While sitting on my deck one quiet afternoon, I noticed a small movement near the edge of my garden. There, almost invisible against the green backdrop, sat an Eastern Cottontail. Since that day, this rabbit has returned daily to the same cozy hiding spot beneath a patch of tall grass, right in plain view, yet perfectly camouflaged.
How a Chance Garden Became a Wildlife Refuge
The grass wasn’t intentionally planted. It sprouted from seeds scattered beneath a nearby bird feeder. While I hadn’t planned for it to grow, nature had other ideas. The rabbit, making the most of the accidental cover, dug a shallow trench in the soil, likely to stay cool and out of sight from predators.
This quiet patch of garden has now become part of the rabbit’s daily routine.
Why Eastern Cottontails Choose These Spots
Eastern Cottontails are incredibly adaptive and are a common sight across Arkansas. They often favor transitional areas where open grassy spots meet dense cover. This makes backyards and gardens ideal places for them to rest and hide.
In addition, they rely heavily on staying motionless to avoid detection. I’ve seen this rabbit sit completely still for several minutes, confident in its natural camouflage beneath the grass.
Daily Wildlife Sightings from the Deck
It’s been fascinating to watch this cottontail return each day. Having a front-row seat from the deck has made me more aware of how even small, unintentional changes in the landscape can support local wildlife.
For example, the shade provided by tall grass and the soft soil of a shallow trench may seem insignificant, but for this rabbit, it’s a safe and reliable refuge. In fact, I believe this is the same rabbit featured in A Cottontail Rabbit Raids My Bird Feeder for the First Time. It seems to have made my yard part of its regular route.
Final Thoughts
This daily visitor has turned an ordinary corner of my yard into something special. It’s a reminder that when we allow nature a little room to grow wild, wildlife often finds a way to thrive right alongside us.