Long-tailed Weasel in its winter coat – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
A couple years ago I missed being able to photograph a Long-tailed Weasel in its white winter coat because I was sick and stuck at home. Today I spotted a Long-tailed Weasel in its winter coat but the light wasn’t great and the whole area was socked in by fog. I did get some images of the little mustelid but I sure wish I would have had better light. It popped up a few times on top of some rocks and looked around.
Long-tailed Weasel in winter coat near a burrow of some kind – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
When I was editing this image I realized there was a burrow of some kind about a foot to the left of the weasel’s hind leg. It is that dark spot that has a gray rock at the 2 o’clock position and a orange colored rock at the 5 o’clock position. Long-tailed Weasels don’t usually dig their own burrows so I suspect this might be a vole burrow and voles are a prey species for the weasels. This weasel moved fast and it was a challenge tracking it with my lens.
Long-tailed Weasel standing up showing its winter coat – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
These aren’t the images I had hoped for of a Long-tailed Weasel in its white winter coat but I am thrilled to have these. I don’t see Long-tailed Weasels all that often.
An interesting fact about Long-tailed Weasels is that they mate between July and August and because of delayed implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine wall they don’t give birth until 10 months later with embryonic development of the kits occurring only during the last four weeks of the gestation period. I think that is fascinating.
These little creatures have weaseled their way into my heart.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Long-tailed Weasel photos plus facts and information about this species.
I think the soft light is perfect. You have a nice catchlight in the eye.
love these shots, Mia, they are so cute, until you see their teeth.Hope that one at the park shows up this year.
Beautiful images! Sweet little creature 🙂
For those of us who have never seen a weasel in either summer or winter coat, these are pretty cool images. Thank you for sharing your photos with us.
Hi! I remember seeing them in Michigan when I was growing up! I have always been a outdoors person and loved living in the woods and creeks! I still do! Great photo’s. Keep up your wonderful work! Have a great day!
Nice find Mia! I would imagine they hide well in the snow, but what about that black-tipped tail!
Beautiful Weasel images, oh yes, I love it.
Elephant’s Child said it perfectly! Thanks Mia-Beautiful little guy.
Bad light or not, those are amazing shots!
Beautiful and too cute at the same time! Nice shots!
These are gorgeous … what a beautiful little creature!!!!
These are breathtakingly BEAUTIFUL!!!!
How could they not weasel its way into your heart – and ours.
Thank you.
Poor light or not, these are wonderful images. Thank you.
Wonderful Images Mia!
Mia,
You did well and are fortunate to have had the encounter. I still dream of seeing one when I have my camera. Its probably 50+ years since I last saw one in winter. It weaseled its way into my heart too. They have a way of doing that! Glen
I love these pictures and the information that you provided. This weasel seems so alert, all the better for his well being. Thank you for the pictures and the education.
I really liked those pictures of the long tailed Weasel. Not that I don’t like your bird photography.
Thanks