Mink

I’ve watched the local lake all year in hopes of getting good mink film. Mink are common there, and though the riprap isn’t exactly a great photo background, you’ll catch a glimpse of these handsome furbearers there on occasion. Like all wildlife, mink aren’t much interested in posing for photos, especially during daylight when they normally sleep. But sometimes, you’ll catch an animal hungry and looking for food. And that’s what happened yesterday.

I had a handheld video camera with me as I cruised along the shoreline. And when I spotted a chocolate spot popping up here and there, I stopped and let the mink come my way. Turning off the motor helped prevent unwanted attention, and even more importantly, stopped vibrations that can shake a video clip. And the mink came right to me.

It searched along the water’s edge, looking for food. And when it found a shad, it grabbed and brought it onto the rocks to eat. I was lucky to run the camera from just 10 feet away. And what I’d failed to find all year was suddenly a great opportunity to film and study.

That’s the way it often is with wildlife. Always be ready with a camera close by, and never give up the search. Sooner or later, you’ll be rewarded with a good shot.

Interestingly, the mink encountered a crappie angler and entered the water to bypass him. The swimming animal actually bumped the crappie cork as it swam by it.