Yellow-bellied Marmot Next to its Burrow

Northern Utah Yellow-bellied Marmot close up – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Finding a Yellow-bellied Marmot next to its burrow in northern Utah yesterday was a real treat for me  especially since it stuck around for a bit. I don’t have opportunities to photograph marmots very often so when I have the chance I take advantage of it.

Alert Yellow-bellied Marmot – Nikon D810, f10, 1/640, ISO 250, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

At first the marmot seemed wary and stood up in an alert position but didn’t call out in alarm. I always appreciate being able to photograph a marmot standing up like this because it gives a great view of the full body.

Mid-morning Yellow-bellied Marmot – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The marmot relaxed and I took a ton of images of it, probably way too many but when opportunity knocks why not answer that door? Besides, I think marmots are cute little buggers.

Yellow-bellied Marmot at burrow – Nikon D810, f10, 1/640, ISO 250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

This marmot’s burrow is close to the edge of a road and it would be nice to see young marmots with the adult some time soon.

Not long after this frame was taken the marmot laid down on the rock  in front of its face and rested there for a bit before going into its burrow. For a few minutes I was part of this marmot’s world.

Life is good.

Mia