Kip’s Comments - March 10, 2026 — LadagePhotography.com

Close Encounters of the Nature Type - X2

During my morning walk at Sweet Marsh this morning I had two close encounters with wildlife that I did not expect.

Close Encounter #1 - I was photographing a pair of trumpeter swans that were checking out a muskrat mound, maybe for future nesting.

Trumpeter Swans at Sunrise - Image 1071883

As I sat quietly in the cattails and grass, I heard rustling in the vegetation next to me. I turned to check out the noise and quickly realize I had a mink that was approaching too close for my comfort. (Mink are aggressive mammals that I have watched terrorize and kill muskrats. Mink have a good set of teeth and know how to use them.)

The mink seemed to sense I was something different, but since I was in camo and not moving other than to work my camera, the animal continued to approach. When the mink moved this close to me, I pressed my shutter release continuously in hopes of one good shot. After shooting this picture, I made a noise so the mink backed up. I did not want it to feel cornered with no option but to attack.

The mink was not too quick about moving on, but did run down the dike a short distance.

Mink - Image 1071199 (Not a sharp image… the mink was to close)

Eventually the mink did go out on the ice and directly toward the swans checking out the muskrat mound. The swans did not tolerate the mink being so close and did make sure the mink continued off in a different direction.

Close Encounter #2 - Later, as I was nestled again into brush I had a common goldeneye pair drop in within long-distance camera range. Since I seldom see goldeneyes, I was excited to see them locally.

Common Goldeneye and Ring-necked Ducks - image 1070679

I am hesitant to type this, but as I was watching the goldeneyes, ring-necked ducks, scaup, and buffleheads at close range, I had two trumpeter swans drop in. Normally I am thrilled by swans, and I was today too. But these two swans were very curious of me and swam within a few feet of me as I was shooting pictures of them. They showed no fear and eventually took flight. When the swans flew off, so too did the goldeneyes and the other ducks.

To be clear, I do appreciate swans. I just was not expecting them so close and so loud. I did shoot video and if it turned out I will share it.