Least Chipmunk’s left eye showing a corneal problem – Nikon D500, f9, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday I was up in the Wasatch Mountains social distancing, looking for birds and animals to photograph, and getting away from the news and negativity. Many of the birds I found were too far away to photograph or so active I couldn’t focus on them and get photos before they flew away. But it was peaceful and I enjoy watching how the changes that occur in Spring happen so quickly. Some of the wildflowers are blooming and there will be more to follow.
I found two new nesting cavities high up in a snag and had pulled over in the hopes that the birds that are excavating the cavities would show up. I suspect from the size and shape of the new nesting cavities that they are being excavated by sapsuckers or perhaps a Downy Woodpecker. While I observed the nesting cavities in the tree I also found a few Least Chipmunks in the ground, on stumps and climbing in the shrubs below the new nest cavities.
This Least Chipmunk was climbing in the shrubs and foraging on unopened flower buds when its right eye caught my eyes. The chipmunk’s eye looks like it has either sustained some type of corneal injury or has developed a cataract. The light part of its eye looked like an opal or moonstone. When I blow up the full resolution file I can barely make out my Jeep reflected in the chipmunk’s eye.
Least Chipmunk’s good eye – Nikon D500, f9, 1/500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The chipmunk wasn’t close but I took photos of it for documentation. Neither of these photos will make it into my photo gallery because they are huge crops.
The photo above shows the same chipmunk’s left eye and how the other eye should look.
I observed this chipmunk for several minutes and I noticed that it didn’t seem to have any issues finding food and that it moved around the shrubs with the ease of a chipmunk without any visual difficulties. The Least Chipmunk was doing just fine.
If I had been looking only at the new nesting cavities that I found I would have missed seeing this interesting Least Chipmunk but when I am in the field I am constantly scanning near and far for birds and other wildlife.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Least Chipmunk photos plus facts and information about this species.
I love these little critters! There is a pair that run around all over the outside of our home. My husband accidently introduced one to the inside of our home by bringing in a package left by a delivery service. I can only figure it was clinging to the box, or it rushed in when the door was open. It finally ended up in the bathtub and couldn’t get out. I climbed into the tub in my pajamas, and it rushed right up my leg! I was able to cup it gently with my hand, and beat a careful retreat to where I leave nuts and seeds for them. Such a funny experience!
Looks like he’s going after some of those tender shoots. Glad a wonky eye doesn’t seem to interfere with his snacking! 🙂
I am glad that his eye issues don’t slow him down. Love the resilience so many animals display.
Animals can adjust just like humans to loss. I hope you are out enjoying this beautiful morning!
That looks like there is a lens opacity in the little guy. Could be a cataract, genetic or acquired after an injury.
I was hoping you would chime in Janice! Thanks for your input.
Sorry that the Covid-19 pandemic got in the way of me guiding you this May at Bear River MBR.