I haven’t just found and photographed birds this week, I have also had some furry creatures in my viewfinder including a young bull Moose and plenty of Least Chipmunks.

Young bull Moose nibbling on willows, Wasatch Mountains, Morgan County, UtahYoung bull Moose nibbling on willows – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 640, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

While I was photographing birds near a creek on the 6th of August I kept hearing crunching noises, the sound of branches or something being stepped on and this young bull Moose was what was making those noises. He wasn’t visible at first but then I scoped a dark area with my lens and saw his face. After moving up the hill a bit I could sometimes get a full view of his face.

But he was close and this image is full frame and simply resized for web presentation. I had several images where I clipped ears or his muzzle because of being too close. I could have taken off my teleconverter but then I might have missed this shot.

His eyelashes appeared to be at least two inches long or longer. Wow.

Two Least Chipmunks playing on a fence rail, Little Emigration Canyon, Morgan County, UtahTwo Least Chipmunks playing on a fence rail – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Yesterday while photographing birds in about the same area as I photographed the moose I had fun photographing two Least Chipmunks playing on a fence railing and fence posts. They scurried around so quickly that many of my photos weren’t quite in focus but I liked this one and I am glad it was sharp.

Least Chipmunk on a fence post in the mountains, Little Emigration Canyon, Morgan County, UtahLeast Chipmunk on a fence post in the mountains – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

And I also liked this photo of one of the Least Chipmunks alone on top of a fence post, how cute are these little critters anyway? Could they be any cuter? I don’t believe they could be.

I’m always delighted when I get to photograph wildlife when I am out photographing birds. The moose and chipmunks are wonderful subjects.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my Moose photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my Least Chipmunk photos plus facts and information about this species.