Chipmunk Love

March 12, 2026

For the second time ever, I saw two chipmunks doin’ it this morning.

It’s a marvelous sight, and one that’s happening all over right now. According to the wonderful naturalist Mary Holland, chipmunks mate within a week of emerging from their long winter’s rest underground. Like furry striped crocuses, chipmunks have been spotted here for a couple of weeks, so it fits that I would see some engaging in carnal delight right now.

I first saw two chipmunks at it last year, when I was headed into the house. Keys in my hand, walking in from the car, I disturbed a vigourous amourous encounter taking place in the planter by the front door. When I arrived, the two lovebirds tumbled, still engaged, down from my single-flowering kerria bush to the patio stones. They continued on as if nothing had happened. I politely excused myself.

Today, I was having a shower when out the bathroom window I spotted two chippies on the edge of the compost bins.

Though it was pretty far away, the strange small beige creature with double bobbing heads caught my eye. Thanks to that wonderful human gift of pattern recognition, even at a distance, I recognized it from the year before — chipmunk lovin’! No sooner had I realized what I was seeing when — still very much in their passionate embrace — they rolled down the wooden wall and into the privacy of our warm decomposing kitchen scraps.

It takes all kinds.

What’s the life lesson in this? I’m not sure, though I bet there is one.

• Give full focus to the task at hand?
• Be so consumed by a joyful moment that it propels you into the future?
• When you’re relaxed and take a tumble, it’s much easier to pick yourself up and keep going… [Additional suggestions welcome :D ]

Whatever the lesson is, the joyful abandon and full presence of tiny little chipmunks heralding spring with their love and lust is one of my new favourite signs of spring. Godspeed little guys! Go forth and bring more wee chipmunks into the world!

Happy March folks. Hope your spring is sprinkled with curious and lovely surprises!