Exit, Pursued by a Weasel

Last year's weasel, from the same spot

Before

After

Not only did I have the joy today of getting my first water vole photo of the year, I had one of those catch-your-breath wildlife moments when I saw a weasel chase the vole across the brook. I didn't know whether the vole had got away and assumed probably not, but then ten minutes later up the vole popped again looking none the worse for wear. I don't know how it managed to escape, or what impact weasels have on water vole populations generally. I suspect this particular weasel is one I saw last year in the same spot. The grass around is packed with field voles and there are a lot of rabbits too, so I expect those keep our mustelid friend going most of the time.