The Cute Factor

Being cute and friendly will get you a long way in life.

Just as the eastern chipmunk. We have plenty of these little chaps at Bondi. One has set up housekeeping underneath the chicken coop, and can frequently be found sharing their grain ration.

Chippy Chip hangs out at the Office. He waits for Carol to sit down (a relatively rare occurence!) and then makes his move. A few cheery "chip chips" and Carol goes back in the house, to return with his special "stash" of treats. Peanuts are high on the list. So are pine nuts... this is probably the most spoiled chipmunk in history...

Half the fun is watching the intense concentration with which the little chap packs those cheek pouches.

When not a single morsel more can be added, it's off through the garden to the den to store the bounty, before coming back for another little visit and chat.


Even the Canadian Hinterland Who's Who mentions that chipmunks are entertaining to humans... which is a coldly scientific way of acknowledging their charm and cute factor.

They do no harm to houses or crops, and they are a joy to have around. So, let us all raise a peanut to Chippy Chip and his clan.