American Pika

Gallery: WildlifePosted July 13, 20161,231 views7 comments

One of the species most threatened by global warming is the American Pika. This tiny creature lives at higher altitudes in the Rockies. It's high metabolism rate makes it uniquely adapted to the cooler climate and altitude, and virtually impossible for it to live elsewhere. As our climate warms up, it is thought this species will be one of the first to go extinct.

I came across the pika on a hike last summer. It was busy getting ready for the coming fall, occasionally pausing on a talus to rest.

400mm, 1/500s@F7.1, ISO400, -2/3 Ev, handheld

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on July 14, 2016 at 3:09 AM

I read the other day that we are heading into a new ice age, scientists seem to be able to "prove" anything. At least some are reverting to the predictions made in the past.
Wobderful pose and tremendous detail.

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on July 14, 2016 at 9:39 PM

Cute little guy, nicely captured with excellent detail Govind. devil

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on July 15, 2016 at 9:02 PM

Your depth of field control is optimum, with pika and rock in focus, while background is pleasingly soft. Good capture.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Nolan Rowell on July 16, 2016 at 9:37 PM

I really like this shot. Great sharpness on the pika, love that I can see all of those whiskers. I also love the depth of field. Subject is well focused with a nice bokeh.

Registered on June 28, 2016, 13 Posts, 41 Comments

Comment posted by Jenaya Launstein on July 17, 2016 at 4:41 PM

Very nice. The pika really stands out with that soft background!

Registered on February 8, 2011, 254 Posts, 1302 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on July 17, 2016 at 9:42 PM

Very nice image. I saw a few Pika on my recent trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, but did not come away with an image. This is nicely done all the way around. Great composition and the Pika is nicely separated from the background.

Registered on May 28, 2004, 114 Posts, 2890 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on July 22, 2016 at 2:53 PM

Beautiful detail, Govind, and you tamed that bright rock nicely. I am hopeful this species is more adaptable than the scientists say. I have seen them in the Cascade mountains as low as 4000 feet, so they have a little room to move up.

devil

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments