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Ice Feathers and Mink Slide
This entry was posted in Field Notes, My Photos and tagged ice feathers, mink slide, nature photography, winter. Bookmark the permalink.
Eliza Waters 
I’ve never heard the expression ‘mink slide.’ Is there an actual mink in any of the photos? I do come across alligator slides: places where gators enter and exit from the water. Is a mink slide similar?
Similar to otter slides, as the mink pop in and out of ice holes as they hunt the water beneath, the slides form as they are throw themselves toward the next hole. Sometimes, if the snow is deep enough, their belly drags between hops as well. Mink and otter are mostly nocturnal, so I seldom see them. Mostly, I see their tracks. Rewarding to know our habitat supports them!
What a nice discovery, Eliza. I didn’t know mink were mostly nocturnal as I have seen them during the day a few times. It would be fun to watch them glide in and out of the water.
I’ve lived here for 35 years, but have only seen each species a handful of times. Quite elusive!
Oh look at the beauty in the details of those crystals Eliza. I think a mink is a delightful creator. Does it sliding into the hole make the crystals form differently around the hole itself? ie seeing just the beginning of the crystal forming so it stands out more? 🤗❤️🙏
Thanks, Mark. The ice forms first, the holes are where the water flows faster so doesn’t freeze. Once the hole forms, it is evaporating water vapor that freezes to the edge, creating these feathers.
Ah, very good. No animal involved. And it is a lovely natural wonder then. Thank you for that kind lady, I’m now a little more educated in the wonders of feathery ice, snow and probably frozen fingers on the making of the image 🤗❤️🙏
🙂
I’ve seen regular sized otter slides, but I didn’t know what a mink slide looked like. Now I’m on a hunt… Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Julie. I do not see mink slides as often as I see otter slides at the river. We are fortunate to have both living here.
Excellent images of the ice crystals. You must have had very cold weather! I’ve only seen a mink once, swimming in summer, quite a while ago. Ist athat a paw print by the hole?
Thanks, Tom. Yes, there were paw prints at the edge. They are so small and quick, blink and they are gone!
These are very beautiful pictures.
Thank you, Anne. 🙂
Wonderful crystals!
Thank you, I love hoarfrost! 💙 ❄️
Beautiful images, Eliza.
Thank you, Alys! 🙂
Such a lovely capture, Eliza…
Thank you, J & A!
🌸🌼
The snow and ice crystals are so pretty. The slide was well spotted. Are the prints of mink much different to mice or voles? I always thought they were quite large creatures, but they do have tiny feet!
Thank you, Cathy. Yes, there were foot prints on the edge (maybe if you enlarge the photo you can see them) and you’re right, they are about 2x the size of mice prints. I remember being surprised the first time I saw a mink. Not that big at all!
How in the world do you know that’s a mink slide? Were there tracks leading up to it? I see all kinds of marks in the snow, but never am sure what they are!
There were little foot prints at the edge, plus we regularly see them in the stream. Saw an otter slide at the river yesterday, too. 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous. Another creative expression of mama nature and your artistry in capturing it. Thanks for sharing Eliza. Love it!!!!
Thank you, Dawn!
Think how well insulated that mink must be to even think of sliding into that icy water!
IKR? Mink oil, it works well for them, and our boots! 😉
Love the ice feathers and thanks for the learning moment because I’ve never heard of a mink slide.
Thanks, Judy. We have mink and otter in our stream and river. Saw a otter slide yesterday, which are much larger of course, but didn’t have my camera with me.
Another icy masterpiece by Mother Nature. I don’t understand the Mink slide…looks so small, to me… I looked it up & was interesting reading about Mink & Fisher slides.
Thank you, Alice. I think folks are surprised how small mink are… about the size of a large rat. The little foot prints on the edge were also a clue. Yesterday, I saw a river otter slide (and hop), which is always cheering to see.
Oooh, that’s a stunning shot, Eliza. Beautiful and foreboding, you captured the edge crystals so well.
Thank you, Tina! 🙂
Very cool ice formation.
Nice one…I like the details of the ice. (Suzanne)
Thank you, Suzanne!
These are gorgeous, Eliza. I would never have guessed that was a mink slide, to be honest! But oh, the feathers of ice…
Thank you, Dale. Such fun things I find on my walks. 🙂
Walks are the best!
👍🏼
I’ve never before appreciated just how attractive ice can be. But stay warm, Eliza!
https://krispgarden.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Kris. I love my long down coat and insulated boots, along with wool hat, double mittens and scarf, I’m good!
What a find!! I know these critters are built for this kind of weather, but brrr!!
Thanks, Debbie. Adaptation!
What fabulous finds! Very cool!
Thank you, Donna! 🙂
You found some treasures here 😊
Thank you, Belinda, all within a minute, too. Sometimes I get lucky. 😉
The ice alone is fantastic and the mink slide just makes it even better. What a great find and photo. 😁
Thank you, Pepper!
How completely amazing and beautiful!
Thank you, Cindy! 🙂
Such a great find. The ice feathers are lovely.
Thank you, Rebecca. Walks are never boring! 🙂
Wonderful! You truly do live in your very own paradise.
Thank you, Maria. It feels that way to me. 🙂
Those ice feathers are ab solutely fantabulous! Gorgeous images, Eliza.
Thank you, Monika!
Ice feathers are amazing. Do you see mink often?
Thanks, Karina. Mink are a rare sighting along our stream, they are quite shy. I’ve seen them only a few times and they slip away quickly. Sadly, I’ve seen a few road-killed ones near streams where they were hit while crossing the road. They are about 8″ long, so not very big.
What a nice find! Our waters seldom freeze over long enough for wildlife to use these kinds of techniques although it was always fun to see otter tracks on the ice when I lived in Norfolk.
Europe has its own native mink, although it is not found in the UK and is extremely threatened on the continent, sadly.
Legislation here in the late 90s banning underwater snare traps has enabled furred animals to recover. Wearing real fur has become unfashionable as well. A lovely thing.
What a wonderful sight to see your ice feathers and mink slide!! My cancer turned into an aggressive form of cancer requiring aggressive treatment that has left me in the hospital most of the month. Hopefully I’m finally on my way back from all the side effects. I’ve hardly seen the outdoors and it felt wonderful to look at these photos.🙂
Oh, dear, sounds awful, S. 😣 I noted your absence and hoped you weren’t being challenged, but glad to hear you are improving. Darn bumps in the road! You have a willing spirit, stay strong! 💪🏼 💕
WOW … that’s awesome!
Thank you, Denise! 🙂