Pikas do not hibernate, so during the summer, they collect and store food for the winter. As winter approaches, preparation becomes intense. These pictures were taken two days ago. Yesterday, snow fell on the pikas.
Dyslexia: Pikas normally live in talus, but these ones live in tailings. Are pikas dyslexic? Chuckle.
This was a large colony of pikas, with frenetic activity on every side.
A pika announces interlopers with an “EEP”. However, all quickly returned to foraging.
A pika forages vegetation beside the rocks.
And carries it back to its lair for the winter.
Some leaves are consumed on the spot.
As are stalks.
“Looking good in my winter pelage.”
Very cute little guys!
Hi Helen. I am in Porto looking at pikas. Funny world.
Lovely detailed photos, thank you Alistair.
These little guys are so cute! I’m surprised they haven’t become popular as pets!
Jean, a pika would probably die at the temperatures we keep our homes. Pikas are adapted to high-altitude winter and hide underground on warm summer’s days.
Great photos, thanx.
“As are stocks”, do u mean stalks?
Wayne, thank you. I fixed the typo.
Interesting that they consume them on the spot, rather than stock the stalks in stacks.
Good one!
Or: Strew the stringy strands.
An engaging topic to all has to be the cute little pika.
Introduce us to Carlo! I want to hear more of how he says it. As delightful use of our language as Alistair.