I have not seen a lot of chipmunks this year. The population of hawks and owls is increasing. They both have it on their menu. One place I usually hike a lot in chipmunks are more rare to see this year. It has owls, and at least three different kinds of hawks claiming it as their hunting ground. I think the squirrel and chipmunk populations were decimated over the winter.
This one I saw this spring at a different hiking location. It had less hawks and owl per acre. Oddly this one was in an area near a great horned owl’s nest. It may have been far enough away to stay out of trouble, but hopefully he has been on the lookout. I had to put up a shorter post in between thunderstorms. Continue to your weekend!
Sharon's Iconic Travel Photography Blog 
“Chippy” had better watch it, or become dinner!
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The ones around here seem to give themselves away to a predator. If they see a hawk or owl they make this noise. Makes it easy to pinpoint them. They keep making it until either it becomes dinner or someone else does.
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SOMEBODY…has to warn the others and makes the ultimate sacrifice for doing so—probably for all his or her relatives.
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Chipmunks are so cute. We only see them on one walk near our river. We have not done the walk lately and will have to go back to see how these little guys are doing. Have a good weekend Sharon. Allan
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Last year they were numerous here.This year they are noticeably down in numbers. I hope you find your local ones again. They are cute! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
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Nice shot!
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💕
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It will be interesting in 10 year’s time if some people’s fear about a changing climate and the extinction of birds and other animals comes to pass or as some claim, it’s a lot of noise about Nuthin’. But sadly then, it may be too late.
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I think some things can fall under one or the other. In the case of the chipmunk population going down in areas I hike, others have noticed and raised concern. The owls are spending more time on private land instead of public because there are more hawks infringing on their territory. The hawks are catching birds. I have seen them stalking feeders. I have never seen an owl catch a bird, but I know they do. Certain populations are going down in NY because the hawk and eagle populations are rising. I have heard people in the Adirondacks and other northern areas complain about the eagles getting loons and loon chicks. Some people think eagles only eat fish. They eat ducks, gulls, loons, other birds, small animals, etc.
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They are so adorable!
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I love them. A long time ago we tamed a bunch of them and then there were so many of them we had a difficult time walking. They would try and sit on our feet and beg for peanuts. they always wanted to sit on us and play. LOL It was a problem, with all of them underfoot.
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Love Chipmunks! We don’t have them in central FL.
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They are cute. Too many predators I’m sure. They would not have a chance.
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