Fox cubs born on bird reserve greet the world (and there's no shortage of feathery food) Poking their fluffy heads out of their den, these cubs are taking the first steps towards their explorer badge. Unbeknown to them, they're also in line for an entertainment award - as they and their mother keep visitors to a nature reserve near Middlesbrough amused with their antics. One day, they will become cunning predators, but for now the young foxes are content to live in harmony with other creatures at the Saltholme Wildlife Reserve and Discovery Park. Hello world: These young foxes are content to live in harmony with other creatures - including many birds - at the Saltholme Wildlife Reserve and Discovery Park near Middlesbrough, Teesside I've got this cute thing licked: The cubs and their mother have been amusing visitors to the reserve with their antics Bird for dinner, anyone? A bird hide, where visitors usually peer through their telescopes to view the arriving and departing bird life, is only a short distance from the fox burrow The reserve, run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, is home to winged species such as water rails, common terns, lapwings and yellow wagtails. A bird hide, where visitors usually peer through their telescopes to view the arriving and departing bird life, is only a short distance from the fox burrow. Indeed, the RSPB officials at the 1,200 acre reserve on Teesside have few concerns about the new arrivals. Site manager David Braithwaite said: "As a nature reserve, foxes have as much a place at Saltholme as birds. The RSPB works to protect all nature. At Saltholme, we are trying to get as close to a natural balance as possible, and provide a home for all wildlife - that means predators as well as prey have their place here. We have birds of prey like kestrels, peregrines, marsh harriers and barn owls on site too, which goes to show what incredibly rich and diverse wildlife we have here. Snuggle time: Site manager David Braithwaite said: 'As a nature reserve, foxes have as much a place at Saltholme as birds' Peek-a-boo! Foxes are real opportunists when it comes to finding their next meal And Liz Morgan, marketing officer at the reserve, said: "We manage the reserve for all wildlife. Foxes do take birds and eggs but it is all part of the wildlife habitat we have created. Toby Collett, assistant warden at Saltholme, added: "It is fantastic that you can get so close to these amazing creatures but it is important to remember that they are wild animals. Foxes are omnivorous, so will eat a wide range of things. They are real opportunists when it comes to finding their next meal. "Whilst it might be tempting to entice them closer with the crusts from your sandwiches or a tasty biscuit or two, please try to resist," he advised. He added: "We don't want them getting too comfortable around people, as this could create unwanted interactions with members of the public, as well as having a negative impact on their natural behaviours. Star attractions: Special 'fox watching' sessions are being planned for visitors Having good numbers of top predators like foxes shows what an incredibly rich habitat exists at Saltholme. But we don't want to alter the natural balance by providing them with unnatural food sources. Special "fox watching" sessions are being planned for visitors. The pictures of the foxes were taken by regulars to the site, passport officer David Gibbon, 43, and his wife Louise, 35, who are keen amateur wildlife photographers. They spent nearly three weeks staking out the fox holes in shifts after discovering that one of the vixens on the reserve was pregnant. When the cubs actually came outside I was nearly shaking with excitement. It didn't help that there was a gale force wind blowing as well," said Mr Gibbon. The fox cubs were peeking out and looking for their mother. Their behaviour was amazing. We were close to them, about 20 feet away, but they seemed so relaxed playing with their mother and among themselves. When the mother was not in the vicinity they went straight back into their hole. The pictures of the foxes were taken by regulars to the site (above), passport officer David Gibbon, 43, and his wife Louise, 35, who are keen amateur wildlife photographers