Least Chipmunk tail shot – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Two mornings ago I had an absolutely fantastic time photographing a Least Chipmunk family feeding, cuddling, grooming and playing high in the mountains. At first I only saw one chipmunk resting on a low serviceberry branch.
One Least Chipmunk resting on a branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I liked the setting and the light was great so I photographed the single Least Chipmunk. I think these small animals are cute no matter what they are doing.
Three Least Chipmunks playing on a branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Very soon after I took images of the single Least Chipmunk two other chipmunks joined the first one on the branch. I was thrilled. Up until two days ago the most Least Chipmunks I had captured in a single image was two. And now I can say that I did that with three.
I did wonder why the one chipmunk was sniffing the bottom of the other one. Maybe they think they are tiny, striped dogs. I had a cat once that acted more like a dog than a cat. Shakey the cat even walked well on a leash.
Two Least Chipmunks muzzle to muzzle – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Back to the chipmunk family…
I took 617 images of the Least Chipmunk family and had a hard time deciding which of those images I should share. So I picked serious, funny and other photos that made me laugh or go “Aww” when I viewed them at home.
Cuddling Least Chipmunks – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1600, ISO 800, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I “aww’d” in the field when I saw these two Least Chipmunks cuddling on the branch as I photographed them.
Two Least Chipmunks on a branch – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1600, ISO 800, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The chipmunk on the left had its cheek pouches full of something in the previous photo and this image shows it nibbling on something that it may have retrieved from its pouches. I never did see what it was eating though.
Least Chipmunk family – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1600, ISO 800, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the third chipmunk reappeared they all posed for a family picture. Of course one of them had to close their eyes.
Least Chipmunk in a goofy pose – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1600, ISO 800, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
One of the chipmunks had to get into a funny pose while I photographed them too. Maybe to was playing possum or decided it really wanted me to get a butt shot. It seemed to have accomplished both.
Least Chipmunk grooming – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Two of the chipmunks scurried to the top of the serviceberry bush to eat while the third one stuck around to groom itself.
Least Chipmunk contortions – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The third chipmunk showed me and now the world what a contortionist it could be. I laughed out loud as I photographed this chipmunk in this pose.
Note: Do not attempt this move at home. You could end up in the ER or spend months going to a chiropractor.
Least Chipmunk grabbing a ripe serviceberry – Nikon D500, f9, 1/800, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I also photographed the Least Chipmunk family grabbing and eating the ripening serviceberries higher in the shrub. They are fun to watch whether they are eating, playing, muzzle to muzzle or grooming their striped fur.
Least Chipmunk chowing down on a berry – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Observing this chipmunk family delighted me and it was a joy to photograph them.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Least Chipmunk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Good golly Miss Molly…those are great shots! Old and young alike are going to love these pics. Thanks Mia.
The Contortion one made me laugh out loud! Also their tails are long. What a delightful time you had photographing these little ones. Wish I had been there!
These photos are all adorable showing their antics.
A.B.S.O.L.U.T.E.L.Y delightful.
Delightful photos! 😊
Wow! What a series of photos of the Least Chipmunk family. They are wonderful.