Weasel with Mouse

Gallery: WildlifePosted August 6, 2013903 views13 comments

This is one of those that shows the unpleasant side of nature, but shows action. I believe this is a Least Weasel with a Deer Mouse. Admittedly, I am no authority of either so would welcome any correction from those who could confirm or correct me. Problem with ID on the Weasel is that the map doesn't show them in Colorado and this was taken on Mt. Evans in CO August 2, 2013. Comments appreciated.

1DIV, EF 100-400 @400, ISO 400, f6.3, 1/2000, hand held, mid AM, cropped about 75% from original.

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Verdon on August 6, 2013 at 7:49 PM

The quality isn't ideal , but the moment like this comes once a life, congrats

Registered on June 10, 2011, 147 Posts, 1444 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on August 6, 2013 at 8:49 PM

Great catch of the action! Like how you caught it in mid-jump. In the mid 70's I photographed a weasel with a pika on Mt. Evans, don't recall the species. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on August 6, 2013 at 9:26 PM

really great shot and I can't believe the size of that weasel compared to the mouse. I would have guessed a weasel this tiny would not take such large prey - let alone be able to leap with it. A really great shot not only documenting nature, but technically as well

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on August 6, 2013 at 9:40 PM

Not sure how you managed this Ralph, but you did! Was the weasel stalking the mouse for a period of time, as you watched the situation unfold - remarkable! The dark background helps the subjects stand out. Nice low pov as well.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on August 6, 2013 at 10:16 PM

Ralph,
This is not the sort of image I would expect to be captured on a still camera.
Truly remarkable capture of the moment, a once in a lifetime shot

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

Comment posted by Martin Dunn on August 7, 2013 at 4:58 AM

Great capture Ralph.
The subject is good and sharp and both weasel and prey are clear. The background isn't great but when the action is happening you can't always make them go where you want.

Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on August 7, 2013 at 9:41 AM

Love this action Ralph, it's the kind of shot one always hopes for..
Great comp & I especially like the full view of this hapless rodents face

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on August 7, 2013 at 11:10 AM

Quite a moment you got here, Ralph. A least weasel... that's impressive. You must be right, simply based on its size relative to the prey. The only alternative I could think of would be a juvenile short-tailed weasel, but never having seen one of those, I couldn't say for sure.

Congratulations on an excellent capture and a great species find.

Max

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

Comment posted by Don Westbrook on August 7, 2013 at 11:49 AM

Great timing!

Registered on January 4, 2013, 11 Posts, 332 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on August 7, 2013 at 5:35 PM

Awesome flight action shot Ralph

Your timing was perfect! It's nice to get catch light in both animals. I think the shadowed background works well to help the subject stand out. I have seen short-tail weasels on Mount Evans, not sure about this fellow though.

Great Shot!!!

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

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on August 14, 2013 at 1:00 AM

Amazing photo Ralph! I can't believe I missed this.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on August 16, 2013 at 7:28 PM

Terrific capture. It should make your smile big to realize you got this!

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

Comment posted by keith mitchell on August 17, 2013 at 2:09 PM

Ralph I bet you where really thrilled to get this excellent shot I know I would be.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments