Saturday, January 16, 2010

Mid Winter Chipmunk


After an extended cold spell I was thrilled when the weather forecast called for a January thaw this weekend. With daytime temperatures forecast well above freezing I was looking forward to spending some time setup at our naturalized bird feeders.

This chipmunk was a surprise visitor when it suddenly showed up yesterday morning. I first noticed it scurrying up the trunk of the feeder, disappearing into one of the hollow feed cavities and then reappearing at the highest knot hole, and excellent vantage point for it to check for danger.

Satisfied that the area was safe for the moment the chipmunk scurried back down to the feeding cavity and began stuffing its cheeks. I found it interesting that the chippy took the time to shell each sunflower seed before stuffing it into its cheek pouches.


With cheek pouches stuffed and ready to return to its den, the little rodent makes a quick check for danger before descending to the ground and scurrying away.

Chipmunks normally do not go into deep hibernation in our area and may be seen throughout the winter on particularly mild days. This little critter is taking advantage of the nice weather to restock its larder for the cold days yet ahead.

For more Critter of all Kinds
Visit our friend Misty’s
Camera Critters Blog





21 comments:

Carletta said...

Wow, could he possibly get any more in those cheeks!
Cute shots!
Round The Bend.

eileeninmd said...

They are so cute when they fill up those cheeks till they are fat. Great shots.

photowannabe said...

Love the puffed cheeks. He's one smart Chipmunk to shell the seeds first. He probably could stuff a few more in his mouth that way. Terrific shots Salty.

imac said...

wonderful shots Coy.

Montanagirl said...

Great shots.The last one is too funny. Guess he couldn't get much more in there, huh?

Brightcetera said...

You couldn't have captured a more adorable shot if you'd tried.
Boy, did this put a smile on my face today. :D
Well, really I actually was chuckling at this sight.
Great shots!

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

Brilliant captures! How long did you have to wait for those shots?

Lisa said...

Great photos - I also like the disclaimer about the comment box. Very kind of you to explain. :)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: Neat captures of the little chipmunks filling their cheeks.

Ladynred said...

What a wonderful capture of the chipmunk.

http://ilovemyguineapigs.com/?p=447

said...

What a pig! LOL Fabulous shots!

Michael said...

Great shots of a cute beastie. I love those cheeks.

lv2scpbk said...

Oh he is so cute with those fat little cheeks.

ellen said...

What a great entry you have. Hope you have a nice weekend. God Bless!

Meggie said...

Holy cow! I've never seen a REAL chipmunk with its pouches so full. Great shot! There are many around here also. I, too, am enjoying the thaw.

Janet said...

Beautiful closeups! Love the feeders.

Tom said...

That last picture I thought was a mirror.... ha! just how I look when eating my winter food.. ha!... thanks for visiting my place ..

Kerri Farley said...

A cutie for sure! LOVE those cheeks!

Carol said...

What wonderful photos..especially with the full cheeks!! We dont have them here, but I remember my Grandmother having a couple that would come and take peanuts from her hand.

www.wildlifearoundus.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I love chipmunks and I don't think of them as rodents :) The detail in these photos is amazing. Their little fingers and toes are so cute. The stuffed cheeks are the best!!

Peggy said...

They are so animated arn't they? I always wanted to capture them with full cheeks! (Not yet...) I love it!