If you have a bird feeder in your backyard, you’ve probably noticed chipmunks scurrying out to grab the seeds spilled onto the ground by birds.

Chipmunks, or ground squirrels as they’re sometimes called, are especially amusing to watch. Not only are they cute with their dark and light stripes on their backs, but they move around with the quickness and seeming randomness as the steel ball in a pinball machine.

Like their larger squirrel relatives, they like bird seed. But unlike most squirrels, they aren’t good climbers, so they can’t get to a raised bird feeder to steal from the sparrows.

If you enjoy watching chipmunks, why not scatter some food on the ground for them? It’s especially entertaining to watch them feed because, unlike other squirrels, they stuff their cheeks with food then run off to dine. A minute or two later, they’ll return for a refill.

Chipmunks like the same sort of seeds normally found in bird feeders, plus they’re fond of nuts, fruits and berries.

Chipmunks are a bit shy, so they prefer to have some brush, woods or other cover nearby.

If your backyard isn’t near a brushy or wooded area, you can make your chipmunks feel more at home by planting a couple of shrubs, or simply piling up a few rocks and tree branches. They’ll move right in.

You can learn more about chipmunks and other squirrels at http://www.backyardnature.net/squrrls.htm