One spring afternoon, while tending to my yard in Lavaca, Arkansas, movement caught my eye. A young Eastern Cottontail darted from beneath my deck. The small rabbit sought shelter against a nearby pine tree, its fur blending perfectly with the bark’s rough texture.
Capturing the Moment
With careful steps, I slipped inside to grab my camera. Moments like these require quick yet deliberate action. The young rabbit stayed still, giving me a precious window to document this backyard wildlife encounter.
Behind the Lens
Working with my Fujifilm X-T3 and Canon telephoto lens proved ideal for this situation. The 400mm reach let me keep a respectful distance while still filling the frame with detail. Despite the challenges of shooting handheld, the lens’s image stabilization helped maintain sharpness.
Light and Shadow
The afternoon light created interesting challenges. Hidden in the pine’s shadow, our little subject tested the camera’s capabilities. I let the Fujifilm find its footing at ISO 1600, while f/8 gave me enough depth of field to keep the rabbit sharp against its natural backdrop.
Nature Close to Home
These chance meetings remind us that wildlife stories unfold daily in our own backyards. The young cottontail, likely from this season’s first litter, showed how suburban spaces can support local wildlife. The deck that sheltered it and the pine that camouflaged it highlight the importance of keeping natural elements in our yards. Through thoughtful landscaping and habitat preservation, we can create sanctuaries for our wild neighbors.
Finding Beauty in Everyday Moments
Sometimes the most memorable wildlife encounters happen during routine tasks. This young rabbit’s visit turned simple yard work into an opportunity to connect with nature. It shows us that we don’t need to venture far to find remarkable moments worth capturing.
Technical Notes
- Camera: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lens: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II with Fringer EF-FX Pro adapter
- Location: Lavaca, Arkansas
- Date and Time: April 30, 2021, 3:40 PM
- Settings: f/8, 1/300 sec, ISO 1600, focal length at 400mm
Looking back, this brief encounter stands as a perfect example of how wildlife photography often comes down to being ready when opportunity strikes. Moreover, it shows how our own backyards can become stages for nature’s endless stories.