An Arkansas cottontail rabbit paused among the pine needles in my Lavaca yard. The quiet moment gave me a close look at one of my most familiar backyard visitors.
Arkansas Cottontail Rabbit Among the Pine Needles
The visitor was an Eastern Cottontail, a rabbit found in Arkansas fields, woods, and suburban areas. Its brown coat and upright ears blended well with the dry pine needles.
Cottontails stay active throughout the year. They often move during the quieter hours around dawn and dusk. I made this photograph at 8:05 a.m. on May 19, 2023.
May falls within their long breeding season, which runs from February through September. Females hide shallow ground nests in grass or other cover. They line those nests with fur.
That is why I walk through the yard before mowing. I have found rabbit nests here, and a quick check can help me avoid them. I also keep a small brush pile that offers extra cover.
At times, I watch two cottontails chase across the yard. On other mornings, one sits still and almost disappears against the ground.
Photographing a Backyard Rabbit in Morning Light
I photographed this rabbit in profile as it rested beside a pine cone. The cone and needles helped show the small scale of the scene.
I used a 500mm focal length to fill the frame while keeping a comfortable distance. I left room in front of the rabbit’s face and kept the background simple.
The morning light showed the texture in the coat without pulling attention from the rabbit. The dry needles also gave the frame warm, natural detail.
Camera details:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Aperture: f/8
- Shutter speed: 1/500 second
- ISO: 4000
- Focal length: 500mm
- Location: Lavaca, Arkansas
- Date and time: May 19, 2023, at 8:05 a.m.
I did not record the support method for this frame, so I have left that detail out.
Making Room for Cottontails Around My Yard
These rabbits bring plenty of quiet activity to my yard. Their visits remind me to slow down, check the grass, and notice what lives close to home.
Some visits are less quiet. One rabbit became especially bold around the seed in Eastern Cottontail Rabbit Raids My Bird Feeder Again.
This photograph stands out because the scene was so simple. A rabbit, a pine cone, and a bed of needles were enough to tell the story.