Long-Tailed Weasel

Gallery: WildlifePosted September 17, 2014153 views8 comments

One of many highlights during one of my spring Yellowstone tours was this weasel, which dashed across the road in front of our vehicle early one morning. I pulled around and figured we had lost it when one of my clients spotted it sneaking in and out of some trees near the road. We were able to pile out and watch as it scampered about, checking every crevice and hole for potential prey. Not easy to shoot an unpredictable, lightning fast subject with a big lens hand-held, but everyone managed to come away with a few sharp images.

I'm heading back to the park in the next couple days. Hopefully autumn treats us well!

Canon 1DX
Canon 500mm f/4 IS
ISO 1600
1/1000th
f/4

Max

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on September 18, 2014 at 7:59 AM

Great standing pose you captured here Max, a pleasing composition. Glad you were able to get some time with this illusive little one. Bummer about the stick coming out of her back though.

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on September 18, 2014 at 9:08 AM

Hi Max,

Nice shot of a hard-to-photograph species. Have to say I really find the mustelids interesting. I like the obvious "focus" of this weasel - it looks incredibly interested in something! And the shot is nicely framed and composed (especially given how you were forced to capture it). Well done.

Cheers...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on September 18, 2014 at 12:23 PM

Thanks guys. Ken, didn't you know about the subspecies of Stegaweasels?

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on September 18, 2014 at 9:15 PM

A very nice capture of quite a difficult species to photograph. My shots of weasels generally shot the south end heading north. Fine work getting one standing like this.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on September 19, 2014 at 12:01 AM

Max,
This was obviously a difficult shot to get. so very well done. the "necessary" parts are great.

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by David Bogener on September 19, 2014 at 3:30 PM

Super capture. These guys never seem to stop moving. I like the upright pose captured.

Registered on October 30, 2013, 417 Posts, 1255 Comments

Comment posted by John Launstein on September 20, 2014 at 6:13 PM

My goodness, Max! This would be a great shot of a cooperative species...it's an extraordinary picture of a mustelid! I like the comp and pose with the obvious alert focus. Serious bummer about the stick, but it's far from a deal-breaker. Wonderful capture.

Registered on April 5, 2011, 223 Posts, 1193 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on September 20, 2014 at 7:40 PM

Tip of the hat for getting this, as others also mention!

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments