Throughout the latter part of the summer and into September, we were visited nearly daily by our little chipmunk friend, Indy (so named for a funny little indent he has partway down his tail).
He thought nothing about hopping onto our feet, climbing our legs and looking either one of us in the eye in hopes that we would take pity on him and provide him with a peanut.
We almost always obliged.
Eventually, he would boldly stick his adorable nose into my closed hand, knowing that I was hiding a treat there.
He'd also climb Frank's shirt and dive into his pocket, in search of a peanut or two.
He had us both very well trained.
Every now and then a day or two would go by, when Indy wouldn't show up. Five or six other chipmunks were always around to keep us entertained but none of them were as bold as Indy. By day three or four, Indy would invariably show up and he'd make himself right at home on our laps.
One of his absences dragged out much longer than three days. In fact, it's been many weeks since we've seen him. Frank's theory is that one of the other chipmunks may have fought him and won his territory, and that he's moved on. I'm not so sure because none of them seemed to be all that aggressive, and all of them appeared to be eating in near-harmony on our deck. In any event, he's no longer coming by to add to what must be his enormous stash of peanuts.
And I miss the little brat.
Remind me not to name the next little charmer.
More photos coming up in a while.
56 comments:
He is a little beauty. I hope he is all right.
This is deja vu for me. The exact same thing happened to me... including the tail. The only difference is that you got better photos of the chipmunk.
I had NO idea they could be so friendly, extraordinary!
Amazing pictures, which depicts bonding with nature comes naturally for you. :)
When I was about 10 and living in mountains of Colorado I had a pet chipmunk that pretty much road around on my shoulder during the day when I was out and about. He disappeared in the fall...hibernating I guess...but I did not see him again.
These photos are wonderful! That little guy would have stolen my heart, too. I hope he's alright...it's hard not knowing, isn't it?
These are great shots, so clear too.
He really is so adorable. I hope he shows up again someday and you'll tell me about it! :-)
That's up close and personal. Let's hope Indy just went for a little vacation and then into hibernation to enjoy his stash of peanuts. Wonderful photos.
i know he's been missing for a while, but i'm so glad you did one whole post on him. these are the most adorable photos...
✿彡
Passei para admirar suas fotografias, muito, muito lindas!!!
Pena que o filhote de esquilo não apareceu... muito doce, cute, cute.
Bom fim de semana!
Beijinhos do Brasil.
✿♫° ·.
Oh. Mah. Goodness!!!!
The kids and I are dying over the cuteness. Tommy said, "So, it is basically their wild pet." Exactly! I can't believe that brave little thing. Love it.
And now I want a wild chipmunk pet too. :)
Fantastic pictures!
What a cutie! So much fun — unless he were to get into your house. Sorry he's not around any more.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Great shots... I know we're not supposed to be too friendly with wild animals, but they can be so charming...
What a cute little critter. While it's possible that something or another got him, it's also possible that he's fully stocked his larder for the winter with as many nuts as he'll need, and has gone into hibernation. You'll know if he shows up in the spring.
Trust someone who has the trust of animals....
Love your photos...and your love of the creatures of our beautiful Earth.
Hugs to you,
Jackie
Omgosh what sweetheart you're so lucky and hope he comes home soon. ♥
I love chipmunks! They are generally so skittish, I would have had peanuts for him also.
And I expect you will continue to name them.
I find it hard to believe he would move on when he had such well trained food suppliers. Maybe he found a mate and is snuggled in.
It is sad when they stop coming, but they are wild for a reason.
Yes, charmer indeed. I never knew they were so small or personable either. Thank you.
This was fantastic while it lasted. You have a beautiful story to tell.
I am sure that life isn't easy for the wild ones, but you made it easier while you could.
I've always thought that an encounter like yours with Indy was more far reaching than just animal/human fun. I like to think that he was there to give you a gift. Maybe the gift of just sitting still to enjoy him, or taking the time to be "in nature". Whatever his "duty" he must have done a good job of it because he touched your heart. What a joyous time spent. Fortunate you......
Brave little cutie! Enjoyed your pictures, Hilary! I am sure he is fine :)
I agree; he has both of you very well trained.
AHHHHH INDY
Please come back.
So stinking cute!!
Your's are memorable moments with a special critter whose trust grew on you both.
He is really cute. How they manage to stuff a whole peanut in that little mouth of theirs amazes me! Great pics.
What a lovely story and beautiful pictures to go with it. I hope he is all right.
Greetings from London.
We name a thing and it becomes part of us... maybe he's just curled up sleeping but if he's gone for good, you at least have photos and happy memories.
What a cutie. I'm not surprised that you miss him. I miss him and I don't even know him!
How did he come around so freely without Benny . . . dispatching him?
What a sweetie! LOVE this series!
Hopefully he is fine and just chowing down on his stash of nuts :)
What a cutie! I'm sure he's fine...just moving on like all of us do in life! Maybe he found a sweet honey and has a nest full of little brats of his own!
Aww, he's adorable.I hope he's just wintering elsewhere and will be back in the spring.
You and Frank have the most marvelous relationship with the critters in your area. I try; I really do. But the squirrels and rabbits and such near the city are a bit too wary, I guess. So, I live somewhat vicariously through your being climbed upon.
What a little cutie. I can see why you would miss him. Wonderful shots of the little guy to remember him by.
Beautiful photos. I hope he comes back. My daughter had a pet squirrel once that would do the same thing.
such wonderful photos of your little brat ;-)
Thanks for sharing your treasure!
ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= . <3 . >< } } (°>
Oh, what a charming and cheeky fellow. You must miss him!
By the looks of Indy's cheeks, he's living off stored fat! Great pics.
Indy's little pearl like eyes seeped into my heart too, warming it, and praying that you see him once again :)
How wonderful God is for making our world so beautiful :)
What a sweetie! The chipmunk feels very comfortable with you!
Oh my gosh! I AM IN LOVE! Do not name the little creature. Your heart could be broken for the effort... I am guessing there a flighty little heart carefully concealed in that brave exterior :). We miss those we name.
I should have said, do not name the NEXT little critter!
What a sweet little guy, and your photos of him are so beautiful! They bring out his personality and tell the story of your 'friendship' with him so clearly...makes me feel like I am right there with you!
oh how sweet are those photos .. i hope he returns
We did some hand feeding this Summer also. They do become your little friend. That was our name for one a couple Summer's ago. "Our little friend" He was also bold enough to jump on my lap. But no pocket play. Your photos are great! I had to send this to my husband.
Awwww....that makes me feel so sad.
Maybe he was just too friendly to the wrong human or critter.
I can see how Indy wormed himself into your hearts.
Priceless photos.
I hardly "see" squirrels as they are so common here they blend into the background for me, like bushes or trees or lawn furniture. So it's interesting to see from your eyes how much life and personality I'm missing in my own backyard! You really have the eye (and heart) to bring the natural world to me in a way I can finally notice it!
Hope the little fella is ok.
My heart is melting! What a cute, cute little doodle bug. When I was in Miss. last week I asked the lodge owner if they had chipmunks and they said they do, but darned if I saw any. :(
When we use to spend our summers in Minnesota we would be amused by all of their antics. I do remember the territorial wars. He may show up next spring and surprise you to see him. Your photos are so great.
Oh, he's adorable!!! I hope he's okay, just holed up somewhere enjoying his feast.
So cute! And that last picture is awesome!
Yes, you're both very well trained!
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