It is 52F outside at 12:30 pm on February 22nd as I type this post. My youngest son, an elite cross-country skier is scheduled to compete in the American Birkebeiner on Sunday … he hopes. The Birkie is a 54 kilometer long ski marathon with over 10,000 competitors … reduced to 30 kilometers on a tight gerbil track this winter … no snow. However it is not just championship skiers who hate this weather; animals and birds which use winter white camouflage for their protection have a difficult time this year. Snowshoe hares stand out like a sore thumb making them easier prey.

Two days ago I watched this Long-Tailed Weasel bringing bedding to its den. The weasel is a predator, but is winter coat of white fur allows its prey an easier ability to spy its approach. Many folks have visited Sax-Zim Bog this winter and say … “I saw an ermine”! Maybe yes, maybe no! Here is how one may tell the difference between a mink, ermine and weasel. I watched this weasel far from any carcasses put out by the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog. In fact, I was privilege to watch the furry white critter for 35 minutes which was amazing. It was bringing bedding to its den where soon youngsters will be born.

I also spent some time with our resident Snowy Owl. Soon it will head north. It’s natural jacket of white feathers might often make it decide to take cover during the day to hide from crows and other pesky folks. White is useless this winter.

Making the big leap from one perch to another.