Yellow-bellied Marmot in the high Uintas – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Last week I showed my friend Steve Mirror Lake Highway in the Uinta Mountains and I was able to put him on a lifer Yellow-bellied Marmot. Actually we photographed two of the adult marmots in the same area. I looked around for baby marmots but couldn’t find any. That was okay though.
Yellow-bellied Marmot in the Uinta Mountains – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I don’t know about anyone else but I always feel happy when I point out a lifer bird or animal for people. That feeling is amplified times ten when that person is a dear friend.
The two marmots kept both of us occupied and then we switched our attention to a Green-tailed Towhee that popped into view on a sagebrush for a bit. When the towhee wasn’t in view we photographed the marmots some more.
I was close enough to take portraits of the two marmots and didn’t want to take my teleconverter off to get full body images.
Adult Yellow-bellied Marmot in the Uinta National Forest – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
These two adult Yellow-bellied Marmots looked much healthier than the adult marmots I have seen at lower elevations this spring. Those adult marmots in the lower elevations appeared to have mange. These two had healthy coats.
I’m delighted that I was able to show my friend Steve these marmots and the beauty of the Uinta Mountains. I got to enjoy his company and that of his dog Rosie too. Rosie is a sweetie and so is Steve!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow-bellied Marmot photos plus facts and information about this species.
Very cool portraits! Love the colors and detail you captured. Thanks Mia.
Lucky Steve. Lucky us.
Such sweet faces. I’m glad they seem to be doing well. Congrats on the lifer, Steve.
Superb photographs!
Superb thought on the personal benefits that result from sharing passions.
What an awesome trip and visit! Thank you!
My pleasure! It was so much fun showing you the high Uintas and I am glad we got that trip in before you and Rosie left.