Rabbits

[Carma Sue Henry]

Last year we had an a'bun'dance (sorry) of bunnies around and spent some time trying to learn the difference between the Eastern Cottontails and the native Brush Rabbits.  It seems like we might even have a few of the hybrids.  With the Bobcat in residence, this spring's population seems quite a bit lower; although they're starting to chase each other around so I suspect another rebound soon (oooh, I just can't help myself).  

I'm pretty certain that he pair pictured here are Brush rabbits.  They spent  Saturday's sunny afternoon (perfect light for good images) munching on bird food and fresh grass in between chases.

Yesterday I found a great YouTube site with quite good descriptions of all of the NAmer rabbit spp..  The EC's and Brush are about mid way through.  Pretty interesting.

https://youtu.be/QwRppSHm_bI?si=KRkYN_VsGnJSry-t

With a better understanding how to tell the difference I feel pretty confident in the id..  They're definitely smaller, darker and more compact.  Their ears are nearly naked inside.  The tails, as you can see in a couple of the photos, are much less conspicuous and quite grey underneath.  

The last pic is one Steve took Weds evening of what we think is one of the E. Cottontails.  We see plenty of both - and possibly the hybrids?  Things should really get hoppin' with the warmer weather.  

I can't promise that will be the last of the puns.  My mother, who majored in Greek and Latin in college, claimed the title 'paranomasiac'.  I'm afraid as I get older I also enjoy it more.

Carma

Logsdon Ridge

[Elizabeth Dickey]

We have been enjoying the rabbits at Jackson Frazier Wetland.

Elizabeth

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