This is my deck...
It was early June this year when I finally convinced a chipmunk in our yard to take peanuts from my hand. We have had three chipmunk regulars, each distinguishable by looks and mannerisms. Chippy Half-a-Tail approaches from the front yard, and Timid Chippy peeks out between the slats of the fence and quickly runs back to the neighbour's yard behind us. Timid was caught in our garage overnight and was paralyzed with fear when I found it under an old paint sheet. No damage was done as there was plenty of bird seed there for food.
...and my picnic table...
Cheeky Chippy is sassy, demanding, ever so cute and knows well that I am wrapped around its little "finger". It has a burrow in the raspberry patch which opens again in another neighbour's yard under the fence. When I am outside, it appears with a bouncy step and confidence that it will be fed. If I don't pay attention, it will tickle my toes or appear at the arm of my chair looking for a treat.
My husband was talking to the neighbour across the fence and heard about a chipmunk who was disturbing the potted flowers of the missus, planting peanuts under her geraniums. Oh my! We were enabling the undesired behaviour. The peanut buffet was not replenished as frequently after that and the other two chipmunks disappeared.
...and my servant!
But Cheeky is incorrigible and I am unable to resist its chipmunk charms. My sister-in-law was sitting out on the deck with me earlier this month and thoroughly enjoyed hand feeding peanuts to our little pet. We have to leave the peanuts in the shell as it can fit far too many shelled nuts in its cheeks. It will not leave until it cannot fit another morsel in its mouth.
I know this is a wild animal who can bite and carry disease, but in spite of its rascally ways, Cheeky is gentle, mannerly and always leaves a smile on my face.
This is my deck...
...and my picnic table...
...and my servant!
I know some people see them only as pests, but how can you not love a face like that??? :c)
ReplyDeleteLook at those cute stuffed cheeks!! If a person does that, it's just gross, but a chipmunk - adorable!!
ReplyDeleteChipmunks certainly are irresistible, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteAround here, they gobble up all the sunflower seeds set out for birds.
Of course, they bury the seeds, as I find sprouting sunflowers everywhere.
They are cute. I think we have one living under our front porch. He's no Cheeky though.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little guy! And he's prettier than many of them.
ReplyDeleteIt's adorable, even if I don't support feeding them. Guess that's the Park Ranger in me. We have so many around here and are always reminding visitors NOT to feed the wildlife.
ReplyDeleteProblem in the SW is that some carry fleas that can have the plague.
A very apt name in more ways than one ... Cheeky ... he sure can pack those cheeks full!
ReplyDeleteI would fall in love with those little ones! Especially little Cheeky!!!! :-D
ReplyDeleteWe have chipmunks up at Hasty Book but not here at home. We all find them entertaining and funny.
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderfully cheeky creatures! Pun intended, of course, and overdone. But I can't help myself.
ReplyDeleteHe has left a smile on my face to....what a delightful little chap...he would be welcome here anytime......
ReplyDeleteHe reminds me of the pet chipmunk I had when we were kids. He was injured and very small when I found him.
ReplyDeleteLife is full of little risks ... it's the ones we don't know about that usually catch us by the tail!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable picture! Chipmunks are very cute. Over the years they have learned that befriending humans will get them more food. Judging the size of "Cheeky's" cheeks...he really likes you!
ReplyDeleteI know that it's not good thing to feed wildlife...but sometimes...you just have too :)