Two days ago when I was at a local park with my friend and yours, April Olson, I spotted a Rock Squirrel. Then I saw three more nearby and I had to take photos.

Rock Squirrel in a urban park in Salt Lake County, UtahRock Squirrel in a urban park in Salt Lake County – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

In all the years I have photographed birds and animals at that park I had never seen Rock Squirrels there. This species a species I usually see at higher elevations in the mountains. I didn’t expect to see them so close to home. They surprised me.

I was too close to get all of their bodies and their long tails in my viewfinder so I focused on taking primarily portraits. The squirrels were munching away on the fresh spring grasses that have started to grow since the last snowstorm blew through.

Pair of Rock Squirrels in Salt Lake County, UtahPair of Rock Squirrels in Salt Lake County – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f9, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I’m hoping that I can photograph the Rock Squirrels again soon and that I can get down to ground level with them.

These fluffy-tailed, large ground squirrels fascinate me and I enjoy seeing them whenever and wherever I can. If I can do that close to home, I am certainly not going to complain!

Life is good.

Mia

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