A chipmunk crossed my path today, quick and precise, as if it had somewhere important to be. The little fellow paused at the edge of the porch, cheeks already bulging with the spoils of early September. Seeds, maybe acorns, some small cache of treasure tucked away for the coming cold. He sat upright like a tiny sentinel, whiskers twitching, tail flicking in rhythm with the breeze.

The air has just started to carry the faintest hints of autumn – not quite crisp, but leaning in that direction. The trees are still green, though you can sense they’re gathering themselves for the slow cascade of color to come. Watching the chipmunk felt like seeing the season in miniature: urgency without panic, preparation without fuss.

He studied me for the briefest moment, eyes bright and unblinking, then darted back under the hedge, gone as quickly as he appeared. Just a heartbeat-long reminder that even the smallest neighbors are busy setting their houses in order.

I’ll take it as a gentle nudge to do the same.

#chipmunk #roanokeva #backyardzoo #autumniscoming