Trumpeter Swan

Description:

#1 Adult Trumpeter Swans relaxing on the river bank with an American Mink in the background. #2 An adult Trumpeter Swan looking away as an American Mink runs along the river bank behind it and later (#3, #4, #5 and #6) the same Mink heading down the bank oblivious of my presence until its directly in front of me at which point he changes course and lopes back towards the Swans

Habitat:

Where the river feeds into the lake keeping an area of water ice-free.

Notes:

I wondered how the Trumpeter Swans felt about carnivores like this Mink however, after seeing them on this and one other occasion I've come to the belief that they cohabit in close proximity just fine. I've seen Mink eating on the bodies of dead Swans as well as other dead waterfowl and fish but have never seen them attack or threaten a living bird other than very small ducklings and goslings so I think Mink are opportunistic diners eating whats easily caught or readily available. Mink are basically the street sweepers or garbage collectors of the river eating what has died before it goes bad and can pose a greater threat to the living (disease). I think they're also perhaps less a threat to the Swans than a full-grown, hungry Eagle that could perhaps pose a greater danger to them or their young. We all eat; we all eventually die. Its the circle of life that keeps numbers in check and life in balance. Mink do us a service as do the Eagles and Turkey Vultures of the world.