Morning with Marmots

Our yellow bellied
marmots entertained me by
the river today

~ carliewired

The marmot colonies  inhabit the south side of McArthur Island, our sports centre. They get a lovely river view to the south shore. 

I drove the circle route around the island dodging scurrying marmots. They were EVERYWHERE! They spread themselves out along the edge of  the playing fields  but scamper back to the river's edge whenever they are alarmed.  Our incoming airplanes fly over the island so the arrival of the first flight this morning sent a swarm of marmots back to their homes in record time. When a few minutes passed and danger was averted, they were back out looking for food. 

I was taking portraits this morning. I noted that they have cute faces much like bunnies. Perhaps that's why we find them so appealing. When they meet each other they touch noses. Very cute! 

They seem to be constantly on the hunt for food. They graze through a grassy field like cattle. People are bringing them food here in spite of the warnings that wildlife is not to be fed. Today, a lady tossed them peanuts in the shell. Marmots seem to enjoy that. They are adept at removing the shell to devour the contents. These marmots have become all too approachable because they are expecting to be fed. 

I attached my quilted heart along the Rivers Trail near the marmot colonies. 

I collected my croissant and coffee from the nearest drive-thru and was home again before 8:30. 

It was 12 C overnight with a sunny day ahead of 26 C.