Mistaken Identity
This rabbit was spotted grazing non-stop in Lewisville, North Carolina.
Mystery Rabbit
I was walking back to my truck after photographing “Mother Bluebird” (see Eating In), when I saw this rabbit just eating away. As I looked at the rabbit through my long lens, I was a bit stunned by those long and slightly round-tipped ears. They didn’t exactly fit my mental picture of a rabbit, which has shorter, more pointed ears.
At first, I thought it might be a jackrabbit, but then I saw this true jackrabbit. Or take a look at this photo of a jackrabbit. Or how about these photos of a jackrabbit? Now, those are some serious ears!
Then I thought that perhaps this is a type of hare because, technically, hares are not the same as rabbits. I found a page full of hare photos. Although they look more like this rabbit than the jackrabbit does, I don’t think it’s the same type of rabbit.
So I’m afraid that, for now, this rabbit will have to go unidentified — unless you can help out. If you know what type of rabbit this is, please leave a comment. I’m all ears! (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself!) CLICK to see a CLOSE-UP of this rabbit
Eating In
While scouting for flowers to photograph, I spotted this bluebird sitting at the entrance of an old birdhouse in Lewisville, North Carolina.
Mother Bluebird
Allow me to introduce you to “Mother Bluebird.” She was getting ready to feed her little peeps inside the weathered birdhouse, when she noticed a stranger about 40 feet away. She’s not very used to having visitors at the house. Most of the time, folks just keep on driving by in their big cars.
I could almost hear her thoughts as she eyed me intently. Her babies were hungry, but should she leave them unprotected while a stranger lurked nearby?
More than the other birds I’ve photographed in recent weeks — the redbird and the goldfinches — this bluebird appeared to be very unsettled by the nearness of a stranger. (For more on those previous encounters, read Just Curious and Farewell to the Finches.)
But then it occurred to me that maybe the bluebird’s jitteriness had more to do with the protective nature of a mother than with her particular species.
Taking a Chance
The ever-increasing cries of her hungry brood were more than Mother Bluebird could bear. “I’ll take a chance,” she thought. “I’ll fly away for food and return as quickly as possible.” In an instant, she was out of sight.
Nearby, sitting almost motionlessly with my camera aimed at the birdhouse, I waited for Mother Bluebird’s return.
To read more on the encounter with Mother Bluebird — and to see a few more photos — please continue to the NEXT SECTION. CLICK for more on Mother Bluebird
These Hearts
The flower, Dicentra spectabilis, is also known as a bleeding heart.
Some hearts are cold and closed — but these hearts are tender and free.
CLICK to see more bleeding hearts
The Gift of a Garden
Bees enjoy the variety of flowers in Robin McBride's garden in Lewisville, North Carolina. Robin also grows herbs and vegetables in her garden.
Serendipity
Yesterday, I listened to a podcast that struck me as being wonderfully well-timed, not only for today’s post, but also for Easter. The program, Speaking of Faith, is produced by American Public Radio, and hosted by Krista Tippett.
This week’s guest on Speaking of Faith was theologian and avid gardener, Vigen Guroian, who discussed what gardening has taught him about life and faith. Guroian has a beautiful way of describing his observations, and he has also written two books about gardening: The Fragrance of God and Inheriting Paradise. After hearing him on the podcast, I have a feeling these books would be splendid reads. You can listen to the intriguing interview with Vigen Guroian by visiting Restoring the Senses.
Entering the Garden
Now, on to the lovely garden of Robin McBride! If you missed the previous post in which I introduced Robin, you might want to check out A Gardener’s Delight before viewing today’s photos.
Following are just a few of the many flowers/plants growing in Robin’s garden: Forget-me-not, money plant, camellia, rosemary, daffodil, hellebore, spring star, pansy, azalea, mustard, lilac, woodland phlox, grape hyacinth and gardenia. And believe me, this is just a partial list!
Photo Gallery
Without further delay, you may now CLICK to enter the garden of Robin McBride! Enjoy the photos — and feel free to leave a comment.
