These are great. And I know from experience that getting behavioral/environmental shots of pikas is really difficult. They are small and quick, and like to hide. Outstanding!
(BTW, I recall reading a scientific article on pikas, some years ago. The researcher found that some pikas gather hay for the winter, and some pikas steal hay others have gathered. IIRC, any particular pika was either a gatherer or a stealer, for the most part.)
justashooter wrote:
If you would like to hear their squeek, check out a video I shot of one years ago. It was September and he had been gathering "hay" for winter. https://www.pond5.com/stock-footage/item/65792-pika-squeak You have to turn on the volume in the video player.
Chris S. wrote:
These are great. And I know from experience that getting behavioral/environmental shots of pikas is really difficult. They are small and quick, and like to hide. Outstanding!
(BTW, I recall reading a scientific article on pikas, some years ago. The researcher found that some pikas gather hay for the winter, and some pikas steal hay others have gathered. IIRC, any particular pika was either a gatherer or a stealer, for the most part.)
--Chris S.
Chris Thank You, I appreciate it. I didn't know that interesting fact, thanks for sharing.
Karl Witt wrote:
There used to be a gentleman here that posted Pika images, they were always enjoyable! Been a long time since I have seen any of these posted.
Incredible, cute and outstanding images Greg YGMV with the little ones here
Karl
Thanks Karl, as always I really appreciate your comments and thanks for the vote. Pika are a lot of fun and to shoot. When I was a kid we called them whistle pigs.
Al Trujillo wrote:
I know from experience that your AF has to be quick and accurate! I've never seen one sit still for longer than a few seconds. Nice captures!!
Thanks Al - I greatly appreciate it. You are so right. These little guys run around so fast. You hear them squeak, look for them and they are gone.
johnohio wrote:
Excellent images Greg. I never see this subject. TFS
John
Thank You John, I appreciate it. In Colorado, pikas are often easiest to spot in talus – fields and slopes of broken rock – above 8,000’ in elevation. They can be spotted scurrying between the rocks or taking in the view from a particularly prominent perch. Typically you hear them before you see them. They have a distinctive squeak. And they are very fast.
