Adult Rock Squirrel on a lichen encrusted boulder – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I spent the morning up in the Wasatch Mountains yesterday where one of the furry creatures I saw and photographed was a Rock Squirrel on a lichen encrusted boulder. In the eleven years that I have lived in northern Utah I have had difficulties getting the photos I have desired of this squirrel species. Light angles have been wrong, the shooting angle was too steep, the squirrels were mostly hidden by vegetation or rocks or a vehicle, sound or person made the squirrels hide.
Once in a while things go right though and yesterday the photography gods must have smiled down on me because everything went right after I spotted this Rock Squirrel resting on the top of a boulder. The lichen was the frosting on the boulder.
Rock Squirrel on a lichen covered boulder in the Wasatch Mountains – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I had to go up the dirt road to turn around and come back to the squirrel before I could raise my lens from the driver’s side window. Fortunately my Jeep has an excellent turning radius and I was able to make the turn quickly so I could get back to the squirrel.
Some cars and a motorcycle went past as I photographed the Rock Squirrel and it stuck. In fact I was glad the motorcycle went past because the squirrel turned its head back towards me as it checked it the noisy bike out.
I left the squirrel on its lofty, lichen covered perch and headed home thrilled that I had gotten these long desired photos along with a wonderfully peaceful and relaxing morning in the mountains.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Rock Squirrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
Cool shots! I love how you captured the contrasting textures of the squirrel and the lichen on the rocks. Thanks Mia.
I m so happy I finally had time to get to today’s post. Wonderful work!
Squilla! ❤️ What a cutie! And the lichen really is the icing on the boulder, as you aptly put it. So beautiful. My parents were very into Earth tones (and my dad was into lichen), and they would have LOVED these shots.
I understand why you’re happy with this photograph! Very nice.
That is a fine crop of lichen – and the rock squirrel yet another charmer I will not see for myself. Thank you.
They are cute, nice composition.
Great shot, as usual!😏
He posed beautifully for you!
I think that is a neat picture!