Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: interestingness#476

I almost felt sorry for this little Black-tailed Prairie Dog - he just seemed to be staring out over the great expanse of sunlit snow, as if wondering what the dickens he was doing out of hibernation THIS early : )

I was so thrilled to see this Mink in a local park yesterday. I had seen about three before, but not much more than a brief, distant speck in the far distance in other parts of the park. So, this is the first photo I have taken of one. Unfortunately, yet again it was crummy weather, no light and very light rain. Almost every photo came out badly, but I managed to "rescue" this one. Thanks so much for the help, Kathy! This is the way to see a Mink - not skinned and used as part of a woman's fur coat! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_mink "Mink are ferocious predators that are about the size of a housecat and chocolate-brown in color. Their long, thin bodies, short legs, small eyes and ears, and sleek fur make them just the right size to fit in many holes, crevices and burrows to pursue prey. They may eat ground squirrels, rats, snakes and even birds. Mink are also semi-aquatic and their webbed feet allow them to capture frogs, clams and even fish .... They are generally shy creatures but can be very bold if their curiosity is piqued. Those who are fortunate to observe a mink’s behavior should use caution. The animals have scent glands under the skin and when they get excited or stressed, musk is released. The obnoxious odor can be just as repulsive as a skunk’s." A different website, for Alberta, states that Mink eat ducks, fish, Muskrat and other small birds and rodents. www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlifemgmt/species/mink.htm

Not the greatest photo, but I don't usually get the chance to see Bohemian Waxwings close to. This image was taken on 30th January 2008, when I went with a group of friends to Lake Louise. It was bitterly cold and three very puffed-up Waxwings were in a bush next to the building where we had lunch. My other photos turned out better than this one, but I decided I would add this one after all.

I think these must be small Poppies, seen growing at the Reader Rock Garden. They looked so pretty with the sun shining on them.