"NATURE'S METAMORPHOSIS"

Weasel (Long Tailed) - 5 Photos

Was thrilled to capture this young weasel hunting in the woods. Had seen lots of tracks for sometime but no mammal. It appears young from its hunting technique so perhaps this year's offspring.

Nature's metamorphosis of the weasel's fur coat from Spring/Summer to Autumn/Winter is amazing if not magical. The first four are the recent photos. I have included a shot of a young weasel (same species) taken this August. The transformation is astounding.

Some years ago, I met a couple while viewing a Great Horned Owl (adult) in a tree. They had inquired as to the species and when I responded with "Great Horned Owl", they said it couldn't be as Great Horned Owls were brown, almost dark brown. This one was more gray & silver. Now I am a wildlife photographer and do not call myself a birder but I do know a Great Horned Owl when I see one, particularly close up. I asked them where they came from and they replied - Ontario.

In the Calgary area and vicinity, our trees are birch, etc. and more gray and silver in colour. Trees in Eastern Canada are generally Maple & Oak, more of a dark brown hue. So Nature in her wisdom, adapts the species to its surroundings. 

So as long as we don't experience any serious Chinook winds which will melt the snow, this little predator can remain camouflaged as its pursues its prey. But like our Jack Rabbit whose coat also turns to white come Winter, if that snows disappears, all will be revealed.

PHOTO #1

Weasel - Long Tailed"WHAT WAS THAT?"

PHOTO #2

Weasel - Long Tailed"YOU TALKING TO ME!?"

PHOTO #3

Weasel - Long Tailed"BACK TO WORK"

PHOTO #4

Weasel - Long Tailed"LOOKING DOWN THAT WEASEL NOSE INTO THE TRUNK CAVITY"

PHOTO #5

Weasel - Long Tailed"EXIT RIGHT"