And I was definitely fooled by that disguise.
- I told part of this story and posted other photos of this weasel two years ago but these two images are new to my blog. Recurring issues with my back have mostly kept me out of the field lately which partially explains why I’ve recently been posting more older images than usual.
I photographed this Long-tailed Weasel two years ago along the causeway to Antelope Island. Typical of weasels it was incredibly furtive and I had a very difficult time getting clear shots as it explored crevices between boulders for potential prey. Here it paused for a second to plan its next move and I got mostly a head shot with much of its body hidden by vegetation.
I was close so when it finally did give me a good look at its entire body I had great difficulty keeping all of it in frame, especially given that very long tail and how jerky and quick its movements were. This image is full frame (uncropped). And wouldn’t you know it, when I did get a clear shot there was a piece of debris in front of its eye. I’ll try to look at the bright side – at least it didn’t (quite) block the catch light.
Utah has 2 of the 3 weasel species found in North America – the Long-tailed Weasel and the Short-tailed Weasel, both of which have a black-tipped tail. But this one didn’t have a black-tipped tail (like every other weasel I’ve ever seen) so I was very excited because I thought I’d found a Least Weasel, the 3rd weasel species in North America (Least Weasels don’t have black-tipped tails). A Least Weasel in Utah would be extremely rare (unheard of in fact) because it would be far out of its normal range.
However, my head was brought back down out of the clouds when a mammal specialist from the Smithsonian (and at least one other knowledgeable source) said that this is a Long-tailed Weasel missing the normal black tip of its tail. Both its tail and its skull are too long for it to be a Least Weasel and the color of its ventral surface also indicates Long-tailed. The missing black tip of the tail could have been caused by accidental loss or by genetic variation.
Still, photographing a weasel of any species is a special event for me so I was delighted to get the shots.
Ron
I am weaslling in very late to the party this morning. The air is virulent blue on the subject of computers. And intermittent faults which became mittent and then disappeared (no doubt temporarily) again.
Thank you for showing me yet another critter we don’t have and I will probably never see.
Sigh on the back issues. I do hope there is some improvement. I imagine you are starting to go a little stir crazy.
Wow, I can almost taste your frustration and anger, EC. I don’t blame you one bit. And I loved the way you said this: “And intermittent faults which became mitten”.
Yup, I am…
Great shots of this weasel. I like the innocent face and shiny nose. We saw a white weasel in our yard last year. What a pretty animal.
Hope you feel better. I know there are few miracles but maybe just one for you.
Thank you, Ron
Thank you for the kind words, Alice.
Beautiful creature, and one I’ll probably never get to see in person. I can always hope, though. I’m fine with seeing older photos, but I hope your back gets better soon – we NEED our time out in nature.
I agree, Susan. I think we all do. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing these weasel pics. I hope you soon recover from your back problems.
I had a fun time last summer photographing 4 weasel kits who were running around exploring in the woods without fear and without their mother! It was at dusk and the light was poor but I’ll always treasure the experience. The twilight and the frisky curious critters were enchanting.
I’d remember an experience like that for a very long time, Joanne!
Beautiful animal! I love the way the light makes its fur glisten and sparkle. Both shots are fabulous achievements, as these guys seem to flit around like some of the small birds do.
I hope you can get some relief for your back soon!
I’ve always noticed that about their fur, Marty. Many of the musteliids are highly prized for their fur and I’ve wondered if that has something to do with it.
Unfortunately, you’re probably right about that. It think it is sooooo much prettier on the animal.
Wish us luck — supposed to top out around 106 today — ICK!
That’s a four-legged “SLINKY”….
Yup.
Lovely little critter! I’m stuck in computer help now joined with new phone help. Just FYI. Don’t know if or when I can escape. I desperately need a 10-year-old!
Help=hell.
I understand computer hell, Laura. Good luck with it all!
As much as I love birds, I have to say some of your mammals images are my favorites!!
Excellent images of this weasel, wonderful poses!
Hope your back gets better. There was a period in my life when I had to crawl around on all fours or try and stand bent like a pretzel. I understand how debilitating that can be.
Hope you have a speedy recovery.
Knowing how much you love weasels I hoped you’d see this one, Dick. Thank you.
As cute as a bird. Which makes me wonder how we got the expression “such a Weasel”.
Or to say someone “eats like a bird”? Birds are gluttons! 🙂
Great shots and story Ron. Those little devils are quick! Tougher in my opinion than birds in flight but you got it!
Yeah, they’re not easy to keep in frame and in focus, Gary. Thank you.
Great shots Ron! Hope your back improves.
Charlotte
Thanks, on both counts, Charlotte.
Beautiful shots, Ron. 🙂 Cute and NASTY little critters for sure! Easy enough to get “locked in” on a potential photo and mess up otherwise!;) Hope the back gets better – no fun for sure! 🙁
Thank you, Judy.
A real cutie! The ears are surprising; I didn’t realize how large they are. The two photos show him off nicely. I was lucky to get photos of a mink in the marsh this spring…much of the same movements you describe. One photo is similar to your first and the ear size difference is pronounced but the button nose almost exact. Hope your back issues resolve but I’m glad you have such a great reserve of photos to post! I look forward to these each morning. 🙂
Kathy, I photographed a mink once and only once and it cost me dearly. In my excitement to maneuver my vehicle into position so I could photograph it I backed into a post, resulting in an ugly dent. And then my photos weren’t any good anyway…