Bunnies, Critters, Village Life
Hoooo’s There?
Not everybody loves the owls that were here recently. The song birds in particular have disappeared from the feeders, not wishing to make themselves targets for an owl’s meal. We do have a few squirrels still racing about in spite of the owls, including one youngster who was most annoyed at yesterday’s snowfall. Every few steps, as he traversed the trees that line our yard, he would stop and shake flakes from his paws, scolding that nasty white stuff that kept pelting into him all the while.
Stewart, who has grown from a cute baby bunny into a fine young rabbit, has also made himself scarce while the owls are about. Up until the appearance of the owls, I would see Stewart daily, usually exhanging greetings with him as he watched me from a spot amidst the rugosa roses and yarrow.
I only see him nowadays when he’s peering out from underneath the low-lying branches of a large blue spruce that gives him good cover and protection. I’m quite relieved to see that change in his behavior, as I had worried that he wouldn’t develop proper bunny caution. Stewart, however, being the wild creature that he is, has grown up, and turned into a very careful wild rabbit.
As much as I miss my companionable baby bunny, that’s as it should be.
04 Dec 2007 JAS
I’m relieved to hear this, as I too had feared Stewart was just a little too friendly for a wild bunny. Taking cover and seeking protection is wise and instinctual - thank goodness for Stewart.
A favor though - should any harm ever befall Stewart, I beg you please don’t blog about it…ever.
Kris, if anything happens to Stewart, I won’t blog about it. It would be too traumatic for you, the other readers who have come to love Stewart and his antics - and for me, also! I lost a very beloved shrew that lived underneath my back door stoop for many years to a red-tailed hawk a few years back. While it was part of the ‘normal’ cycle of life, it felt as if I’d witnessed a very beloved family pet’s sudden demise. That shrew had spent many a summer afternoon sitting on top of or next to my moccasin, companionably surveying the yard with me, and grumbling about the universe in general, the way shrews do. I still miss the little guy, as he was always bustling about inside our garage talking to himself and startling visitors with his presence. He left me with a lifelong appreciation of shrews, and I’m so grateful for the time I had enjoying his company!
Awww. I hope Stewart stays snuggly safe all winter long, owl visitors notwithstanding. =)