It’s real says man who took THAT woodpecker and weasel picture – do you have an image to rival it?

The incredible image of the wide-eyed bird and the small mammal on its back was taken by Martin Le-May at Hornchurch Country Park in Essex.

The photograph has become a viral hit on social media, triggering a variety of creative memes with characters such as Russian president Vladimir Putin, the wizard Gandalf and even Disney character Buzz Lightyear all apparently riding with the bird.

Watch out, #Putin-on-a-weasel-on-a-woodpecker - there's a Stormtrooper behind you! (via @msteeman) #WeaselPecker pic.twitter.com/dU5WSM9wpt

— The Moscow Times (@MoscowTimes) March 3, 2015

A Weasley riding a woodpecker? Amazing! #weaselpecker pic.twitter.com/QiCGNLPBAN

— Rare Adventures (@RareAdventures) March 4, 2015

#WeaselPecker Unmasked! #ComparetheWeaselPecker pic.twitter.com/JeBwJyDWGE

— Andy Lang (@HRH_Duke_of_Url) March 4, 2015

Here’s a weasel riding a woodpecker @ThePoke pic.twitter.com/CtxtsXBDWE

— Ben Lloyd (@Techwriteuk) March 3, 2015

Internet! I LOVE you!! #WeaselPecker pic.twitter.com/HD99lAP4CD

— Polly Clonal (@PollyClonal) March 3, 2015

Despite some pouring scorn on the veracity of the picture, Mr Le-May is adamant his photograph is real.

He told ITV News he saw the woodpecker "unnaturally hopping about like it was treading on a hot surface", and that when it flew past him "it was obvious it had a small mammal on its back and this was a struggle for life".

After it landed near him and his wife he believes the weasel became distracted and the woodpecker seized its opportunity, "gathered its self-respect and flew up into the trees and away from our sight".

He added: "The woodpecker left with its life, the weasel just disappeared into the long grass, hungry."

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Wildlife presenter Steve Backshall says he thinks the picture is genuine. He told the BBC's Newsbeat: "For the bird to be able to fly is pretty extraordinary, but not unheard of, so I have no reason to doubt it."

Backshall suggested the weasel was probably trying to attack the bird, adding: "The weasel is pretty fascinating. It can kill things much bigger than itself, so it's an impressive little creature in itself when you think about its size."

"It only weighs about the weight of a Mars bar. It is not a big, hefty animal but it is very feisty and will attack mice, voles, shrews, a bird if it is close enough and even a rabbit. It is very much an opportunist."

What do you think about the image? Add your comments below.

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