Evidence that nature abhors a vacuum

A Harris's Sparrow, rare in these parts, is a regular visitor to our feeder this winter

There is a postscript to the posting awhile back regarding grey foxes appearing for the first time in Nolalu. It now seems that something has happened to the usual population of red foxes. I haven't seen a single one all winter, not even along the roads. Red foxes are just about the most commonly seen animal on our rural roads, especially at night. Where are they?
It is still early to say for sure but a neighbour reports finding two dead red foxes last year. What could be killing them? One suggestion is distemper.
At any rate that might explain how grey foxes are gaining a foothold. It is only about 30 miles from here to Minnesota where grey foxes are fairly common. The greys may be filling the niche left open by the reds.
In other wildlife news, the Harris's Sparrow above seems to have made the decision to spend the winter at our bird feeder. He showed up with the first snows in November. He is about half a continent away from his usual territory of Alberta - to - Texas.