While Chipmunks are common in the surrounding areas, I had never seen one in Central Park until today.  I had heard they had returned a few years ago, but never ran across one until today.  It was on the eastern slope of the Great Hill.

The condition of the park was mixed after the very early snow storm.  The trees still had leaves and the snow was very wet.  While some trees had fallen over, most of the damage seemed to be limited to broken branches.  The greatest damage was in the southern section of the park.

Update: 10/31/11 – I’ve received word that the damage is worse than I estimated from my walk in the north.

The park staff is going to be working very hard to clean up the damage and get ready for the New York City Marathon which is next Sunday.