I usually see minks for about one second as they dash from one concealed spot to another. Add to this that they are mostly nocturnal, it means that you have to be lucky to see one at all.
Luck was with me today as I was able to get several photos of this elusive mammal.
Minks feed primarily on small mammals, birds, eggs, frogs, crayfish and fish.
The territory of a male can stretch for several miles along a body of water and they are excellent swimmers.
MYSTERY BIRD
I will identify it at the end of the post.
It was blazing hot this morning and birds have a specialized way to cool off. They open their beaks wide and leave them open.
Other bird photos:
MYSTERY BIRD
Canada Geese
NATURE POETRY
I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine. – William Shakespeare “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,”
Miles Hearn
Yeah, I actually got it. I also got a bit of a laugh. Because they were engaged in preening (I suppose), it wasn’t as obvious!
Those poor hot birds. I don’t generally think of birds getting hot, but I suppose they do!
As for the “elusive mink”–I’ll never forget staying behind a bit longer after a winter group walk and seeing a mink cross an expanse of ice towards a Snowy Owl. I was expecting carnage, but the owl ignored it, even when it scurried behind it on the dock! Too bad I didn’t have something with which to take a picture.
Thanks, Miles!
great pics,beautiful to aee the mink,reminds of the ferrets we had years ago.Never saw so many different birds with open beaks,must have been a hot day,thanks so much,Miles