Wildlife

One of the really great things about plein air painting is the wildlife. There are things you might never never see when you are out hiking. I suspect most of the animals go into hiding as you trample by. But I've run into a skunk, several flocks of wild turkeys and even a faun while painting, not to mention many interesting birds. Since you're standing quietly in one place for an hour or two the wildlife starts to ignore you and comes out of hiding.

The other morning I was painting in a shadowed and secluded irrigation ditch, down inside a canopy of trees, alongside the partially frozen water. All around were dry sunny open fields where the snow was long gone. But down in the ditch it was still winter with patches of snow and ice shadowed by large overhanging trees. I was there for a while and was surprised by a small furry animal that at first stopped to look at me and then went on about it's usual business unalarmed, foraging in the dead leaves, running up and down the banks, swimming under the thin ice. It then began what looked like nest-making, taking many trips to bring material and dead leaves into its burrow under a large cottonwood near the water.  When I packed up and left it peered out at me rather unconcerned. It was a real treat to watch. I wasn't sure what it was - I had to look it up to make sure - it was a mink.  First wild one I've seen in my life. The picture didn't come out that great - I was too busy watching the mink.  But I'll put it here so you can see what the place looked like. Tucked Away, 8x10.