A Mighty Roar

The American Pika, or as I affectionately love to call “the mountain potato,” never fails to capture my attention. Perched among the rocky slopes high in the Rockies, these tiny relatives of rabbits and hares dart between boulders with endless energy. Despite their size, they survive some of the harshest alpine winters, enduring biting winds and freezing nights. Their sharp, high-pitched chirps echo across the slopes, a warning to others of nearby danger. Waiting quietly to catch that moment—when a pika lifts its head and calls out—often lead to some of my favorite photography experiences.