Caught In The Act by Brian Pelkey
After catching twenty or so perch one morning ice fishing, I decided to leave them outside in a bucket and have breakfast and warm up before filleting them for supper. As I was eating breakfast, I noticed some movement under one of the trees outside our home. A mink emerged and made its way straight for the bucket of perch. It would climb into the bucket, grab a perch, and then make its way back into the woods. Within ten minutes, the mink would be back to get another perch. I grabbed my camera and positioned myself downwind of the perch. I took several photos of the mink that day, but this is my favorite. The mink spotted me, but continued stealing my perch!!! He may look cute, but actually mink are quite vicious.
As of 5/16/11 – 328 Views. Thank you!
This photo was taken within the Adirondack State Park in Upstate, NY.
Published on page 1 of New York Outdoor News Magazine on 1/14/11.
See more of my Adirondack landscape and wildlife photos at http://bestrainbowtroutphotos.com. It is my desire to showcase the beauty found in the Adirondacks and advocate the preservation of wildlife. Thank you for looking. Have a great day!!!
Just click on the image below to visit my website. Enjoy the photos and thank you for your comments.
Congratulations on placing in the top ten of the Herpestidae and Mustelidae except for otters and meerkats challenge.
Challenge ended 2nd March 2011.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOUR ART HAS BEEN FEATURED IN ADIRONDACK ARTWORK group for the week of 03/01/2011, theme is CRITTERS!
CHALLENGE WINNER – “WILD NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY & WRITING” GROUP – MIDSIZE MAMMALS AND SMALLER – 8/25/10
TOP TEN FINISHER IN “WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT CHALLENGE” IN MOOD AND AMBIENCE GROUP…not sure how I was suppose to ever know? Thank you to all the individuals that voted for it..a very belated thank you at that.
Comments
stunningly captured!! brilliant clarity and detail – your work is outstanding!
:))
Thank you…means much coming from such an accomplished photographer…love your photos.
– Brian Pelkey
My pet Yorkshire Terrier (Nikki) likes to chase just about anything with fur and legs. I was always thankful that the mink in our area would always avoid her. One day though, Nikki caught a mink by surprise and when the mink fled, a poor decision led to a spot where it was cornered with nowhere to go. The mink had no choice but to turn and fight. I had neither the speed or time to intervene, and Nikki had her “convenient hearing” turned off. I was yelling hysterically for Nikki to stop. The fight only lasted seconds….the mink was dead and Nikki didn’t even have a scratch on her. Don’t ask me how..it was fast..faster than my eye could discern. The C.O.D. – broken neck. I now have new respect for my cute, little, lap dog. LOL
lovely shot, did you have any perch left?
Thank you….No, I let that mink steal every single perch. Figured it was cold outside and food was scarce AND I was the one with the ice auger and fishing pole. LOL
– Brian Pelkey
Neat shot, you can see how happy he is with this prize. You should catch one everyday for him!
Actually, I do try to throw some out on the ice to attract bald eagles, but they disappear quickly in the eve..mink, fox, coyote, and fisher.
– Brian Pelkey
Excellent shot ! Brian, seems you live near wild nature, your images are rare snapshots.
Gouzelka, the population where I live right now is 8. I live on a lake in the Adirondacks. Most people just have summer homes here, but I made a decision to stay year round so that I can be close to my elderly Dad (88) who lives about an hours drive from me in Saranac Lake/Lake Placid area. I see plenty of wildlife but not in nightclubs LOL.
– Brian Pelkey
mink, how gorgeous!!! i thought it was an otter at first but looks more like a ferret! yes, ferrets can be vicious (& i know cause we had pet ones). :) great shot!
Vamp Squared, I find that the fur/coat of a mink is so thick and dark that photographing it with a snowy background is very difficult. I certainly see why the fur is so prized. Thank you for the compliments…Brian :)
– Brian Pelkey
SO adorable!!!
You are so kind, letting him steal your entire catch… it sounds like something I would have done. Bless your heart!
After filleting the perch, I always put the remains in a certain location. It doesn’t take long for them to disappear!!! Now, I know why. LOL Thank you. Brian
– Brian Pelkey
Fantastic image and story as well!
I voted for you and Gouzel as the most improved RB artists for the year!!!! :))))
Brian
– Brian Pelkey
great catch for you both:)
Thank you so much, Martina.
Brian
– Brian Pelkey