The Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) is a species in steep decline across its U.S. range. Being a bird of shallow wetlands, including beaver ponds, it may be that historic hunting of beavers and the resulting loss of their ponded habitats, is one reason for their decline.

At Huntley Meadows the natural beaver ponds and (now) man-made hemi marsh are providing wintering habitat. This Rusty Blackbird was photographed wading in the shallow water catching minnows.

Location: Huntley Meadows Park, Fairfax County, VA