I went to Miner’s Cove hoping to photograph a mink. Instead, a muskrat at Sequoyah Refuge gave me the close look I had been waiting for.
That kind of surprise keeps me looking, even when the first plan falls apart.
Muskrat at Sequoyah Refuge in Wetland Water
I first photographed a muskrat on March 28, 2023, during an earlier visit to this same area. That first encounter became my post, First-time Photographing A Muskrat. A few days later, I was back at Miner’s Cove when this second muskrat opportunity came together.
A pair of muskrats showed up nearby after a mink slipped away. One moved close enough for a good photo, and I took the chance.
The muskrat’s wet fur, low profile, and steady movement through the water fit the scene well. Muskrats are built for wetland life. Their waterproof fur helps them stay in the water, and their webbed hind feet and strong tails help them swim.
They also dig burrows along the banks of rivers, lakes, and marshes. That makes a place like Miner’s Cove good habitat for them.
A Mink Missed, Then a Muskrat Moved In
The morning started with a mink on a log. It was far enough away that I was using my Canon RF 800mm F11 lens.
Then another mink appeared just a few feet in front of my pickup. It looked right at me, but it was too close for that lens to focus.
I reached for my Canon EOS R5 with the Canon RF 100-500mm lens. Before I could switch cameras, the mink turned and left.
That was disappointing, but wildlife photography works that way. You miss one chance, then another one swims into view.
This muskrat became the better story of the morning.
Photographing the Muskrat from My Pickup
I stayed in my pickup while I photographed the muskrat. That gave me a steady vantage point and helped me avoid making extra movement near the water.
The closer setup worked better for this encounter. The Canon EOS R5 and RF 100-500mm lens gave me enough reach without being too tight for the muskrat.
Camera settings:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
- Date and Time: May 22, 2023, 8:00 A.M.
- Aperture: f/8
- Shutter Speed: 1/800
- ISO: 3200, Auto
- Exposure Compensation: +0.3
- Focal Length: 500mm
This encounter reminded me to stay ready after a missed shot. The mink got away, but the muskrat gave me a close wetland portrait I was glad to bring home.
Fascinating