Almost three years ago, I photographed this Rock Squirrel perched in top of a juniper in the foothills of some sky island mountains in the West Desert of Utah.
Rock Squirrel on a juniper on the West Desert – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 800, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I happen to be fond of Rock Squirrels but I don’t find them as often as I would like. When I do find these squirrels I do my best to get images of them.
These squirrels aren’t always found among rocks as their name implies, quite often I spot them at the tops of trees. More often than not those trees are junipers but I’ve also found them in pines and sumacs. Rock Squirrels eat the berries of junipers which may be why I see them in these trees as often as I do. They also like to sunbathe and the top of a tree is a great place to soak in the rays of the sun.
When the sun actually shines after this next snow storm blows through northern Utah I hope to find some of these squirrels again. The storm front is supposed to get here later this evening and bring more snow through Tuesday afternoon. But looking at the long range forecast gives me hope for sunnier skies after this front dumps more snow on us here in Utah. We needed the moisture this winter has given us. It would have been nicer to have just a little more sunshine though than we got.
The Rock Squirrels?
I doubt that all the gray skies this past winter affected them much at all. They aren’t nearly as dependent on sunshine and good light as this photographer is.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Rock Squirrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a beauty.
What a cute little “squilla!” 💜 Too bad California doesn’t seem to be in their range because we have a heckuva Juniper Tree in our yard! (There’s a squirrel with a death wish at the shelter who just saunters around in front of the dogs.)
It’s good to know there are Rock Squirrels!