Least Chipmunk with its tail over its head – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
These five images of a Least Chipmunk grooming session are some of the last photos of chipmunks I took high in the Wasatch Mountains in 2020. That morning I was busy photographing American Robins feasting on hawthorn berries when I spotted the chipmunk climb up the old fence post. I focused my lens on the chippie thinking it wouldn’t stay on the wooden post long because it was out in the open and exposed. The Least Chipmunk held its tail over its head…
Least Chipmunk shaking its tail – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Then shook its tail a few times…
Least Chipmunk licking its tail – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
After which the chipmunk proceeded to lick and groom its tail as I photographed it. I took a nice long series of the Least Chipmunk as it groomed its fluffy tail and selected just a few photos to share today.
In this photo I liked how I could see the pink tongue of the chipmunk as it licked the middle of its tail while grasping it with its tiny paws.
Least Chipmunk grooming its tail – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
And how in this image the chipmunk’s pink tongue is closer to the tip of its tail than it is in the photo above.
I do wish the Least Chipmunk had been a little closer to me than it was but I was still delighted to see and photograph it where it was.
Least Chipmunk after grooming – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the chipmunk was finished grooming its tail it turned around on the lichen-covered fence post, flicked its tail and scurried down to the ground below.
It has been a couple of weeks now since my last chipmunk sighting. They may be hibernating already.
I didn’t take nearly as many photos of Least Chipmunks in 2020 as I have in previous years. I’ll try to make up for that in 2021.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Least Chipmunk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful, cute images. Many Thanks for sharing.
Every pic is a marvel. The colors, detail and composition…all there – in each shot. Thanks Mia.
What a delightful start to my day. Love the attention to detail the chippie is giving his grooming and hope he sleeps well and safely.
Adorable, he/she gave me a big smile this morning.
So glad I found your site! Your photography is stunning, and I love the added commentary. Thank-you!
A cute way to start my day, MIa, thanks!