look forward too. Cheers Rich

[@davedewdney]

Ok cool can’t wait to see your videos in Canada

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Dave 👍

[@joecronin5017]

great Richard,here in ontario our birding is great doesn't get any better .are you moving to ontario .south west Ont, is the best birding in Canada thanks..

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi Joe, thanks very much for watching the Vlog. I really can't wait to there, bit of a learning curve being in a new place and not knowing where to go but I hope to get out as soon as I can. Living on the outskirts of Toronto for the 1st year, then heading to Ottawa for a further 3 years! I will travel around quite a bit, looking forward to checking out Algonquin! Cheers Rich

[@joecronin5017]

@@RichardBirchett hope things work out, long point is just south west of toronto best spring and fall birding in ontario, I live in that area, maybe we can do a day of fall birding .

[@RichardBirchett]

@@joecronin5017 That sounds great Joe, I'd love to meet up! I've heard great things about long point area. I am now in the process of learning all the awesome species you have in Canada, will have to get used to the way you name some same species as we call the same ones quite different! Don't want to get a hard time by the Canadians by getting the bird names wrong, lol.. P.S Can you recommend any good birding groups on social media that I can join, might help me out a bit. Thanks in advance. Cheers Rich -

[@lbeetech]

We call them kits...

[@RichardBirchett]

Cool, where are you located? R👍

[@lbeetech]

@@RichardBirchett in the US...

[@cerealkiller4248]

I haven’t photographed foxes for ages ☹️ Didn’t know your moving to Canada, is that permanent ??

[@RichardBirchett]

Such a great subject to photograph, really enjoyed it! Yes, leave at the end of July for 4 years. Cheers Rich 👍

[@bolleolympus]

😊😊👍👍❤❤

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much 👍

[@sue.Hoo123]

Can I ask why you spent so much time whispering in the hide, I found it almost impossible to hear what you were saying, you could have said what you needed to from your office? Or put some subtitles up, no chance of disturbing the wildlife that way either. Lovely to see the wildlife in the Bluebells 👍

[@RichardBirchett]

The foxes would hear me if I were to talk normally and I find it detracts from actually being there if I were to sit in my office and do a voice over. I personally hate subtitles and you can hear it if you turn up the volume. Thanks for watching and for pointing that out to me. Great to have the feeedback👍

[@sue.Hoo123]

@@RichardBirchett I know you couldn’t speak at normal levels in the hide, but you said what you needed to from your office, you could then just let the photographs / film tell the story….