Yellow-bellied Marmot resting on a cliff – Nikon D500, f9, 1/640, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Around the middle of March while photographing nesting hawks I spotted a bit of movement and saw this Yellow-bellied Marmot resting on a cliff. Even though the marmot was at a distance I took a few photos of it because I liked the colorful lichen-covered rocks of the cliff face and how they matched some of the colors in the marmot’s fur. This female marmot probably has pups in a den nearby.
I’ve been spotting Yellow-bellied Marmots quite often recently and with our spring weather warming things up I should see even more of them. The weather forecast for here shows some temps in the low to mid 70’s as early as Friday. I am ready for some warmer weather and I’d bet the marmots are too.
In some of the locations where I have reliably seen marmots in previous years I haven’t seen a single one so I have been looking for them in other areas.
Marmots are marvelous rodents that are only seen above ground for a few months of the year and I try to take advantage of every opportunity I can to have them in my viewfinder. While the adults are wonderful to photograph I especially enjoy photographing the young pups because they can be playful with each other.
If I had been focused only on the nesting hawks this resting marmot I would have missed seeing this marmot high up on the cliff. Over the years I have learned to pay attention to what is going on outside of my viewfinder as well as what is going on inside of it.
On a more personal note, I get my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine today. I am anxious to get it done and over with.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow-bellied Marmot photos plus facts and information about this species.
Love the marmot – and am thrilled that you are having your second dose today. I think my first is still some weeks away.
Love these little guys and their warning squeeks when you come up on them. Had one stare down my dog, he was the guard and he wasn’t moving.
Yay for marmots and yay for vaccine!
I get my second Modena today, will be glad to get it over with and then maybe spreading my wings a little.
Hooray for second doses!! I had mine two weeks ago (Moderna), and while I had a pretty hefty response (chills, fever, etc.), I am so glad to be on this side of it! Drink plenty of water, and enjoy the measure of comfort being fully vaccinated brings! Love the marmot pic!
HUZZAH for vaccines! I get my second one next week. So thankful for science to triumph over fear and misinformation.