It's that time of year

Yesterday afternoon, I went over to Fish Creek Park. I called in at a different parking lot first and noticed these beautiful icicles clinging to the roof of the outdoor washrooms. Early this morning, the temperature is -14C, with a windchill of -21C (7F with windchill -6F).

My intention had been to get over to the park a few hours earlier, but that didn't happen. As it turned out, I couldn't have chosen a better time to arrive, even if I had planned it. I started walking along a narrow path and, out of the corner of my eye, I saw fast movement - it was a little Weasel running through the snow, with just part of its body seen. When I got closer, I lost sight of it for a few moments, and then suddenly it reappeared, running back in my direction. It disappeared for a second or two and then came back into sight up on this log, with a Meadow Vole in its mouth. Dodging the trees that were closest to me, I was just in time to click the shutter, not even sure if I had captured any of this amazing sight. I quickly took another shot in the same direction, but the Weasel had vanished and I didn't see where it went. The photo I posted next to this one could have been a bit better composed and I wish the quality was better, but I'm still amazed that I got anything! I waited around for a while, but maybe the Weasel felt like a nap after eating its catch. Such a treat to see this animal, wearing its white, winter coat. I have seen just a handful of them before and its always a challenge to get any photos. Can't believe how lucky I was, including the fact that I didn't have far to walk - always much appreciated, with my back being so painful and usually stopping me from going for walks.

My apologies to anyone who may have been down to that area time after time, hoping to see the animal, but always in vain : ) Most of us know what that is like, lol.