In my Arkansas backyard, I spotted an Eastern Cottontail rabbit perched on a rock, stretching toward a hanging bird feeder. Its large brown eyes were fixed on the tempting seeds inside, and its determination was unmistakable. Bird feeders are usually the territory of chickadees, cardinals, and the occasional squirrel, but this cottontail seems to have joined the ranks of feeder raiders.
A Backyard Encounter Worth Watching
Eastern Cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) are common throughout North America. They are primarily grazers, feeding on grass, clover, and other leafy plants. However, this visitor to my yard has shown me that they can be opportunistic eaters when a free meal is within reach.
I first wrote about this unusual behavior back in July in a post titled A Cottontail Rabbit Raids My Bird Feeder for the First Time. Since then, this determined rabbit has returned almost daily. Even if I move the feeder, it will still try to reach the birdseed.
From Squirrels to Rabbits: Feeder Raids Evolve
For years, squirrels have been my primary bird feeder troublemakers. They leap, climb, and chew their way to the seeds. Now, this rabbit has added a new challenge to my backyard feeding station. It cannot climb like a squirrel, but it compensates with creativity, using nearby rocks and its own balance to get closer to the food.
This shift from a squirrel-only problem to a squirrel-and-rabbit problem shows how adaptable wildlife can be. When food sources are predictable and reliable, animals often learn new tricks to get what they want.
Why Eastern Cottontails Don’t Usually Do This
It’s rare to see a rabbit raiding a bird feeder. Unlike squirrels, rabbits lack the agility to climb poles or hang from feeder perches. They usually stick to ground-level vegetation. That’s why this Eastern Cottontail’s behavior stands out, it has learned to use the environment, in this case, a large rock, to reach something that would normally be out of range.
Appreciating the Surprise Guests
Some people might view bird feeder raids as a nuisance. For me, this rabbit’s persistence has been more entertaining than bothersome. Watching it figure out the best way to get those seeds has added a playful twist to my daily backyard wildlife watching.
Backyard feeders often attract more than just birds. Whether it’s squirrels, raccoons, or in this case, an Eastern Cottontail rabbit, each uninvited guest tells its own story about survival, curiosity, and adaptation.