RABBITS KEEP WARM IN THEIR PRAIRIE DOWN

I was driving through the Midwest in December and I noticed a family of rabbits hopping through a field on the prairie. It was a cold day and the snow was blowing in the wind due to the quick action of their feet. One after another, the rabbits hopped down a path in the snow finally reaching what appeared to be a pile of logs gathered along the edge of the fence. One by one they disappeared under the woodpile...into their den is my guess.



Picture these rabbits in your mind's eye....they are gray, with long ears and white puffy tails. See them, they are round and plump...they bulge with down beneath their furry coat. They are well fed from the winter stores in their den. Midwest rabbits are smarter than those from other regions...they live real near corn fields...a wonderful year-around source of protein and sugar for the long winters rest! Wow, what industrious critters they are!

Now, imagine the papa, mama and adolescent rabbits in their den...huddled together, warm and cozy. Listening in, imagine you hear them chatting about the coming spring thaw, excitedly describing the time when they'll be romping thru the extensive corn fields, often down to the creek in search of fresh water and newly growing grass patches. They will be feeding on exposed corn cob kernels along the way. Dancing and hopping in hopeful glee, preparing for the coming warm, busy breeding season and the eventual arrival of little bodies of fir needing the care of all. Can you see them?

I love watching animals move about in their habitat....such visuals of animal behavior is very soothing to my soul. Join me in this "search for beauty in North America" and beyond.