Authors Note: I wrote this blog entry as a challenge from Micky, a naturalist with the Heritage Foundation and a science educator. She brought the eMammal team to Prairie Ridge on Monday July 14 for a nature walk. She challenged us as we walked to think of a habitat for an animal and then gave us time to explore and evaluate a habitat space for the animal.

This week I was a fox, a red fox more specifically.

I found a great looking River Birch tree about 150 meters from the nearby creek. The creek is essential to my habitat as it provides fresh water. Fresh water also means that other small animals will be close by that might make for a tasty meal.

The River Birch tree is a favorite of mine. I like the beauty of this tree. Nearby is a Red Oak tree. Its acorns are also a source of food for me, but again, also for other small critters that live nearby. More opportunity for me to find a meaty snack.

As I pondered my habitat, a shadow from a flying creature passed over the ground. I could tell by its shadow that it was a hawk, confirmed it as a red-tail by sighting it as it flew by. Red-tails give me the shivers. I’m just big enough now where they usually don’t bother me, but I had a scary experience as a pup. I was out hunting with ma, when this horrifying screech froze me in my tracks. It was a Red-tail intent on grabbing me for its lunch. Fortunately I was just able to avoid its talons and ducked into a hollowed tree log.

Surrounding these trees was a lot of low lying brush, tall grasses mixed in with Japanese stilt grass. I envision these grasses are home to many rodents species, especially cotton rats and white-footed mice.

Yes, this is a good habitat. Shelter from danger, access to water and food, and opportunity. This will do.