Surely my most unexpected observation of this year was made last evening when a Chipmunk crashed an outdoor dinner party.
When I was a child, I would often see chipmunks at the valley bottom around the Lake. However, for years now, I have only seen them higher in the mountains. I don’t know what is going on, but maybe the high elevations are their normal home and they only expand their altitude range during a temporary population explosion. Have there been more chipmunks seen this year?
During supper on the deck, an unexpected guest arrived: a Yellow-pine Chipmunk.
Wanting to be hospitable, we offered it popcorn, which it ate with enthusiasm.
It then availed itself of the water bowl set out for a canine visitor.
Maybe it is time to make some more popcorn.
This series of photos definitely brought a smile to my face.