At the end of the season last year, Bennie Sr. was struck by a careless bicyclist and killed on his way to our home to collect seeds for his family. This little guy (or gal) is one of Bennie's offspring.
He somehow knows that his parent met an early demise by bicycle because when he leaves the den to come to our home for seeds, he takes the long way, over hill and dale, ducking and dodging the entire way!
You see him run up and over the hollow log, then partway up a broken tree to have an aerial view of the area. Back down the broken tree and along the edge of the fence, pausing at the end of the fence. Then he ducks behind the big tree trunk. As he comes out from behind the other side of the tree trunk he pauses again for a split second then he darts as fast as those four tiny legs can carry him over to the seed pile to stuff his cheeks so full they look like they're going to pop!!
Then back he darts!!! Past the tree trunk and along the edge of the fence. Down over the ground, up and over the hollow log pausing momentarily at the post and rail fence that divides the property from the state park land. Quickly he darts over to his den with his little tail straight up in the air. He's definitely on a reconnaissance mission, so he is Recon Bennie!
Seconds later he starts the entire trip over again. He carries this on throughout most of every day, all summer long as do the other families of chipmunks in the area. They all have their path or routine.
Last year we figured that in one or another Chipmunk Den there had to be at least 80 lbs of seeds stored away! There may be more! We buy a 40 lb. bag of seed/month and that's just the black oil sunflower seed!
These creatures are an absolute joy to watch and photograph! I love them, they're just adorable!
I hope you find him as adorable as I do and that he makes you smile.
Buy Artwork
Donna Kennedy is willing to sell this fantastic piece of art.
Recon Bennie
25.99 USD (5.50 USD S&H)
8.5 X 11 - Nature Wildlife Photography - Archival Matte Photography Paper
Digital SLR Photography
Please contact the artist directly to inquire about buying artwork or to make an offer to purchase artwork.
Sheer beauty. We share our wooded property with these tiny dwellers and love them very much. Your story is touching. I am very worried about wildlife killed on the road and advocate for their welfare for being our wild neighbours.
Your Nature portfolio is beautiful. Thank you for your kind comments on my equine photography.
Your Nature portfolio is beautiful. Thank you for your kind comments on my equine photography.