American Mink

Gallery: WildlifePosted August 7, 20161,673 views4 comments

I was under hide at the base of a small dam at rivers edge and shooting shorebirds when this American Mink caught my attention. He slid into the shallow water hunting for fish, or whatever else he could find I suppose, and was no more than about 5 meters from me. Almost as quickly as he arrived he scurried back into the wetlands, but not before I managed a few shots.

D500
500mm f/4
1/2000s @ f/5.6
ISO 1800
Handheld

Comments

4 comments

Comment posted by Richard Sandor on August 7, 2016 at 6:57 PM

Charles: I think if you open the shadows on the the mink and rocks and burn the white water top center, you'll have a real winner. Congrats on the rare shot. Richard

Registered on January 12, 2014, 453 Posts, 1625 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on August 8, 2016 at 10:15 PM

Nice capture of a very rare sighting here Chuck. I agree with Richard that it would be worthwhile to make an attempt to lighten the shadows while still controlling the whites in the water. Nice behavoural shot.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Pete Bengeyfield on August 9, 2016 at 1:50 PM

Wow, lucky you. a great opportunity and you made the most of it. I agree about opening up the shadows a little.

Registered on December 2, 2003, 1247 Posts, 3439 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on August 9, 2016 at 10:10 PM

Yes open shadows and protect highlights to make this even better! These guys are really really shy and quick. I have never managed to get a click of a mink, usually encountering them totally by accident and then only very briefly. Congrats on a good capture.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments