"Caught in the Cross-Hares" (Eastern Cottontail Rabbit) Nikon D300, 550mm (200-400mm w/1.4x teleconverter), F/5.6, 1/250s, ISO 640
It was good to see the rabbit out and about today!
With the Red Tailed Hawks ever-present these days, the rabbits have been (understandably) keeping themselves scarce.
This guy hung around the yard for most of the day while we hung out at the pool. Happily, I was able to capture quite a few interesting shots and this is my pick of the litter.
Hippity-hoppity!
Anyone who’s ever tried to photograph wild rabbits knows it ain’t easy. They are skittish creatures (to say the least) and when they are out and about, all they want to do is eat. Getting a shot where (a), the rabbit is looking at you, (b), the rabbit isn’t chomping on grass and (c), both ears are facing forward is quite rare.
“I’m All Ears” (Eastern Cottontail Rabbit) Nikon D300, 420mm (200-400mm w/1.4x teleconverter), F/6.3, 1/80s, -0.7EV, ISO 320, SB900 w/Gary Fong Lightsphere Cloud, -1.0EV
I actually had a little bit of help achieving this image from a rather unexpected source. As I watched and photographed this rabbit for some time (getting only the usual shots), an Eastern Grey Squirrel entered my frame and began chasing the rabbit.
‘Great…there go my chances today’.
Or, so I thought.
As the chase continued, the rabbit ended up closer to me and was also facing my direction! I zeroed in, gave a quick whistle to get the ears forward and boom! There’s the shot. Thanks much, Mr. Squirrel! 🙂
Today’s (very unexpected) photo comes courtesy of my cat Cleo. Yesterday, as I was working late in my office, I heard the familiar, low-toned ‘Mrrrrrooooow’ coming from the bottom of the front stairs.
“Damn” was my initial reaction. “What has she brought in now?”
And there she is, standing proud as can be over this sweet, little guy.
“Happy Birthday, Mom!“, she beamed. (How did she know….??)
“Cleo’s Gift” (Wild Cottontail Baby Bunny – approximately 1 week old) Nikon D300, 28-70mm, 70mm, F5, 1/100s, ISO 400
I am beyond relieved to find he is unharmed, but devastated as to how young he is, knowing full well that if I cannot find the nest, I cannot simply put him back outside. His welfare is now my responsibility.
No luck on locating the nest or the momma so I settle him into a snuggly, towel-lined box for the night, knowing in the morning I can get him into the safe and capable hands of the wonderful wildlife rehabilitors at Danvers Animal Hospital. They assure me he is just fine and that they will care for him and release him back into the wild when he is of age.
Surviving capture is more than enough to earn today’s photo spot!
Milkay Photography 
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