May 29, 2012
Red-Winged Blackbird in the Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

I found an active Swift Fox den yesterday in the Pawnee National Grassland. I had driven down the same road the day before, but the den was particularly well hidden so I didn't notice it until I saw the fox standing by it yesterday morning. I watched from a distance, and then the fox disappeared into the den. I noted the location then went in search of a possible better den. I was surprised to see this male Red-Winged Blackbird in the middle of nowhere in the arid grassland. He had established a territory around a small wetland that was probably fed by a nearby windmill and water tank for cattle. In this image, he's displaying to attract a mate.

Yesterday evening, we went out to photograph the Swift Fox at the den. She was quite skittish, and we didn't get much more than record shots. Hopefully, as we spend more time with her she'll get comfortable and let us get some good shots.