Tuesday 17 January 2023

Labbit is on the hop!

First, we have weather warnings. The critters have adjusted to the snow. At first they were quiet, but they are getting hungry and having to go further afield for food. We may get freezing rain, we shall see. 

 

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I think Labbit is an Eastern Cottontail.  She has been popping up all over the place at dusk and in the dark. Since we restrict the cats, and now they don't go out after a brief morning run, I'm not too worried about them getting her. This is from last year.


I have summer images, and they are much easier to photograph when not on the bright, white snow! I nearly ran over this one using the lawn tractor in 2017. I had to bring her to the house and snap a photo!

June, 2012

Caitlin took a photo of its burrow entrance just under the lower deck. Fred Groundhog thoughtfully dug it out for a hidey spot, but moved on. Labbit had to dig out after the snow.


The fawn eats the lilac bush shoots, just like Labbit, who pops out from under the deck to nibble! Both leave their little pellets behind!

 

deer munches lilac stems from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Caitlin gave me a great little book for Christmas, Scat Finder (1981, revised 2022)! It reminds me of the days when I would say to the girls, "Want to go outside and see deer poop?" 

"Sure, Gramma!" and out we'd go! Both critter species poop where ever they are, deer mostly on the deer paths!

It's a great little book (15 cm x 10 cm), which explains what to look for, where to look for it, and how to identify the critter who has passed this way. You can see that the rabbit scat is similar to the deer scat, but rounder! 



The fawn looked more curious than concerned. Richard Deer barely gave her a glance!

 

deer & Labbit from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.


Labbit comes out and around to the front. There were rabbit tracks on the driveway. I ran indoors to look it up on the Crumby Acres camera.

I had her on the Crumbly Acres camera. It took me awhile to realize there was no point in looking for her as she went out to the front yard lilacs. She is difficult to see without the reflection from her eyes! I got her hopping on her way back to the backyard. 

  

bunny from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Happy trails to you and yours. 

11 comments:

Tom said...

...the weather has been strange this year.

William Kendall said...

Wascally wabbit, as Mr. Fudd would say.

RedPat said...

Bunny has found a nice place to live.

Elephant's Child said...

That sounds like a wonderful book to receive as a gift.Unusual, but so very useful.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

The poop book would have been popular with my kids and grands and when the little greats are a bit older it would make a good present from us! I'll remember it!! Our boys raised rabbits for years and their pellets make really good garden fertilizer (low nitrogen content, doesn't burn like chicken). Not sure about deer ;>).

Rain said...

I would love to go out and see deer poop with you Jenn! ♥

Jeanie said...

I'm glad Labbit has a warm(er) spot to go. Love the baby bun photo. It's cold in your world!

Red said...

The critters leave you good stories, Just think what it would be like if you had a keen sense of smell?

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

I hope Labbit stay warm and safe, it looks very cold there.
Cute critter photos. Take care, have a great day!

Patio Postcards said...

I did chuckle out loud about the scat book - oh the granddaughters know you so well. It took me a while to learn the difference between raccoon & skunk. Mr Man picked up a baby bunny once & was SO amazed to hear it scream. Glad your bunny is still safe.

Divers and Sundry said...

It sounds exciting to live in a place where you frequently encounter a variety of wildlife!