On Saturday the Friends of Fish Creek birders were walking on the path just outside the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary when we noticed another weasel – this time a Long-tailed Weasel – already in its white winter coat with a black tip on the tail. These weasels are about eighteen inches long (45 cm), and about half of that length is the tail. They are considerably bigger than their relatives, the Least Weasels, which are only about six inches (15 cm) long (see my recent post about Least Weasels here).
Long-tailed Weasel checking us out. Photo by Dan Arndt.
The weasel was aware of us, and it would duck behind bushes or into long grass to try to keep out of sight, while keeping an eye on us.
Photo by Wayne Walker
Photo by Wayne Walker
Occasionally he would run, then stop…
Photo by Wayne Walker
Photo by Wayne Walker
…and have another look at us…
Photo by Wayne Walker
There were many Richardson’s Ground Squirrel holes there, and it looked like he was checking the holes for a meal…
Photo by Wayne Walker
One last run and stop…
Photo by Wayne Walker
Photo by Wayne Walker
…then he disappeared through the fence and we didn’t see him again.
See more of Dan Arndt’s photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ubermoogle/
Posted by Bob Lefebvre
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Captivating little critters aren’t they? I saw one a few months back by the RV storage place just before Deerfoot Tr on 13st NE. Never seen these (I think it was a short tailed but he was so fast) in all my time living here. Thanks for those great pics. Gord