Landscapes
Marc van Eyken - Photography
Winter Sentinel
        
        400mm f/22 1/1000s ISO 2000 16:9 
        
            
Winter Sentinel.
This photograph shows a red fox standing alert in a snow-covered rural landscape, framed by bare deciduous trees and a weathered wire fence. The composition beautifully contrasts the fox's warm russet coat against the pristine white snow and the muted grays and browns of the dormant winter forest.
The fox appears to be pausing in its travels, perhaps hunting for rodents beneath the snow or simply surveying its territory. The golden dried grasses poking through the snow add lovely textural interest and a splash of amber to the otherwise cool-toned palette. The fence posts and wire suggest this is farmland or rural property in Amherst, Ontario, perfectly capturing the character of Eastern Ontario's agricultural landscapes during winter.
The soft, diffused lighting creates an almost ethereal quality, with the misty background trees adding depth and atmosphere. The photographer has done an excellent job capturing this candid wildlife moment—the fox seems perfectly at ease in its natural habitat, embodying the wild beauty of the Canadian winter landscape. It's the kind of scene that reminds us of the remarkable wildlife that thrives even in our coldest months, adapting beautifully to the harsh conditions.
This would make a wonderful addition to any exhibition celebrating Canadian wildlife or the natural beauty of our winter season.