Adult Yellow-bellied Marmot high up on a cliff – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VT with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday while looking for a Red-tailed Hawk I spotted an adult Yellow-bellied Marmot high up on a cliff and even though the marmot was a long way away I liked what I saw through my viewfinder and I took about a dozen photos of it.
I have taken thousands of images of Yellow-bellied Marmots where the marmots have been closer but very few of them that include as much habitat as this photo does. I love the texture of the lichen-covered rocks in the foreground, the colors, and how this photo shows a view of the marmot that also has some green grasses included in the frame.
The marmot may have been keeping an eye on the hawks I found in this area or it may have been basking in the warmth of the rising sun. I really can’t say for sure. I am just happy that it was there and that I could photograph it.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow-bellied Marmot photos plus facts and information about this species.
When people are described as ‘yellow-bellied’ this beauty is NOT what the speaker had in mind.
I agree with Marty. My eyes would never have picked this up unless and until he/she moved. I also love the extra ‘environment’ you included.
Stay well, stay safe.
You have an amazing eye, Mia! There’s no way I could have spotted Mr. Rodent on the rocks from the distance you must have. Seeing so much of the environment makes this shot extra special.
Very nice with the rocks and lichen. Marmots blend in so well.