Jim Coda Nature Photography

June 15, 2012May 5, 2018Other Mammal

Yellow-bellied Marmots, Yellowstone National Park

Photo of yellow-bellied marmot. — On the Look-out

Yellow-bellied marmots are one of the largest rodents in Yellowstone. They are about 20 t0 28 inches in length and weigh from 3.5 to 11 pounds. They are found at all elevations in the park and hibernate for up to eight months a year at the higher elevations.

Photo of a Marmot. — Always Looking for Enemies

A colony consists of one male, several females and young of the year. They breed shortly after emerging from hibernation. Their calls include a loud whistle and a scream when predators are nearby. They are preyed upon by eagles, coyotes and grizzlies. The preceding info is based on the Park Service’s 2005 edition of “Yellowstone Resources & Issues.”

Photo of a marmot at Sedge Bay. — Marmot near Sedge Bay

Marmots can be found throughout the park. Look for rocky areas with grass nearby. One good spot is the rock outcropping across from the Sedge Bay picnic area. A couple of years ago I was photographing them there when they started screaming about something behind them. They were a little above me so I couldn’t see what they were agitated about. They took cover in the rocks. I picked up my gear and turned to go back to my truck which was parked on the road’s shoulder about 50 feet away. As I did so a black wolf disappeared into some cover about 40 feet from me. He had apparently walked between me and my truck. A guy pulled up and asked if I saw the white wolf above the rock outcropping. That was the wolf the marmots were screaming about. I said “no,” but I spotted it shortly thereafter. It was going in the opposite direction of the black wolf. For a link to that blog click here.

May 17, 2011Uncategorized

Columbia Blacktail Fawn with Unusual Coat

Two Columbia blacktail fawns explore their world. — Columbia Blacktail Fawns, Point Reyes National Seashore

I went looking for some more fawns to photograph yesterday. I found these two. One has a dark saddle. It is most noticeable when viewed from behind.

Photo of Columbia Blacktail fawn with unusual coat. — Blacktail Fawn with Unusual Coat, Point Reyes National Seashore

I don’t know if this is very unusual or not, but it looks unusual to me.

May 10, 2011Uncategorized

Handsome Bob; Point Reyes National Seashore

Photo of a bobcat resting. — Handsome Bobcat

I saw this bobcat a few days ago in Point Reyes National Seashore. I had previously seen him a couple of times in March. I named him “Handsome Bob” then because he had very distinctive spots and stripes. When I saw him the other day he had no problem with my car stopping. I was there maybe 10 minutes when another photographer parked. Bob was still unconcerned. About 5 minute later a third car stopped. That was his limit. Bob went from being relaxed to tense and then did a quick disappearing act. I’m now thinking of him also as “Three Car Bob.” In this photo Handsome Bob has his rump on a rodent mound and his legs in the burrow.

May 8, 2011Uncategorized

Muscular Bobcat; Point Reyes National Seashore

Photo of a muscular bobcat. — Mr. Muscles

Whenever I photograph a bobcat I try to determine its sex. I usually get a good enough look to be able to tell. This one is obviously a male. Even if I couldn’t determine its sex in the normal way, I’d assume this one to be a male based simply on the shoulder muscles. For some reason, the vast majority of bobcats I see are males.

May 5, 2011Uncategorized

Long-tailed Weasel; Point Reyes National Seashore

Photo of long-tailed weasel peering out of a burrow. — Long-tailed Weasel on the Hunt

Long-tailed weasels are about as hard to find and photograph as badgers. This is the second one I’ve seen and been able to photograph at Point Reyes. I found it a few days after photographing the mother badger and her cubs. Every week should be so good.

April 7, 2011Uncategorized

Golden Gate Bridge Photographed from Fort Baker

Photo of the Golden Gate Bridge looking southwest. — Golden Gate Bridge at Sunrise

Most photos of the Golden Gate Bridge are taken from the Marin Headlands looking east toward San Francisco. There are other vantage points for photographing it. I like this view from Fort Baker. It shows historic Fort Point near the south tower of the bridge and historic Lime Point near the north tower. If you’d like a print of this image click here.

April 6, 2011Uncategorized

Mount Redoubt, Alaska

Photo of Mount Redoubt during an eruption. — Thar She Blows!

I took this photo in March of 2009 when I was driving back to Anchorage from Homer where I had been photographing bald eagles. Mount Redoubt erupted several times that month.

My trips to Alaska have always been for the purpose of photographing wildlife. Of course, Alaska is also well known for its beautiful landscapes. I’m feeling the need to go again — to photograph some of its great landscapes. If you’d like a print of this image you can order one by clicking here.