Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Meet the Chipmunks

My quest to get to know the chipmunks that frequent my back yard is going well.  I'm finding out that I can tell some of them apart, so I thought I'd give you an introduction.

This is "Little 'Un."  She will come close, but only after she has seen some of the others eating on the patio.  I don't have any close pictures of her, because the minute I lift my camera, she runs.  She's smaller than the others, quite the dainty little thing, and her coat is paler.  Here she's going after some sunflower seeds that I threw into the grass, a little closer to me, but still in her safety zone.


This is "The Big Guy."  He's head honcho, boss man, king of the hill.  When he wants his sunnies, he chases everyone else away.  He is bigger than the other chipmunks, his color is rich and dark, and he just exudes attitude.  He was the first chipmunk to figure out that the dish held sunflower seeds.  He came, this time, complete with faithful fly sidekick.




And, the is my favorite, "Shorty."  I call him that because the very tip of his tail is missing.  He's not worried at all about me, and scurries around under my chair and between my feet.  But, "The Big Guy" has him cowed.  He won't go anywhere near the sunnies, while that one is around.  But, as soon as TBG has his pouches full and scurries away to his nest to stockpile his prizes, "Shorty" is there, getting his share.  Sometimes, he doesn't get a full load before TBG comes back, but he manages to get quite a few.



There are more chipmunks around, but, these three are the only ones who, so far, have been brave enough to gather food on the patio while I'm out there.  Maybe, as time goes by, I'll be able to introduce you to more new friends.


13 comments:

WiseAcre said...

love the stuffed cheeks :)

Sharon said...

I can't help but laugh, they are quite the characters, aren't they? Very aptly named, I would say! They are adorable!!! Great shots of the chipmunks!

Anonymous said...

Hee, too cute! Thanks for the introductions, I love their names and character descriptions.

TexWisGirl said...

they are flippin' adorable! we don't see them here at all. ever! LOVE their stuffed cheeks! TBG is my fave, I think. gotta love a character with attitude!

Reena said...

These are awesome Louise! Love that little guy with his cheeks all full.

My Mind's Eye said...

I love those chipmunk cheeks!! Great shots!!

OH MY STARS we just had tremors here from an 5.8 earthquake 34 miles northwest of Richmond.
I was sitting here typing when the keyboard started to shake. I thought it was me I went to get my hubby to see if he felt it by the time he got back in here the entire desk was shaking. It scared the *%&# out of both of us. I literally shoved Madi in her carrier and headed down stairs. They said the temors were felt as far north as Boston. I'm still shaking... good grief this is not going to be a relaxing week with earthquakes and a hurricane heading our way.
Hugs C

Terry said...

They are adorable!

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Oh, those stuffed cheeks are as fat as my stuffed peppers!...:)JP

Folkways Note Book said...

Louise -- Great idea to study the behavior of your little friends. Animal behavior is so fascinating. Some days I have trouble thinking we are smarter than they are. -- barbara

KB said...

It's so cool that you are learning about their diverse personalities! Or, should I say "chipmunkalities"! What fun!

It is interesting how very different your chipmunks look than ours. I know that there are many species of chipmunks but all the western ones look basically the same.

Dreaming said...

What fun to learn their personalities. I love Shorty's cheeks!

Samantha said...

LOVE those stuffed cheeks!

Unknown said...

Great series of photos!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.