“A Garden Visitor”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
When we first moved to our home we used to see brown rabbits all the time. At that time there were several undeveloped lots around us, but gradually homes were built on them as well as on nearby wooded areas, and the rabbits stopped showing up. It has been years since we have had any of these little brown visitors, but the other day while looking out the kitchen window, my hubby called to me, “Come here! Quick!”
There, at the base of one of our bird feeders was a small brown rabbit. He stayed around for a time and then hopped away. We don’t know where he came from or where he went. The next door neighbors have let an area grow up with a lot of vegetation, but that is an island in the middle of well-kept lawns and gardens, but maybe it is enough for a rabbit to find sanctuary.
I haven’t seen any evidence of rabbit destruction of my plants, though I never saw any before when we had two or three rabbits around. Maybe I don’t grow plants rabbits find tasty. It is nice to see some wildlife returning to this area. We have a ton of birds visiting our feeders and bird baths. Occasionally, we see a raccoon or possum, and earlier this spring a deer came through, which was a first for the neighborhood. I sure hope this doesn’t mean that development has forced these animals to move from the woods to our subdivisions. While I do enjoy seeing these creatures, and dear hubby loves taking their pictures, I also want them to have a natural habitat to live in, the way nature intended.
Always Growing 
Judy said,
July 25, 2009 at 5:13 pm
What an adorable rabbit! It is a shame that so many animals are now being displaced by development. I live in a suburb and never see any wildlife except for some birds and squirrels. Sure wish we would have an occasional wild visitor every now and then.
Bobbie said,
July 25, 2009 at 5:15 pm
He’s a cutie, but watch out he doesn’t eat your plants. We have had rabbits come around and often they seem to have the munchies.
Jackie (Ellie Mae's Cottage) said,
July 25, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Cute pictures! We’ve got tons of rabbits on our property this year but they don’t seem to be touching our veggies. -Jackie
Jake said,
July 26, 2009 at 12:28 am
I haven’t had Rabbit trouble here in Florida. I Kentucky the only plant they would eat was my ‘Black Magic’ Elephant Ear. Nice up close picture.
Jake
Jan said,
July 31, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Thanks for the photo feedback, Jake. Dear hubby took those photos, and he’ll appreciate your comment.
autumnbelle said,
July 26, 2009 at 12:54 am
It is really wonderful to see rabbits roaming freely around your garden. It is very sad to see them in cages in pet shops. What’s the use of buying them as pets or gifts if the owners cannot take care of them well or doesn’t love them. I’m so happy to see your post today!
Jan said,
July 31, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Thanks. I, too, like to see the occasional wildlife hanging around. Since I have put in the gardens, we are seeing a lot more creatures – turtles, frogs, lizards. Loss of habitat because of development means we need to make our property more animal friendly.
Janet said,
July 26, 2009 at 7:22 am
You are most kind in regard to the bunnies. I want them somewhere else…they eat a lot of my plants.
Jan said,
July 31, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Janet, I guess they don’t like my plants since I have never had any problems. We never had that many even years ago. Just one or two would be occasionally seen.
Sweet Bay said,
August 3, 2009 at 8:52 am
It is wonderful having wildlife in the garden.
Jan said,
August 3, 2009 at 6:26 pm
I love seeing the different small animals show up. Breaks up the monotony.