Cookie headed out for birds yesterday, but given the wind and some precip few were about.

She did encounter this guy, however.

Yellow Bellied Marmot or Rock Chuck. Sort of the western version of the Groundhog. Unlike Groundhogs that will auger into near any deep soil wherever our Rock Chucks hang out in nasty, rocky areas where little else is prone to venture.

Neat close-up shot. They are pretty skittish so you must have some great equipment or you hide / sneak well!