"The Wren and the Weasel" Marsh Wren and Long-tailed Weasel

Sounds like the name of a pub, say in the UK or Ireland. But no, this was a potentially deadly encounter between a Marsh Wren and a Long-tailed Weasel [Neogale frenata (formerly Mustela frenata)]. Spoiler alert: The wren was OK, at least this time. I first saw the Marsh Wren right on the ground among the reeds beside the boardwalk that leads to the blind at the north end of Frank Lake near High River, Alberta, Canada. Then while waiting to relocate it, the Long-tailed Weasel appeared, bopping around on the boardwalk without much concern about human presence (apart from some curiosity).
The wren moved up into the reeds and was vocalizing at the weasel (see www.flickr.com/photos/luminouscompositions/51532977299/in... ), so it was certainly aware of the predator. The mammal went out of sight for a while, at which point the wren [possibly a naive youngster] descended to the boardwalk railing as seen in this image. This was cause for concern since the predator popped up, but happily the Marsh Wren moved to safety before the Long-tailed Weasel could make an attempt to capture it. Quite the saga!
Postscript: I witnessed a similar event at very close hand this past summer in Confederation Park in Calgary, Alberta, when a weasel suddenly appeared on the scene and was moving about so quickly that I could not get a photograph. But the nearby birds, including White-throated Sparrows, were onto it and scolded it from branches above. In general, it seems that some birds at least are “hard-wired” {or have learned} to recognize predators and take evasive or defensive action. Obviously, though, some birds do fall prey to hunting creatures such as weasels.
For interest, here is a photo of a Long-tailed Weasel from my second Flickr site (which is not Pro, yet): www.flickr.com/photos/192473625@N08/51538544042/in/datepo...

Taken on: September 24, 2021

Tags:

bird

birds

wildlife

birdwatching

Troglodytidae

Canada

Alberta

Michael W Potter

Luminous Compositions

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

Frank Lake, Alberta

Long-tailed Weasel

Neogale frenata

Mustela frenata (former binomial)

Wrens family « less

Sets appears in: • Birds of Alberta, Canada • Bird Families: Wrens (Troglodytidae)

Groups appears in: • Birds • Birds/Aves more » • Birds , Birds Birds • Songbirds of the World! The Passerines (Passeres) • Perching Birds (Passeriformes) • Birds,Birds and Birds • North American Bird Photography • Secret Life of Birds • Birds of the World - Aves do Mundo • Birds Photos - Check out the new discussions! • All birds all the time • the most beautiful birds • Birding In The Wild • Birdwatching • Birds of North America • Avian Photography • The Birds Of Flickr • Chickadee, Nuthatch, Titmouse and Wren • Birds Birds Birds ! (Check out the new discussion) • Western Canadian Nature • Photographing Birds • Birds of the world/ Oiseaux du monde • Birds of Alberta • Wild Bird Photography • Best Bird Photographers • Wings of the world. • Flickr Birds • Bird Nerd Herd • Incredible Bird Photography • The Birds Are The Point • Birding World • Birding With A Canon • Wild Birds of North America • Birding for everyone! (Field Guide of the World) • Birds birds everywhere • Birds - Oiseaux - Pájaros • Birds of all Kind • The World of Birds • Only Birds • Canadian birds • Amazing Birds • Birders! • *Birds Photography* • Birdwatching in the World • Birdz • Worldwide Birds (opted out 30/60). • Birds birds birds everywhere - no 30/60 limit • Birds - Best on Flickr • The World of Passerines • Birds of the USA and Canada • BirdWorld • WONDERFUL BIRDS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.MARAVILLOSAS AVES DE TOD • All birds • Feathered Flickr (Birds of a Feather) « less

Camera: Canon EOS 90D, f/13.0, 1/2000 sec, 400mm, ISO 1600 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS 90D
Lens:	EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Aperture:	f/13.0
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/2000)
Focal Length:	400mm
ISO:	1600
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	No Flash
Exposure Program:	Aperture-priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	Uncalibrated
Software:	Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 (Macintosh)
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