Lately, I’ve been spotting Eastern Cottontail Rabbits out in the open more often. They’re present year-round, but during winter, I usually catch only quick glimpses of them as they stay hidden in dense vegetation or under cover to avoid predators.
One rabbit has been appearing in the same area for several days now. It allows me to get fairly close, which is unusual for these typically skittish animals. I’ve also noticed another one frequenting the same spot, possibly indicating a shared feeding area or even the start of breeding season activity. Observing their behavior closely has been interesting, as they rely on their keen senses and speed to evade threats.

How I Got the Shot
I found this rabbit near my place in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. It stayed still long enough for me to get a clean shot, a rare opportunity given their usual quick movements. The lighting was soft and natural, making for a well-balanced exposure without harsh shadows.
I used a Canon EOS 7D Mark II with an EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, shooting handheld. This setup allowed me to remain mobile and quickly adjust my position without disturbing the rabbit. The lens’s image stabilization helped maintain sharpness even while handholding at the full focal length.
Camera Settings
- Mode: AV
- Aperture: f/5.6
- ISO: 640
- Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec
- Focal Length: 400mm
Final Thoughts
Capturing wildlife in their natural habitat requires patience and observation. Paying attention to their habits and movement patterns can help anticipate the right moment to take the shot. In this case, waiting quietly and keeping a low profile allowed me to photograph the rabbit without startling it away. I’ll continue to monitor this area to see if these rabbits remain active and if I can capture more images of their interactions.