This group of Columbian ground squirrels seemed to be posing for family photos. First there was one, then there were three and then there were four, although the fourth one was a little camera shy. And then there was one.
I don’t know what they were watching. Maybe my car, parked to the left and behind? The dogs were in it. And then to the right. Did they sense something I did not? They were pretty cute.
Oh yeah, I still think those little ground squirrels are just the cutest.
The ground squirrels were particularly active and cute at the campground. Sky was fascinated by them. She’d watch and then they’d slip into their burrows and then she’d walk over and sniff and look around as if to say, ‘where’d they go?’ And the little mammals seemed to know that Sky would not pursue them. They tolerated her watching them. They let each other know when we were approaching with little warning whistles so the others would be alert.
There are several species of ground squirrels in Washington and I don’t them well enough to make an ID. Maybe someone else does?
The girls and I headed to the eastern part of the county for a week-long camping trip. We enjoyed tall larch trees and a quiet lake. Ken joined us for the last two nights and we also enjoyed visits with several good friends. There were a few flowers blooming, including a small patch of coralroot orchids. It’s still very green with lush new growth on all of the conifers. It looked like there had been a big windstorm this spring. Many trees were uprooted or broken.
Here’s a bit of camping life.
My Everyday Photos 