Barrie teacher and photography buff Greg Taylor has been bringing his "good strong telephoto lens" to the same spot at the South Shore for several years to capture the magic of the fox family.
The mother fox and her seven pups have been putting on a delightful show of nature in real time for anyone who wants to watch.
"Last year dad was unfortunately struck and killed by a car," said Taylor, chatting in whispered tones while keeping his eyes trained on the fox den several metres in front of him. "We didn't know if mom would be able to come back this year but she has. There's obviously a new dad involved and now there's seven little ones."
Taylor says the location at Barrie's waterfront is well-known to local photographers and some regulars from out of town.
He says this is mom's seventh litter and trying to snag the perfect photograph of the adorable family is an exercise in patience because "you can never control nature."
Nearly a dozen photographers have been camping out on the grass this week.
The shutterbugs, each armed with a massive long lens, are keeping a respectful distance as they await the thrilling moments when mom and pups emerge.
Toronto conservationist and photographer Simon Jackson happened across the foxes a couple of years ago and has been coming back to Barrie for the annual treat.
"I love foxes and I love nature and this is an incredible opportunity to learn about fox behaviour and spend time at a respectful distance with people who respect the foxes and appreciate something you don't get to see everyday," he said quietly as a little fox head popped up from the den.
The fox family doesn't seem bothered by all the attention.
The adorable pups tussle and tumble, striking one pose cuter than the other and appearing oblivious to the cameras that begin clicking furiously whenever the animals appear.
Jackson says he loves Barrie and thinks it's a great symbol of "wild cities."
"I've kept the location largely to myself because I don't want to attract the masses but I think what I really respect about what the community of Barrie has done is they've taken it upon themselves to protect these foxes," said Jackson. "They're kind of policing it. They make sure people stay a respectful distance and appreciate the show but don't crowd their spaces."
