u/PaddleH2O

My last beach sunset of the summer.

It’s so thick in places that it’s like paddling through a maze while keeping an eye out for a swamp creature.

📷: 08.31.26

I photographed this little kingfisher moments before it dove into the river to catch a midday snack.

This fledgling bald took an unexpected dip in the river when it freed itself after getting tangled in some tree vines. It dropped and belly flopped 5-6 feet from its perch into the shallow water below.

Updated text (Apologies— Image is 2017, not my most recent) Back a few years ago, I spotted this young fox napping on a fallen tree while I was kayaking. It woke up and watched me float by but never left its shady spot at the river’s edge.

Hard to imagine such solitude surrounded by the DC metro area. One of the perks of paddling weekday mornings.

It took some time lying on the ground to get this image and it was worth it. Those eyes are mesmerizing in the right light.

A mouse or chipmunk was about to get a big surprise from above. The fox’s hurdle easily cleared 2-3 ft.

A cool, dry drainage ditch is just right for a quick nap.

A timid kit does a little recon from the safety of its den entrance.

There’s sure to be some kits that will be excited to see the main course their parent brought home.

My woodpile worked just fine as a fox playground for these 5 siblings that were sporting their new red coats. Mom was just out of frame to the right keeping a close watch.

My middle school and dog owner sides came out when I was contemplating posting this fox. For the record, there were no skid marks left on the grass and his face reflects his ahh moment of relief.

Traversing the neighbor’s 7ft fence with the skill and grace of a tightrope walker.

Fox kit timidly peeks out to survey the backyard.

Paddled to a nice little island and set up my hammock for a chilly Saturday night on the upper Potomac. Was rewarded with clear skies and a full moon setting as dawn was breaking. Please enjoy my photos.