Surprise Pop Up
Just as I was leaving this evening I saw a little mink pop out from among the rocks along the edge of the marsh. As soon as the mink spotted me he surprised me by running right toward me, it was almost like my cat bouncing into the room!
He quickly put on the breaks however, stopped, took another look at me, and headed back toward the rocks along the edge of the water.
I didn’t see the little guy again, and since it was getting dark I figured he was snuggling down into a cozy spot for the night.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Aw! He sure is cute. Was worried the coyotes are getting them. 😦
LikeLike
He really is a cute little guy! Unfortunately there is vehicle traffic along that area so right now we are more worried about him getting nailed by a car then being grabbed by a coyote. These minks run around like squirrels and seem to pay little attention to cars.
We found one dead in that area two years ago. It had been hit.
LikeLike
What a shame! He is really cute.
LikeLike
It is a shame, they mostly live out by the jetty where they won’t get hit, but a couple have moved further in from the beach.
LikeLike
I love surprises like this. Most of my mustelid sightings have been surprises as well. Excellent series of images. In the second shot, it looks like a tiny bear lumbering down the road.
LikeLike
The funny thing was that we heard a GBH making a huge racket about something and then heard what sounded like a cat fight. When I went to investigate I saw the mink in the scrub but then it disappeared. After about 10 mins. it just popped up on that walkway and looked at us.
LikeLike
What a great experience. Love that face~! Are minks common in your area??
LikeLike
They do have a super cute face! Minks are not extremely common, we used to see them more often but rarely in the past few years. I know some ot hit by cars, they are better off way down the beach scampering along the rock jetty. No cars there.
LikeLike
Wow! What a great catch! I’m sure you’re there so often that all living creatures know that you mean no harm. Thank you!
LikeLike
It was fun to see this little cutie, and at first he seemed quite fearless. But we want him to be wary of humans, and especially cars.
LikeLike
Ma che bello, è proprio carino.
Belle foto Phil.
Ciao, Pat
LikeLike
Grazie Pat!
LikeLike
That “Oops!” look in no. 4 is just great!
LikeLike
Yes it was funny how he quickly applied the brakes after thinking better of jumping into my arms. 🙂
I got a couple butt shots of him when he turned around. I should have posted one, his little paws look so cute.
LikeLike
These little guys are super cute. What a fun series! 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Oh they are cute indeed! I’m just hoping he stays alert out there, it’s going to be a busy weekend and I would like him to stay out of trouble.
LikeLike
These are superb images Phil! Very cute Indeed!
LikeLike
Thanks much Adrian and yes, quite the little cutie! It’s fun to see these guys scamper around.
LikeLike
I like your mink in the marsh. That second last photo is superb.
LikeLike
Thank much, I really like these little guys and hope one of them doesn’t get hit by nearby traffic.
LikeLike
What a beautiful little animal!
LikeLike
Yes they really are quite cute little guys!
LikeLike
They’re sadly pests over here, released from captivity and causing devastation to local wildlife. It’s ever so good to see one in it’s natural habitat and looking so perky 🙂 Lovely to get so close!
LikeLike
Most of the ones in this area live along the beach out by the jetty and have been known to raid a fisherman’s bait bucket but so far we don’t have enough to cause any major issues.
They are cute and fun to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I love the latest “pop up” one too 🙂 They’re quite bold then? It’s strange to think of them living by the sea!
LikeLike
They do seem more bold then I would expect. They usually don’t immediately dart away to hide when they see me (although they probably should). I have tried making a squeaking sound such as you would to a cat and had them turn toward me to look curiously. They are funny.
Yes several live right along the ocean in among the dunes and rocks of the jetty. It’s a good size hike to walk out there so I don’t do it often. It’s a long walk back if I got no pictures, plus I have to lug my gear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But what a treat when you do get to see and interact with them! I’ve known ferrets to really respond to squeaky sounds or chattering noises. I always thought they were quite cat like in behaviour 🙂
LikeLike
That does sound similar. There is an otter that recently showed up in the area that I’m hoping to see. I’ll try chattering at him and maybe get a reaction. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh otters are just amazing creatures but very, very shy! Do you use a hide or camouflaged clothing etc?
LikeLike
I’m going to be trying to photograph the otters on the River Wey in the new year 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful captures Phil. He’s such a cute little fellow. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Sylvia, I love seeing these cute little guys scamper around.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! What a cutie. You got some great shots of him in that short of time.
LikeLike
Yes he sure is cute, and they act more like my house cat then a wild creature. 🙂
LikeLike
Hes so cute!!!! What great shots you have taken….beautiful
LikeLike
Thank you Linda, I had fun watching this cute little guy!
LikeLike
Phil, you get the best photo ops! Love the GBH in the post right after this one, and your Juvenile Inid, too, and your mink? Wow. To be honest, it I encountered a mink, I would have no idea what creature it was. Beautiful photos.
LikeLike
Thanks a bunch, I’m really happy you enjoy the photos! I think at first many people go with baby otter when they see a mink which kind of makes sense considering your first thought when seeing a small animal like this probably isn’t ‘mink’. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s lovely its nice seeing them running around.
LikeLike