Kip’s Comments - March 22, 2026

Super-sized Mink and More

During several recent hikes at Sweet Marsh I have had close encounters with a mink. I believe the mink is just curious when it approaches me. Aggressiveness does not seem to an issue. Yet, I do not want the mink to get too close and then realize I am a human. It may just turn defensive at no fault of its own if it feels threatened.

When I headed out for my walk this morning I mentioned to Kristy that I might see the mink again. Little did I know that I was about to see a super-sized mink.

In the area where the mink has been seen today there was no mink but there was a huge river otter (my super-sized mink). The river otter was not out sightseeing. Breakfast was on its mind, specifically a large bullhead. The bullhead did join the river otter for breakfast, but did not seem to enjoy the meeting. (In the wide view of the otter, notice how big it was.)

River Otter - Image 1076526

River Otter - Image 1076526

River Otter - Image 1076539

River Otter - Image 1076539

Overnight the temperature dropped dramatically. While hiking I found a leopard frog immobile on the road. My best guess is the frog cooled off below active level and was absorbing what heat the road may have had yet. Based on where the frog was located, it was just a matter of time before a vehicle would have turned the frog into a grease spot on the pavement. I moved it to safety, but did photograph it before releasing it.

Leopard Frog in Hand - Image 1076481

Leopard Frog in Hand - Image 1076481

Other observations with photos included trumpeter swans. Much more was moving around, I just did not photograph them.

Trumpeter Swans - image 1076698

Trumpeter Swans - image 1076698

Lone Trumpeter Swan - Image 1076488

Lone Trumpeter Swan - Image 1076488

This afternoon I checked out the American white pelicans at George Wyth. Due to the flat lighting, I was not going to share any photos. Then I thought the pelicans should not be outcast due to lighting. So, here goes… along with a red squirrel that thought it was hiding from me. Notice its ear tufts.

American White Pelican - Image 1076743

American White Pelican - Image 1076743

American White Pelican - Image 1076881

American White Pelican - Image 1076881

American White Pelican - Image 1076883

American White Pelican - Image 1076883

American White Pelican - Image 1076886

American White Pelican - Image 1076886

American White Pelican - Image 1076924

American White Pelican - Image 1076924

Red Squirrel - Image 1076944

Red Squirrel - Image 1076944

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Kip’s Comments - March 23, 2026

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Kip’s Comments - March 21, 2026