Mink Activity Slowing

As the days get longer and warmer, the mink have been less frequently seen along my favorite small stream.  The photos in this post may be the last mink images for some time.  We will soon be heading west in search of other subjects as we do each year.

The first image was taken just as the mink poked its head out of a root ball submerged in the water.  Note the beaver tooth marks on the tree trunk...

Mink tend to explore any hole they encounter, hoping to find food inside...

This one kept looking under a log that was in the creek.  It would enter the water on one side and emerge on the other...

Finding mink is largely a matter of luck.  Seeing them and photographing them regularly, is a test of patience.  Sometimes one will show up in 20 minutes.  Other times it may take hours, or they may not show up at all.

The mink in the next photos was in a small stream barely five yards wide when I spotted it...

It found a suitable spot and began scent marking by rubbing its face on a log...

After all that rolling it went under the log looking for a snack...

I appreciate every minute that I am able to spend watching wildlife.  Not only are the animals interesting and entertaining, but they live in beautiful places where the air smells fresh and the free flowing water provides wonderful background music.

Thanks for visiting, be well and come back soon.