SWAT Shut Down!
Long-tailed Weasel (with eye flash)
I made it official today . . . . the SWAT banding site is closed for the season. After an unwanted visitor showed some continued interest in my birds . . . . I made the decision to shut everything down for the safety of the birds. After discussing this situation with the Institute of Bird Populations, they agreed that my decision to shut down for the season is the best thing to do. This really breaks my heart doing . . . . since I “really” enjoyed this location and was catching some wonderful birdies. As of right now, I am unsure if next year I will be open the nets again and chance its re-appearance. If I do open the station again, any sign of the “Weasel” and the station will be shut down forever!!
The Problem Weasel
Please note that anyone planning on attending the 3rd of August session that I will be home in bed sleeping (and not banding)!! I am very sorry for having to do this but you can still attend the CLDC site schedule on the 4th. I will try to do a season wrap up when I get some time to look everything over!
Mon@rch's Nature Blog 
Sorry to hear that cute little fuzzy thing forced you to shut down. Hope he learns his errant ways and moves on, allowing you to open again in the future. There wasn’t any way to set nets up out of his reach?
Just be glad he’s not a ferret:
(Sorry, I couldn’t help it)
Cheers,
Nick
29 July 2007 at 9:48 pm
Sorry it turned out that way for you Mon@rch. I’m sure you’re disappointed.
He is kind of a pretty little weasel though…
29 July 2007 at 9:51 pm
@ Nick, by doing so it changes my protocol that changes the whole aspect in why we are out doing the MAPS project! Relocating isn’t an option since it isn’t his fault I am their banding. I will be searching for a new location to move to but if I can’t find anything, I will give this location another try!
@ Lynne – I agree with him being cute but yes very disapointed!
29 July 2007 at 9:52 pm
When you first posted the bird catching weasel, I wondered what would happen if he got a taste for birds that he wouldn’t or couldn’t give up. Now I know.
So sorry for you–now what?
29 July 2007 at 9:58 pm
@KGMom – I start by looking for a new location to move to . . . . if I can’t find a new location then I give this site a second try . . . . if I see any sign of a weasel in the area then I shut the station down forever and continue to search for a site just as perfect as this one was! Their is a reason the Weasel is here . . . . it is great habitat!!
29 July 2007 at 10:06 pm
I thought protocols might be the reason. Tough luck, hope it works out.
~ Nick
29 July 2007 at 10:13 pm
Following the protocols is everything!
29 July 2007 at 10:16 pm
The pictures are interesting, but he sure looks like an evil beast with those flash eyes. I hope things work out for next year!
29 July 2007 at 10:20 pm
It is a shame that you we have to shut that station down, that pulled in some amazing birds but hopefully we will be able to do it again next year with out the Weasel. Where did you get those pictures of the Weasel it looks like they were taken at night.
29 July 2007 at 10:22 pm
@ Ruth – I plan on trying to find a new location first but will be had to find something as perfect as this location! But if I can’t find anything then I will give it a try again next year! I agree with things working out!! Just scares me thinking about what could happen! (without its eye flash, I think its a cute little thing)!!
@ BirdBander11 – I took them right at net 7 just before taking the video clip (didn’t I show you the pictures?)! It was dark and used the flash (reason it looks that way)! Ugg, so didn’t want to take the nets down today but just knew I had to do it!
29 July 2007 at 10:22 pm
Well, I suppose he’s doing what any weasel would do if found in such an opportunistic situation. Sad just the same that such a good site has to wait for next year. Maybe by then he’ll have moved on to finding his own food again, without the help of nets.
30 July 2007 at 6:45 am
Times like this when you see why the term “weasel” is an insult! Too bad Tom!
30 July 2007 at 8:31 am
@ Jayne – actually, he never did get any of the birds (they were all still in the net and didn’t figure that part out)! Weasels are known for killing more prey than they need and for sure this is one of those situations.
@ Marg – without a doubt, thanks!
30 July 2007 at 8:35 am
It is a shame that you have to close shop, but it does sound like the right solution to this weasel problem.
30 July 2007 at 10:14 am
But how will you get good shots of the mink, now?
30 July 2007 at 1:34 pm
I know you are disappointed but Nature has its way with us, doesn’t it?
It’s OK and better for the birds.
30 July 2007 at 9:50 pm
The weasels aren’t truly as evil as they look. Predators kill when they get the chance, gorge themselves, and stash the extra for later. So sorry they had to find your nets, though. It would be interesting to know if this was one of the family (of 5) that I saw in that area.
31 July 2007 at 1:39 pm
@ Robin – ya, no other choice for sure!
@ Marty – not how I want to be getting these shots for sure!
@ Mary – nature does know what it wants for sure!
@ Grace – You said it right and could have been?
31 July 2007 at 3:05 pm
Well, those are just awesome pictures of that weasel. But, dang – I can imagine your huge disappointment. It’s funny about predators. I watched a young Sharp- shinned hawk trying to take a chipmunk today. At first I wanted zealously to protect the chipmunk. Then I realized that the bird is probably desperately hungry. I’ve watched it flying around for days at the local park – crying as it flies from tree to tree. Dang. Nature isn’t always easy to watch, eh?
31 July 2007 at 7:53 pm
Cathy – thanks and very cool with the chipmunk!! Can I hire your SSHA? I agree and thanks for telling your wonderful predator sighting from today!
31 July 2007 at 11:02 pm
Good luck in your efforts to carry on your banding station.
I had a weasel in the yard that I hoped was taking chipmunks and squirrels and not birds. Haven’t seen him since and the rodent population hasn’t changed.
http://wildbirdsunlimited.typepad.com/the_zen_birdfeeder/2007/05/pop_goes_the_we.html
17 August 2007 at 9:06 pm