Hi Tweets,

I've now had emails from three individuals questioning whether my
photos are of a Long-tailed Weasel, and suggesting it was, rather, a
Mink. Looking at photos in a Google search, that seems quite likely.
My assumption it was a LTW was based on the multiple reports LTW
sightings at Marymoor, whereas I didn't recall reports of Mink there.

I am hoping Michael Hobbs or someone else will chime in with
information as to documented sightings of Mink at Marymoor.

As for swimming ability, this critter definitely had some--it seemed
to swim effortlessly across the swift current about 6-8 feet below
the weir spillway.

It's hard to tell if there was white under the (very soaked) chin,
but it surely was not entirely white.

Marc Hoffman
Kirkland, WA

At 06:12 PM 8/6/2013, Rob Sandelin wrote:
>Hmm, given that the animal was wet it doesn't seem to show the usual
>light underchin. Could be the wetness or the light. Makes me wonder
>if it's a baby mink. Was the tail thick or thin? I have watched
>weasels avoid water, actually even breaking off a chase when the
>prey (a jumping mouse) lept into a shallow side stream. Whereas Mink
>are totally water wise.
>
>Rob Sandelin
>
>
>----------
>From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu
>[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Marc Hoffman
>Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2013 11:09 AM
>To: jeff gibson; tweeters at u.washington.edu
>Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Long-tailed Weasel
>
>Hi Tweets!
>
>Jeff's post convinced me I needed to share some photos from
>yesterday when I paddled the Sammamish Slough beside Marymoor Park
>at around 6 pm. I was watching a female Common Merganser when I saw
>what I thought was a little Otter head poke up through the water
>just below the weir. Turned out to be a Weasel. You can see photos
>on my blog at http://www.SongbirdPhoto.com.
>
>Happy birding--birds & otherwise,
>
>Marc Hoffman
>Kirkland, WA
>tweeters "at" dartfrogmedia "dot" com
>www.SongbirdPhoto.com