Pika, Tundra, Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo copyright (c) Jim Doty, Jr.

This pika was busy collecting “hay” for the winter. There were several constantly scurrying about collecting food. At an elevation of over 12,000 feet, there is snow cover for 8 months out of the year. They only have 4 months to collect enough food to last through the coming winter. They are about the size of a human fist. This one seemed to have a preference for the yellow flowers in the area. Located close to Trail Ridge Road, several people had gathered to watch. The most frequent comment was “They’re SO cute!”

Canon 20D, 100-400mm zoom lens at 400mm.