Adult Least Chipmunk on a wooden fence post – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I haven’t seen as many chipmunks this year as I normally do so when I spotted this adult Least Chipmunk on a fence post I wanted to focus on the little furball. There was a wild rose bush near the fence post and unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control I wasn’t able to get a completely clear view of the chipmunk. I had a few pesky out of focus leaves between myself and my subject.
I took a series of photos despite the out of focus leaves because I liked the pose of the Least Chipmunk, the light, and how the chippie held its paws in front of its body.
Least Chipmunks start to feast of the ripening fruits of serviceberries during this part of summer and in a normal year that is where I look for them. This year there are very few berries in this location because of our drought so I’ve been looking for chipmunks on thistles, grasses, and low on the ground. I know that the chipmunks will also eat the wild rosehips but I’ve only seen them eat them when they are ripe. Right now the rosehips are quite green.
I woke this morning to temps in the mid 80’s after seeing a high at home yesterday of 103°F on my outside thermometer. Thankfully a cool front is making an appearance and temps won’t be so high today. I think summer started in April this year or at least it feels that way to me. But now that we are in the first week of August I feel like I can start to look forward to the changes that occur when the cooler days of fall arrive.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Least Chipmunk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful! The colors and detail you captured are riveting. I could look at this pic every day. Thanks Mia.
Gorgeous – and a sight I will probably never see. Thank you.