I can’t say that Rabbit #1 and I are good friends, but we’ve come to an understanding. He’ll stick around to let me photograph him as long as I don’t get too close. The distance, however, depends upon his mood. Last night, he was quite charitable and let me come within four feet. He ate daisies while my camera’s flash shocked the night but not him.
He’s thinner than he was in the winter and his coat is beautiful. That indicates he’s healthy and grooming himself well, probably to impress females. I haven’t seen any wayward cottontails in the area this year. They’d have to hop across five lanes of traffic or swim across the pond to make his acquaintance.
His territory extends from the Stillwater Grill to the Brighton Area Fire Station, rarely farther. Rabbit #2 lives beyond his northern boundary. I assume both are males, but they might both be females. There haven’t been any offspring in their territories for the past two years. Chances are 50-50 you’ll see one or both of them grazing in the lawn if you walk the millpond trail at twilight. The larger images in this animation can be seen using these links: Daisy on Stem and Daisy Munching.
He is beautiful. I want to reach out and pet him. Nice of daisies to grow the right height! I have a feeling that you have learned to “creep” instead of walking normally to get these great shots.
Barb, you’re actually correct. I walk very slowly and don’t scuff my soles against the ground. Most of the park wildlife are fairly used to humans so, if you approach them slowly and don’t exhibit any aggressive actions (fast movements toward them or loud noises), they are tolerant. That wouldn’t be as true in wilder places. I know the ducks recognize me because they sometimes waddle quite a distance to come over to me. I don’t have any indication the rabbits have that skill. “Hare brained” seems to run true from what I’ve witnessed.
[...] of animal tracks in the beautiful snow. I was happy to see the shoreline tracks above. They are in Rabbit #1′s territory and I haven’t seen him in several weeks. It’s good to know he got out to enjoy the [...]