Camera Critters #207

Anytime a person walks along the paved trail in the Dry Canyon recreational area of Redmond, Oregon, they will hear the loud, high-pitched warning chirps from the yellow-bellied marmot who live in the rocks along the canyon walls.

Most of the marmots, also known as rock chucks, aren’t that old, but the a week or so ago while wandering the trail area, I came across the granddaddy of all rock chucks.

Old, gray, and grumpy looking…just like the way people describe me. 8v)

Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.

Camera Critters #164

Having seen a lot of rockchucks around here, I figured someday I’d see a cousin of our local marmot, the woodchuck.  Also known as a groundhog, or Marmota monax, I was surprised when, while sitting in my mother’s living room in Braidwood, Illinois, a large, gray, lumbering critter came waddling out of a wooded area and started munching on some weeds.

I asked, “Is that a woodchuck?”  After a quick look, mom said, “It’s the local groundhog.  He comes out now and then to eat.”

So I picked up my camera and snapped off a few shots.  I guess my movement scared him, as he quickly darted back into cover and disappeared.

Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.

Camera Critter #107

Rock chucks aren't thought of in a friendly manner around here. Know formerly as Yellow-bellied Marmots, they tend to destroy property and are generally a nuisance.

However, in the Dry Canyon of Redmond, Oregon, they are in their element.

I was able to capture this critter in mid chirp as it sounded the alarm call on my approach.

Misty Dawn's Camera Critter Meme is a great way to view critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own critter.