Young Uinta Ground Squirrels Through My Lens

Six Uinta Ground Squirrel babies at their burrow – Nikon D810, f11, 1/500, ISO 500, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 200mm, natural light

Three days ago when I was up in the canyons of the Wasatch Mountains baby Uinta Ground Squirrels were every where I looked and my Mom was thrilled to see them. “Aw” was the word of the day I believe with “oh” as a very close second. The singing Green-tailed Towhee and American Goldfinches feeding on dandelion seeds were great but it was these young Uinta Ground Squirrels that stole both our hearts, especially when they all came out of their burrows and looked around.

This photo was taken using a short lens on my Nikon D810, the rest were taken with my 500mm lens on the D500.

Young Uinta Ground Squirrel close up with another one in the background – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Did you know that baby Uinta Ground Squirrels can be called pups, kits or kittens? That is what I found when I researched it on the internet. Whether they are called pups, kits or kittens I think they are adorably cute with their big, dark eyes, long whiskers, pot bellies, furry bodies and short bushy tails.

Standing baby Uinta Ground Squirrel close up – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

With my long lens I focused on taking close ups and portraits of the young ground squirrels because I don’t often have the opportunity for these kind of images of these baby squirrels.

Young Uinta Ground Squirrel up close with its siblings – Nikon D500, f9, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Sometimes that meant having the other young ground squirrels in the background, I was simply too close to fit them all in at times. I think it was worth it to see and photograph all the fine details.

Up close with a young Uinta Ground Squirrel – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Such a cute little face. Cute little creature too.

Young Uinta Ground Squirrel standing on a stump – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The young Uinta Ground Squirrels were busy eating, playing, running around and exploring their world. This one looked like it might climb up the stump it was holding on to but after a bit it just scurried away.

Young Uinta Ground Squirrel eating while sitting – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

While this baby ground squirrel sat on its bottom and nibbles on grasses as I photographed it. I wish the out of focus grasses weren’t in front of the squirrel’s feet but I don’t think they are all that distracting.

Young Uinta Ground Squirrel stretching out on the ground – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

This young squirrel came out of its burrow, laid down on the dirt and stretched way out while lifting one of its paws. Those paws look quite capable of digging into the earth and being able to grasp plenty of grasses to eat.

Young Uinta Ground Squirrel at a burrow – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Then this squirrel just seemed curious enough to come up out of the burrow to look at the camera, lens and the woman behind it. It didn’t appear to be the least bit nervous.

Baby Uinta Ground Squirrel standing next to its burrow – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

In fact it stood up on its hind legs and looked around some more.

I had a blast photographing these baby Uinta Ground Squirrels and sharing them with my Mom. It was a peaceful, relaxing morning filled with birds, squirrels, lovely scenery and great company.

My Mom flies home today. I don’t know how her visit flew by so quickly but I know that I have loved each and every moment we shared together.

Life is good.

Mia

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