16 January 2024 - Hollingworth Lake

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4 Coot, Pair Tufted Duck, Mink

Today was cold and snowy, with parts of the water frozen, and a heavy overcast sky.  As I walked along Rakewood Road I noticed 4 Coot swimming towards me; these are the first this year and the biggest count for some time!  

The Canada Geese all had a little covering of snow, and when I reached the gap in the trees where you can view the reserve, I noticed a mammal bounding across the ice under the bushes.  I watched it for a while but it was always very elusive, but I eventually came to the conclusion that it was a Mink.  It went in the water a couple of times and resurfaced at the base of the bushes, but after a few minutes I couldn't relocate it and had to move on with what can only be described as a poor record shot.  A pair of Tufted Duck close to the reserve were the first of the year so far.

Coot, 1/640 sec, f/5.6, 300 mm, ISO 2000 (view full size image)

Canada Goose, 1/500 sec, f/6.3, 400 mm, ISO 8000 (view full size image)

Mink, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 10000 (view full size image)