Got a Toothbrush

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Got a Toothbrush
Photo Information
Copyright: Rick Price (Adanac) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1029 W: 1 N: 3939] (13258)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-05-12
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon 40D, Canon 100-400/4.5-5.6L IS
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/200 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-05-13 11:10
Viewed: 380
Points: 32
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Hi All,
No he really wasn't looking for a toothbrush, he was out of his rock home looking for some sunshine for warmth. Bob has always said that we try to humanize the critters we photograph and he is right.
This is a Yellow-Bellied Marmot.

Yellow-bellied Marmot
Marmota flaviventris
General Description

By Gustave J. Yaki


The normal range of the Yellow-bellied Marmot or Rockchuck is in the central Rocky Mountain region from northern New Mexico north to extreme southern British Columbia and Alberta.

In Alberta, where it was first recorded in the 1950s and is apparently still expanding its range (possibly as a result of global warming), it has been found in Waterton Lakes National Park, west along the Milk River, at Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump Park and north to the southern end of the Porcupine Hills. There is also an extralimital record from Lake Newell. It should be looked for amongst rocky outcrops, (where it can be well camouflaged), especially on the sunny, north side of rivers, north to about Calgary.

Generally larger than the Woodchuck, this species' overall colour is a frosted golden brown. The long underfur is two-toned, black on the bottom, white on top. The longer guard hairs are black with white tips, giving the back a grizzled appearance. The belly is a yellow brown. The legs and feet are rusty. The head is dark with a creamy white bar across the nose and whitish muzzle. The bushy tail is brown above, black below. 1

Measurements of average adult Alberta males are: total length, 631 mm (25.25 in); tail, 169 mm (6.7 in); weight, 3.5 kg (7.7 lb). Females are smaller, lighter, but have longer tails.

In Canada, this species lives at low elevations amidst fragmented cliff edges and crevices, rock outcrops and rocky flats. They are diurnal, active from sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. This species is quite gregarious; many family groups often live together as a colony. The preferred burrow is in the centre of the colony. While others are feeding, sentinels, who are sunning on the rocks, keep alert for a possible predator. If danger threatens, a sharp whistle causes all to dash to the safety of their den, their tails flapping from side to side.

Their food is basically vegetation --grasses and herbaceous plants within a short distance of the security of their rocky domain. They are also reported to occasionally feed upon road-killed carrion.

Mating occurs upon emerging from hibernation, with the young being born in May-June. Well-fed young females may be sexually mature at eleven months. The dominant male evict younger males from the colony as they become sexually mature.
jaycee, eqshannon, maurydv, Maite, gerbilratz, pekkavalo1, Luis52, CeltickRanger, loot, smitha, Bass has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • mariki Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 841 W: 67 N: 1555] (6903)
  • [2008-05-13 11:21]

Hello Rick,

Very nice picture of this marmot. Good POV, DOF and sharpness. Very nice composition. The colour of the fur on the belly is identical to the colour of the pine needles on the ground.
Cheers,
Mariki

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1675 W: 8 N: 4022] (13255)
  • [2008-05-13 11:27]

Hi Rick,

How did you spot this adorable Marmot? He is so well cammouflaged by the rocks and pine needles. I love the expression on his face and I'm sure he's wishing for sun and not a toothbrush!

Jane

I saw one yesterday while I was out at the local church to see if I could register for a planet....long story..only some may understand...anyway the marmot was skidding along through the rocks and I had a video camera on tripod..but missed it totally until I play back all the stuff I was saying with remote....they like to hide so this is kind of a surprise...hope all is well with you and yours..keep on trekking!
Bob

Bellissima cattura, molto bella la postura della marmotta che guarda curiosa, ottima nitidezza, molto belli e naturali i colori. Grazie e complimenti. Ciao Maurizio

  • Great 
  • Maite Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 982 W: 64 N: 1199] (4856)
  • [2008-05-13 12:08]

Hello Rick
This is really a marmot!? How cute! What an interesting finding and excellent capture! Magnificent sharpness with good details and natural colors. Excellent framing and composition. Very good job.
Thank you very much for sharing.
Best regards
Maite

Hi Rick, I love these animals, chucks, marmots etc, they just seem to ooze character... this is a good natural shot, details are very good, excellent POV and an ideal DoF to show him at his best.. tfs and regards h

  • Great 
  • Jamesp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1223 W: 0 N: 4449] (13290)
  • [2008-05-13 13:42]

Hi Rick

Great shot - you have caught the eyes 'just right'. Lovely detail and exposure too.

JAmes

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1555 W: 233 N: 5091] (17959)
  • [2008-05-13 13:50]

Nice photo of this little Marmot!
You're right, he does need to brush his teeth!
Sharp with great detail.
Nice composition too.
Well done Rick!

Joe

Hi Rick,

Very beautiful picture of Yellow-bellied Marmot in its natural habitat. Good pose and composition, sharp details and nice colours.

TFS

Pekka

Hello Rick,

What a beauty! It looks like this guy decided to pose for you. He is perfectly positioned on that rock, ready for you to take the picture. The composition works really well here. I've never seen this animal but it looks like a cute critter. Thanks for sharing this wonderful shot!

Best Regards,

Martin

Awe, a wonderful little fellow. Gotta love these creatures and who knows, perhaps he does want a toothbrush! Nice capture of the fur as he is in the process of getting it bleached so that he blends in even more. Nice POV, and note how easily he blends in, especially his face. Compare that to the rocks behind him. Terrific job spotting him.

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1036 W: 5 N: 2728] (9914)
  • [2008-05-13 17:38]

Hola Rick.
It is always very nice or me to see Your great work. Not only for the excellent photos, but becouse all of them are in a Natural environment like this one. Great image My friend.
Saludos
Luis52.

  • Great 
  • loot Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5633 W: 594 N: 3202] (8699)
  • [2008-05-13 20:27]

Hi Rick

Lovely capture of this marmot in its natural habitat. It is difficult enough to photograph a big mammal in its natural environment, but I can only imagine the problems one can encounter trying to capture one of these shy little rodents in a natural setting. Btw, I don't think any toothbrush will help for those yellow teeth.

You have captured fine details with very natural colours. The composition is fine with the rock in the front creating a triangle and also placing the marmot on the angle with its tail slanting down.

Good work and TFS.
Regards
Loot

Hello Rick,
This is a new species for me. Very curious looking mammal.Can't believe it is related to ground squirrel.As for the picture , it is an excellent capture with good sharpness and details. I liked the way you have included the surroundings so that we will get an idea of ts habitat too. The pose and the alert look captured here are also very nice.
Thanks for the picture and the notes,
Regards,
Smitha.

  • Great 
  • Bass Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 97 W: 0 N: 116] (465)
  • [2008-05-14 17:21]

Hi Rick,
what a lovely marmot!! never saw one.... Great details of itīs face, good POV! Details over the habitat itīs also great. Good natural colours. Good note also!
TFS
have a nice day
Brenda

hello Rick

wonderful shot of this marmott, with very fine POV and DOF,
lovely warm colours luminosity, excellent sharpness and details,
and a great i contact of the marmott with you, TFS

Asbed

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