Chipmunk Love
Chipmunks have called this place home far longer than I have, creating ancient networks of tunnels weaving throughout the lawn, garden and rock walls. Entertaining themselves as I suspect tiny fearies might, they rearrange my garden every year just to delight in my perplexed expression. As I scratch my head with dismay, “Now I know I didn’t plant that bulb there,” they chuckle heartily with no remorse from under toad stools and ivy leaves.
While entertaining themselves, they entertain me too. For that, they get rewards of strawberries, pears and any fruit I can spare. As you can see, they are rather grateful for my delight in them, as much as I am for theirs in me.
What’s in your back yard?
11 Responses to Chipmunk Love
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Hmmm. I am not sure if my little memory is about squirrels or chipmunks, but the big "win" when we went camping when we were kids was getting a squirrel (chipmunk?) to trust us enough to take a cracker off our of knee. We NEVER succeeded. The only way we knew it was possible was because my grandpa pulled it off every year.
It didn't dawn on us that perhaps the reason he managed it and we didn't was because his game plan did not involve a "HEY SQUIRREL! Come HEEEEEERE LITTLE SQUIRREL!"
Surprisingly, Grandpa's approach was a bit more calm, a bit more methodical…
Shauna, You're so funny! I'm pretty sure my chipmunks and squirrels aren't responsive to "HEEEEEEEEER Squirrel" either. lol.
As for your grandfather's tactics, they've worked for me in the past. I had a squirrel named Mr. Peanut who would come to me for cashews and pistachios. (Who wouldn't?!) He came so often, he and my cat, Kringle, would play together.I'll do a post on this next, in honor of your grandfather.
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I found your blog via Fido and Wino & I am so glad I browsed through the R.o.a.R list because your blog is incredible and I enjoyed the pictures of your chipmunks! What a great photographer you are…you must have a professional camera. I had no idea that chipmunks enjoy eating oranges! How cute is that?
When i was a little girl i used to feed peanuts to chipmunks while staying at a cabin in Sunapee, nh, and it was the cutest thing to see those little critters come right up to me for a bite of a peanut.
i am adding you in my google reader & look forward to your posts!
Welcome, April! I'm so glad you came by too!
I didn't know chipmunks liked oranges either until I left some for the orioles. The oranges were devoured in a day, but not by the birds. As for the friends you made in NH, I have wonderful memories of something similar. You'll see in my next post.
Thanks so much for subscribing!
Oh, and yes. My camera is pretty spiffy. It's a Canon EOS D30 and it was a gift from my husband to the both of us – which I have since taken over. I must admit, one of our lenses is so long that it feels like an obscenity hanging around my neck. Shouldn't they make some kind of a shield for that kind of protrusion? Anyway, it allows for amazing shots without violating the space of my subject. I guess that makes it a wash. Lol.
What wonderful photos!
The dogs and I sit out in the backyard every morning watching the variety of birds and the ever present squirrels!
It's amazing what we can see in our own back yards when we pay attention. Today, a Robbin is chasing a persistent squirrel from her nesting area, the cats are watching our annual Phoebe feed her first hatchlings of the season, and the Swallows are about to move into the Purple Martin house. I don?t have to leave my living room windows to see any of it!
As you know, our "backyard" is a series of state parks and campgrounds. I love waking up in the morning to the woodsy sounds, including those of Alvin, Theodore, and Simon.
Thankfully, our real-life Alvins, Simons and Theodores don't sing like the cartoons.