Weasels are among the most interesting and challenging subjects I’ve ever photographed. This one, from yesterday morning, fit the bill on both counts.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited or set up
There were two weasels in the pile of rocks and debris but I only got glimpses of one of them. Conditions were about as challenging as they come with harsh sidelight and high contrast among the deep shadows and white rocks and following this little mustelid as it hunted for prey in the crannies and crevices was about like trying to track greased lightning. But dang it was fun!
1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited or set up
In 15 minutes I never did see the weasel catch prey but it wasn’t for lack of trying. The setting was often cluttered but I liked this nonchalant leaning pose as the weasel scanned for voles and predators.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited or set up or called in
Once, when this juvenile Red-tailed Hawk cruised by, it was fascinating to watch the dramatic change in demeanor of the weasel from fierce and confident predator to vulnerable and cautious potential prey. In an instant the tables had been temporarily turned and it was obvious that the weasel knew it.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited or set up
The long body and tail (the species is well-named) make it very difficult to avoid clipping the tail and at the same time get the rest of the body in the frame and sharp with a long lens. Its maneuvers through the rocks and crevices meant that its face and body were often partially covered with spider webs and other debris. Here you see some of it below its left ear.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited or set up
Even though I’m always on the lookout for them, in the eight years I’ve been photographing birds I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve had reasonably good opportunities with weasels so this encounter was a welcome one. And following this little speedster with my lens as it ran over and through the rocks was a great test of (and practice for) my skills. I had a blast!
Ron
If you’re interested here’s three other weasel posts I’ve done in the past:
- Long-tailed Weasel – Efficient Hunter And Cannibal
- A Cannibalistic Long-tailed Weasel
- A Badger And Weasel Confrontation On Antelope Island
Ron
I really love these guys. I was once sitting on a rock under a bush in the Rocky Mountains to do some meditation. I was annoyed to see the grass rustling because I thought one of the kids had tracked me! No. It was one of these guys only in the white suit they wear in winter. It was October so we were close to the snow season there. Very intriguing little beasts!
Awesome photographs Ron.
What a beautiful animal! I really like all these shots, and am interested to know that the weasel was so aware of his status change. This afternoon we were watching a Willet & a couple of Sanderlings on the beach and noticed that they ignored most of the people who walked close to them. The only ones that made them scatter were a couple who were striding purposefully along the beach. Even a little girl who was jumping up and down as she and her mom walked down the beach didn’t bother them. It was the first time we’ve ever been able to observe a situation like this, so learning about this weasel was very timely for us.
What fantastic shots Ron, thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
When you said you had a blast, Ron,—–it shows! It came through your images, at least to me, and it was infectious!!! I had a blast looking at them! Really great photos, Ron, Thank you.
I’m glad the fun I had came across, Steve. I looked for them again this morning but came up empty. Had fun with the red-tail though – photos to follow in the next few days.
Such a charming and deceptive killer. They do look totally innocent. I am endlessly fascinated by the way that some of the skilled assassins travel incognito and others never, ever hide their power. Or intent.
The predator/prey concept? I still smile when I remember a calendar thought for the day which said that some days you are the hydrant, other days the dog – which is a variation on that theme.
“Deceptive” describes them well, Elephant’s Child. They look so cute and harmless at one moment and the next they’re streaking after prey. They’re so very, very fast! A couple of times this one showed its teeth and they’re so impressive for their size, kind of like some bats…
Well, with that title I thought sure your blog had deteriorated and was going to discuss politicians.
Happily, I discovered superb images of a critter I have yet to spot in Florida. The species is fairly well spread throughout the state so I’ll keep looking. It’s amazing how everything in Nature exhibits widely varying behavior depending on whether we think we are predator or prey.
Wally, there’s some politicians that come to mind that I’d certainly like to tag with some derogatory lines but if I did it to the ones I’m thinking of it would be a disservice to weasels!
Ron,
Do you have any thoughts on the eyesight of weasels? Several websites describe them as having keen eyesight. I come across several of them every year, and my experience suggests they have very bad eyesight. Many times I have stood on a trail while one comes bounding along, stopping frequently to stand up and look at it’s surroundings. Even though I am standing in the open, they will often come to within 15 feet of me before seemingly notice me and dart off into the bush. Just wondering what your experiences have been.
John, I have the impression that they can see just fine. I sometimes see them in an erect pose, seeming to be looking at something not close to them. And this one certainly saw the hawk coming at a pretty good distance. I think part of what you’ve experienced might be their fearlessness in many situations. While leading a field trip to a fish hatchery years ago a weasel with a vole in its mouth ran right through our group of 35+ kids and literally over the top of both of my feet. Got my attention!
Love these shots!! One of my many favorite predators, probably because they are so hard to find or see in the open. However, there are bits of its behavior I’m not excited about. I see mink more often than the weasel. I can count on one hand the times I’ve caught a glimpse of a weasel so seeing your shots really make me say WOW, really? man is Ron one lucky guy to have this chance to photograph them.
Ever wonder how primitive man must have felt walking alone with only a spear or a bow and arrow amongst Grizzlies, or Mountain Lion or for that matter rattlesnakes or a herd of Buffalo. Much like that weasel!
Lucky you, Dick. I’ve only seen mink a couple of times and I’m pretty sure they were escapees from some local mink farms.
Your title sounds like the beginning of a country or folk song – think Creedence Clearwater: “Long tailed weasel in a rock pile, peered at me for a long while…” and then what happened?
Thanks for the earworm, Deborah. Now I’ll have Bad Moon Rising going through my head all day!
They look so beautiful in your photos. Great shots as always. Love seeing them in their natural habitat.
Thanks, Ellen.
When we had chickens, I didn’t find weasels cute in any way, but, now that we don’t, I do. That long, sinuous body, allowing it to slip through the smallest, tightest places, the long tail that when twitching distracts but also serves to balance, those big, disk ears that catch the slightest sound, and those big, bright eyes are all parts of a very efficient hunting machine….and cute…unless you’re a vole, mouse, or some other prey!
They also raised havoc with our chickens when I was a kid, Patty.
Would that we could all feel like the weasel in your first posted shot! For all of the misery that weasels bring to our neighboring chickens, I feel a great affection for these beautiful savage creatures, and you’ve captured its portrait from both sides of the food chain admirably. Thanks!
Thanks very much, Alison.