Yesterday morning I went straight to the fox den I recently found NW of Duluth. As a fyi, whenever I head out before sunrise I always have a primary target opportunity. Three days ago it was the Black-Eyed Susans in the first morning misted light. Even though I normally leave well before sunrise, I know from experience that during summer and the time of bountiful food, within 90 minutes of actual sunup, many mammals and birds become much less active, and the light becomes harsh. Thus … red fox kits mean no wildflowers and vice versa. Obviously I will always find wildflowers, and often the fox kits will be snoozing near the den, but …..

As noted yesterday morning I was back at the fox den just as the sun peeked over the tree tops. The fox kit did not disappoint. Soon the den will be abandoned as the kits now must go on hunting expeditions and then fend for themselves. Yesterday one of the kits was practicing its hunting skills from atop some hay bales. In the final image the same red fox has returned to the den area. It was time for a morning snooze which started within minutes.

During my early morning meanderings three days ago, I also found these Sandhill Cranes. They had also completed their morning feed, and were now grooming themselves. The cranes were hanging out by a small pond about 300 yards from the fox den.

And finally one close-up from my “barn” owl morning a few days ago. Please remember no photograph is worth trespassing upon private property. I first discovered that the Great Horned Owl loved the barn window perch six weeks ago. Over the intervening time period I met the farm couple, introduced them to the life cycle of nesting owls and gained their friendship. I now have rights to walk their property at any time!

Northern Minnesota “Barn” Owl (close-up … see the barn image)