A Birding Tangent

Stopping at the new feeder station just north of Meadowlands in the Sax-Zim Bog I was treated to this ermine (long-tailed weasel) running around the area and diving into the snow.

My assumption is that the ermine was hunting rodents under the snow who were attracted by the seed that fell from the feeder. The ermine was absolutely unconcerned by the presence of all the birders looking at the Pine Grosbeaks up in the treetops.

After plunging into the snow in several places and reappearing in other spots, the ermine either moved along on his way or decided to hide. Several other birders got a glimpse before it disappeared. This was the first ever wild ermine I've had the luck to see. To have a chance to get a photo is even better!

The next posting will be back to talking about birds but this was too good to pass up.