UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Great set!

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Beautiful photos no matter what you call them.

Personally I would call marmots a varmint even though I eat one from time to time. Weasels and ermine are not classed as varmints by anybody I know as they are not usually a pest (unless you own a flock of chickens) and are generally protected by fish and game departments as a game animal to be trapped.

Dennis

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Hi, Riverrat,


I am incredibly impressed with your portraits of several species that are exquisitely intolerant of the proximity of man!
Although I know it is possible to stalk (with great patience) within a few yards of a marmot, I have been unable to do the same with mustelids.

Would you be so kind as to let us know just how you achieved these shots?...even if long-lensing, they are quite an accomplishment. A wildlife biologist friend of mine (Dr. Ken Russel) did get some exceptional flash shots of young black-footed ferrets back in the 60’s at the trenched opening of their natal prairie dog hole by setting up his gear at ground level at sundown...and waiting...waiting until the wee hours of morning when they very hesitantly appeared.

Eager to learn your methods!

Dave Graham

Riverrat2 Loc: South East Idaho

Thank you all for looking and your kind words. For sb: #1 was taken in Yellowstone NP, #2 in Great Basin NP, #3 at Farmington Bay on the Great Salt Lake, #4 on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.

merrytexan Loc: georgia

I love these shots, riverrat...great job on them!

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Nice set, ermine are VERY small and shy, I've never been able to get a photo of one.

Riverrat2 Loc: South East Idaho

Thanks Uuglypher. As is the case with many wildlife shots, luck has mare to do with good ones than skill. I have had great luck with marmots as they are quite common in the general area where I live. As to the mustilids, the same cannot be said. I have only been able to photograph two ermine, both at Farmington Bay. One (not the one shown) still had some brown on his coat. He had a large vole in his mouth and kept popping up through the snow and then diving again. I have seen weasels on several occasions, but usually the south end of a north running animal. The one that I posted a picture of, on the other hand, seemed quite curious. He would pop up out of his hole and look around and then dart back in. I would take one step closer and wait. In a few minutes he would pop up again. I was able get within about 10-15 feet away before he decided not to show his face any more. As I said, mostly just luck.

fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York

That white one is adorable.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

They're cute! Very good shots, Riverrat2!

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Very nice group.