Calling Uinta Ground SquirrelCalling Uinta Ground Squirrel – Nikon D810, f9, 1/640, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I was very happy to photograph this Uinta Ground Squirrel calling from a lichen covered boulder last week in southwestern Montana. I like these little squirrels a lot and don’t get to see them all that much because they are really only above ground for a few months a year. I also liked it because it was on top of a orange-red lichen covered boulder and it was calling out loudly.

Maybe it was saying “I am not cold, don’t put me in the back or your vehicle!”, “Step away from the hot springs now!” or “I’m smiling already, take the picture!”.  Perhaps it was simply using its outdoor voice to warn other ground squirrels about the woman with the long lens peering at them.

Care to add a caption?

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Uinta Ground Squirrel photos plus facts and information about this species.