Early one August morning, I spotted a tiny Eastern Cottontail Rabbit in the dew-covered grass of my Arkansas yard. Its soft, downy fur and cautious steps showed it was a very young rabbit. It had likely just left its nest.
A Common but Charming Visitor
The Eastern Cottontail is among the most familiar mammals in North America. They are often seen in lawns, fields, and woodland edges. Even though they are common, spotting one on a quiet morning feels special. This young rabbit moved slowly, pausing often to listen for predators. That careful behavior is typical for its species.
Signs of a Young Rabbit
Its small size, delicate features, and fine fur suggested it was only weeks old. Young cottontails often rely on stillness as camouflage. They freeze in place until they feel safe to move again. Seeing this in my own yard offered a rare glimpse into a rabbit’s early life.
In one of my photos, a tiny tick can be seen in the rabbit’s ear. I wished I could have removed it, but I knew better than to try. Wild rabbits are not used to being handled, and approaching them can cause stress or injury. Sometimes, the kindest thing is to simply observe.
The Joy of Backyard Wildlife Photography
One joy of living here is the abundance of backyard wildlife photography opportunities. From my deck, I have captured everything from songbirds to armadillos. On this morning, I photographed a young rabbit framed by fresh green grass and morning dew. Encounters like this prove beauty can be found close to home.
Takeaway: Whether common or rare, each wildlife sighting holds its own magic. Watching and photographing these moments deepens both understanding and appreciation of nature.