Chunky Chipmunks

When the chipmunks first came out of their long winter hibernation they were skinny and looked in poor condition.  From time to time we put out a little treat like this grape that was swiftly carried off.

Today I was surprised to see one of the chipmunks climbing the pole of the bird feeder (up to now I thought that they were content to just pick up the crumbs and seeds scattered by the birds).

The woodpecker and chipmunk didn't seem to take much notice of each other despite being quite close.

I soon saw what the chipmunk was after..

They are so light that they don't trigger the 'squirrel buster' part of the feeder and he was able to chomp away to his heart's content, as well as saving some for later..,

I watched him make three more trips to his hole and then back to the feeder to fill up.  Perhaps he is already preparing for his next hibernation.  He certainly doesn't look quite such a skinny little thing now, he looks more like his singing cartoon cousins!