A Western Chipmunk Bryce Canyon National Park | Oct. 2002 |
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Particularly when Peek-a-Boo Loop passes through any forest, should a person sit down, a western chipmunk is a likely visitor.
The approach varies according to whether it's a "bottom" or "top" chipmunk. The ones at the top are accustomed to people; most folks stay at the top (and the viewpoints are all beautiful from there too). The top chipmunks approach as directly as a chipmunk can do.
The bottom chipmunks are another story. The approach is accomplished through many zig-zags: "Hey! do you notice me? are you safe?" There are brief intervals when the chipmunk stays still:
The next phase is the near approach. It can be imagined as a type of jig, as the chipmunk alternates between small steps closer and farther. Can anyone doubt that chipmunks possess binocular vision? There was also a second chipmunk at the time, but the second one was much shyer and kept out of direct sight.
Photography note: The photos were taken with a Pentax LX and the Voigtlander 125mm macro lens.
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Brycian trees | Bryce Point | Golden mantled ground squirrel