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Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Chipmunk Flash

I've been experimenting with the flash on my camera. I don't usually use it, but it gets dark in the forest, and I'm getting tired of my pictures coming out rotten. The only problem is that the flash makes the pictures look dark. I always thought it would light them up.

I came upon this chipmunk in a place I've seen them before, but I had already had a good day of finding animals, and I wasn't expecting anything more. As soon as I pointed the camera at this little critter it ran away. I thought it was gone forever, but I soon realized that it had not gone far.

I began taking pictures, but the darkness made them all come out as a bad motion blur. I hoped I'd get maybe one or two good ones. But as the chipmunk seemed to be going nowhere, I decided to try my flash. I was sure that would chase it away. But then, Flash! the chipmunk stayed petrified in that very same spot.

I eventually left this little fella where he was. I've been trying to do that more often, leave them before they leave me. I used to stand there and take pictures until the animal would finally flee in terror or boredom. But now I try to move away first. I find it to be more polite.

But I'm always happy to see a chipmunk. They're such curious little creatures. when they run away, they always come right back for a look at their assailant. And when they're startled, they can let out a piercing scream that can scare you out of your boots! And those stripes they have are especially fun for some reason or another.

And that's what I think of chipmunks, camera flashes, and not much else this time. I would have included a blog tip this time, but I'm still trying to think of a good one that everyone can use. I'll have one soon, and you'll all gasp in wonderment at its simple genius. But for now it's just time to think about chipmunks.


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14 comments:

  1. I love the idea that you are polite to the animals. Hope they appreciate it. :-)

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  2. I have one squirrel inviting me this morning; it seemed like talking to me atop a tree, but I was too tired to talk back during my hike,and even for a stop when my heart was pumping very fast.

    But it was still a very interesting meet.

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  3. I have seen chipmunks while on a deer stand hunting and they are so cute! Maybe one day I will get a chance to take a picture of one like you! Very nice Ratty! I also posted your Two Fawns That Walked Up On You last week on my blog the other day. You really got a great video on them. So happy to share that on my blog. You take care and have a great day my friend.
    ~Marian

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  4. I know what you mean about flash pics. Sometimes there just isn't quite enough light and the pictures don't come out good. But then they have red eyes or shiny eyes but sometimes I get lucky with deer or foxes in the evenings. The flash never seems to bother them.

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  5. I rarely use my flash either but sometimes you just have to do it.

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  6. Honestly, it's my first time to hear anout chipmunks...a learning point for me...

    as for your blogger tip, am looking forward to it.

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  7. Thank you all for your comments. Very much appreciated.

    @WebbieLady
    I'll try to do some more blogger tips as soon as I think of a good one.

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  8. I love chipmunks. I especially like them when they have their little cheeks full of treasures to bring home. :)

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  9. I have never seen a chipmunk - they aren't around where I live. :-(

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  10. Why is the name chipmunk by the way? seems so strange to me as a name...or i can't just get over it after learning this word and creature at the same time?

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  11. @WebbieLady
    The name chipmunk comes from the native American word "jidmoonh", which means red squirrel. Europeans that came to America mispronounced it as chipmunk.

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  12. I don't use the flash on my camera either, it seemed to wash out everything for me.

    I'll however, remember your "petrified" trick to keep the critter on the spot :-)

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  13. The chipmunk looks a little bit strange with the white eye....but the flash makes a big difference.

    You are so kind to the animals, Ratty. I think they must sense that.

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