I’m not sure who was more surprised, me or this little guy. Ha!

Taken last September, I had spotted it as it hopped in and out of the rocks but was not having any luck getting a clear shot. It seemed to be moving overall in one direction though so I hiked ahead, hoping to catch it as it continued on.

Sure enough, I did, but far closer than what I anticipated. As I scanned the rocks, I suddenly saw motion right in front of me and there it was! We were both a bit stunned and it hesitated and seemed curious, allowing me to grab a few captures before it disappeared again.

Back in June I spent some time photographing one of these rarely seen creatures. Last weekend I returned to the same general area where I had heard rumors of an entire family of American minks hanging out.

It appears I was a bit late to the party as the little ones have grown and started to disperse. However, I did get to see two of them (separately) and both gave me some nice shots.

Judging by the size of this one versus the other I saw that day, this one is a juvenile and it was absolutely adorable. Being young, it wasn’t quite as shy as older ones and at different points seemed just as interested in me as I was in it.

I reckon since this was taken a few months ago we could call it one for #ThrowbackThursday.

I spent a half hour photographing this little cutie as it darted in and out of the rocks and water, hunting for breakfast. As this was only the second or third time I had ever photographed a mink, I was pretty darned giddy with the opportunity.

While these little guys are not uncommon or rare, it isn’t often they are seen. Not too long ago, I got word that a family of mink were at this spot which is fantastic to hear that I may get another chance to see them.

Let’s call it Mink Monday. The final capture I took of this beautiful, little creature a few weeks ago.

After having entertained me in a virtually non-stop flurry of action darting in and out of rocks and the water, the mink decided it had enough and headed for home. As it hopped away along the shoreline, it stopped, just briefly, and looked back at me.

I, in turn, thanked it for blessing me with the opportunity to photograph it. I opted for a wider view with this shot, giving a nice environmental shot of it.

Oh my goodness! By far this little guy / gal was the highlight of my photo outings this past weekend.

I initially spotted it Saturday but dim light and the little one’s fast, erratic movements yielded sub-par pictures. Returning on Sunday, the conditions were far better and the mink more cooperative.

For almost a half hour it gave me some decent views as it darted in and out of the rocks and water, looking for breakfast. It was indeed successful, at one point catching a small fish but it opted to immediately scurry out of view to eat.

While they are not a rare creature, they are rarely seen so I am pretty darned pleased to have gotten this opportunity.

Some more pics of this little cutie that I encountered on New Year’s Day. It had done some exploring, swimming under the ice that covered this creek. When it emerged, it gave a nice shake, sending water flying. So much fun to see! I have checked this spot many times since then but have yet to see it again. Someday I hope to have a repeat encounter.

“Tony! Tony! Get over here NOW!” My friend sounded more like my mother as he excitedly called me to where he was standing watching a creek on New Year’s Day.

As I ran over, I saw what the excitement was about and I couldn’t blame him. This little mink was out in the open and posing, occasionally moving around to check out its surroundings.

These little guys are quite common in Colorado however they are also rarely seen. The entire encounter lasted less than five minutes but it was an absolute thrill and the first time I have seen a mink in person. So darned cute and a great way to start the new year.