We discovered a few months ago that we have a number of rabbits living with us. Well, in the yard. We had left about half an acre unmowed, and let the wildflowers take it over. Isn't it interesting (and very telling) that the land doesn't seem to forget being a prairie? And how quickly it reverts to that condition when we stop interfering?
Anyway, apparently the wildflowers weren't the only ones who moved in. We saw a few rabbits, then baby rabbits. We now also see more hawks and owls patrolling the yard (go figure); but the rabbits seem to find plenty of safe hiding places. And, for all I know, the rabbits could be fattening up the field mice to appease the raptors.
I don't know if I can describe the sheer joy I feel, realizing that they seem to feel safe here.... The one in the photo sat, munching on grasses and flowers, for a good 20 minutes. I had watched him/her for quite a while, THEN thought to go in the house to get my camera; switched out the lens, cleaned the lens, then went back outside -- noting that subject is still in roughly the same place. I snapped all the photos I wanted while he (I'm just going to pick a gender) went about his dining, half-hopped here and there, and all in all didn't seem too concerned with me.
Life is pretty good. Even though they're still afraid of the motorcycle. But that's another tale....
