A night to remember

Another amazing evening watching the foxes in the garden.  The dog fox turned up first, as usual.  He was joined by a cub and then a second cub but he didn't stay long and soon left them to it.  A few minutes later a third cub came along which is par for the course these days.

After a while the dog rejoined them and their attention was drawn to something on the right, which only means one thing...

...another cub.  This was my first photo of five foxes and the first of four cubs and the father.

Then they all looked up again...

... and a fifth cub appeared!

One of the first four ran over to greet it.

Both rejoined the party and for a few moments I had six foxes eating outside the back door.

The father didn't stay long but the five cubs settled down and they were even all looking towards the camera.

Here is a short video.  They don't do much except chew but it was thrilling to watch.

One cub then moved on to leave four.

And then their attention was drawn...

...to two vixens.  Both were greeted very enthusiastically by the cubs so I can't tell which one is the mother.  This was my second photo of the night with six foxes.

One vixen didn't stay but the other helped the last two cubs polish off what was left of the food.  In the three weeks I have been watching them the cubs have grown substantially.  This one will soon be as big as its mother.

So there are eight foxes in the family.  This was the first time I have seen five cubs and my first photos of six foxes. Surely there can't be any more.  One thing I haven't worked out is why the numbers have gradually increased over the last three weeks, rather than most or all appearing at the outset.  Maybe word takes time to get around or maybe the others were being entertained elsewhere.  One thing is for sure - I have had to increase their rations.