Ben M
Well-known member
Yesterday morning I was out around my local patch (Bestwood Country Park) and spotted my first ever weasel/stoat. At least I hope it was one of the two! It was running about over tree roots in a small wooded area close to a farm.
I had my video camera with me at the time, but before I managed to get it out of my bag and switched on, it had spotted me and gone for cover. Luckily it was intrigued enough to let me get some footage before entirely disappearing into a hole in the tree it was sat on.
Since getting home, I've looked up the ID criteria for stoats and weasels, but can't be certain from the footage I have and the brief glances I got beforehand. Based on my vague recollection of tail size and no recollection of the black tail tip, I'd say it was most probably a weasel. I've attached two stills from the footage, which might help to confirm the species.
Is an ID even possible from these images?
I had my video camera with me at the time, but before I managed to get it out of my bag and switched on, it had spotted me and gone for cover. Luckily it was intrigued enough to let me get some footage before entirely disappearing into a hole in the tree it was sat on.
Since getting home, I've looked up the ID criteria for stoats and weasels, but can't be certain from the footage I have and the brief glances I got beforehand. Based on my vague recollection of tail size and no recollection of the black tail tip, I'd say it was most probably a weasel. I've attached two stills from the footage, which might help to confirm the species.
Is an ID even possible from these images?