Arctic Elegance: A Cross Fox Encounter in Churchill

The crisp crunch of my boots on the snow was the only sound accompanying my breath, which froze in the air at -32 °C. It was late November, and I was on a solo expedition in Wapusk National Park near Churchill, Manitoba, hoping to capture the majestic polar bears on camera. Yet, as often happens in the wild, an unexpected subject stole the show.

One of my favourite photographs from that trip wasn't a polar bear, but a stunning cross fox. This captivating creature is a colour variation of the more common red fox, frequently spotted in Manitoba, especially around Churchill and its Wildlife Management Area. Its name comes from the distinctive dark stripe running down its back, intersected by another across its shoulders, forming a clear "cross" shape.

Even though they're relatively common in Manitoba, spotting one is always a thrill—and photographing one at these extreme temperatures is a true test of dedication! Every finger movement felt like a strategic act of self-preservation. So, when this beautiful cross fox emerged from the willows for a fleeting moment, I was absolutely ecstatic to capture its arctic elegance.

Cross Fox (Red Fox) (Vulpes vulpes, renard croisé) Wapusk National Park along the shores of the Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE 400 f/2.8 GM OSS with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @800mm. ISO 12,800, f/8 @ 1/2,500s Manual Exposure mode. Full frame image.

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Last-Minute Opening: Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop

An incredible, last-minute opportunity has just opened up for two photographers to join my otherwise sold-out Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshop in Quebec, August 10-13, 2025!

This isn't just a photography trip; it's an immersive experience at the absolute best time to photograph Atlantic Puffins– when their beaks are bursting with fish, offering unparalleled photo opportunities. Imagine this: you'll be living in a fully restored lighthouse, just a short 200-meter walk from the prime puffin photography location.

Beyond the extraordinary wildlife, you'll indulge in gourmet food throughout your stay. This workshop is your opportunity to master birds-in-flight photography with personalized guidance from Sony Ambassador Christopher Dodds, who has been leading bird photography workshops at this location for decades.

Don't miss out on this unique adventure! These two spots won't last.

Bonaventure Island Red Fox

Another incredible Gannets Galore Workshop has come and gone, and what an experience it was! We'd just wrapped up a fantastic time on our Zodiac on the last morning of the second group, cruising beneath the towering cliffs of Bonaventure Island, mesmerized by the sheer scale of the seabird colony. The air was alive with the calls of thousands & thousands of northern gannets, a truly unforgettable experience.

But just when we thought the highlight reel was complete, a new star emerged! The first-time participant, France, suddenly called out, "Fox! Fox! Fox!!" And there it was – a magnificent red fox, perched gracefully on the uniquely textured and vibrantly coloured rocks on the North Side of the island. It was a stunning moment, a perfect culmination of an already spectacular boat excursion.

Beyond our foxy friend, the waters and cliffs around Bonaventure Island never cease to amaze. We were treated to sightings of playful Gray Seals, sleek Razorbills, charming Black Guillemots, vibrant Harlequin Ducks, and thousands of Common Murres (including their striking bridled form). Of course, the sheer abundance of Northern Gannets and the delicate Black-legged Kittiwakes added to the constant visual feast. It is hard to imagine being immersed in thousands of swirling seabirds!

The red foxes of the Gaspé Peninsula are truly a sight to behold. These adaptable and intelligent creatures thrive in the region's diverse landscapes, from coastal areas to dense forests. While they can be notoriously shy, their rusty red coats, often tipped with white on the tail, make them stand out against the greens and grays of their habitat. Spotting one is always a special moment, a reminder of the wild beauty that exists just beyond the beaten path. Their presence on Bonaventure Island adds another layer of magic to an already captivating ecosystem.

Join Me for the Adventure!

Ready to capture unforgettable wildlife moments? If you're passionate about photography and yearn for an immersive experience in one of Canada's most breathtaking natural settings, consider joining me next year for the Gannets Galore Workshop! It's more than just a workshop; it's an incredible photographic adventure designed to put you in the heart of the action, offering unparalleled opportunities to photograph the magnificent seabirds, marine life, and perhaps even a foxy surprise that calls the Gaspé home.

Red Fox on the cliffs of Bonaventure Island(Vulpes vulpes, Renard roux, Zorro rojo). From my Gannets Galore Workshop, June 7, 2025, at Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher‑Percé. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @800mm ISO 10,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.