Rhubarb boy disappeared about 8 days ago. Whenever I walked by the rhubarb patch, Rhubarb Boy would pop out and look at me. Now I didn't clean up my rhubarb patch because I didn't want to disturb him.
Bleeding Heart girl disappeared about 3 days ago. She was not in her usual place and I couldn't find her.
Tomato Boy was here yesterday but he was pretty antsy. He moved back and forth in the tomato patch and he had not done this before so I knew something was up. This morning I couldn't find Tomato Boy. I watered my tomatoes thoroughly but nobody went skittering down the row to get away from the water.
Now these little guys did no damage. Many of you were worried about this. The mother has probably taken them to another quiet place and hidden them. When they leave their mother they will probably move out of the area.
I have been trying to get pictures to show the size after 18 days but I did not get a good shot. What I did get was a good example of how they can find cover to hide from everybody else.
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| Young jack rabbit at 17 days old. |
I learned much by watching these characters. I had many misconceptions about how they behaved when they were young. The material you read varies wildly. I'm also quite sure that the behavior of each litter is somewhat different.
So I enjoyed my visitors and was finally able to cut my grass, clean the rhubarb patch and really soak the tomatoes.
well, we enjoyed getting reports on them. i hope they all grow up and have good healthy lives since you were so careful of them when they were young. :)
ReplyDeleteSad but stuff like this in the wild is prey for many others so survival is quite low.
DeleteAwww, what a cute picture, Red. I hope they are all happy wherever they went off to. I enjoyed hearing about them while they were around...
ReplyDeleteIt was great for me because I've seen them as adults all my life.
DeleteI enjoy how you named them, I have always had a different attitude when they eat me out of house and home.My kids had a few pets, but I like them best in a dill sauce.
ReplyDeleteWell I've eaten a few of these too when I was on the farm.
DeleteAt least you gave them a relatively safe place to start their lives.
ReplyDeleteYes it was safe from cats and dogs and little kids.
DeleteSo now out goes Plan B of the "H/K/L" enterprises! Now what???? Plan C comes into operation.
ReplyDeleteHere am I working myself into a frenzy for unlimited "loot", and what do I get tomatoes and rhubard patches.
Still the 4 "liverets" having seen your keen gardenership abilities, may come back and God only knows how many of these potential money making critters we may end up with. We may even be able to go into the export trade? The market in China is now wide open for exploitation. I see dollar signs all over the Canadian landscape courtesy of this enterprise.
The Canadian economy will be the envy of the World, and we can join the Bill Gates etc. of the universe.
First in Plan C - you plant more tomatoes and rhubard, add carrots and lettuce. We need fat and healthy young hares and rabbits are also welcome. The more, the merrier and the "loot" for us.
Secondly I will contact by diplomatic post the Chinese department of Food Imports for the exclusive licence.
Thirdly as your "over officious office occupiers" are stopping our Zoological enterprises we go into the export trade.
And now I shall sleep soundly tonight knowing that all is well in the World and we will be better off.
Cheers
Colin CEO of the "H/K/L" enterprises
Brisbane. Australia.
PS: Our shareholders must be over the moon with our new Plan C.
Thanks this really eases my mind. Hopefully the Chinese can come up with more money that Colin!!!!LOL
DeleteHere in queensland I've had a young echidna (spiny anteater) on and around my back verandah for two days. Wish I could show you a photo here. I'm hoping he has cleaned out any ant nets hidden around the garden there. I while ago I looked down into my paddock where there are some fruit trees and the little fellow was rustling around the mulch there, looking for more food. His defences are pretty good cause my labradoodle couldn't get anywhere near him.
ReplyDeleteEverybody's got some creature that tries to move in on territory. What's happened here is that we have moved into their territory so what can they do but join us.
DeleteI enjoyed this too, Red! They got a good start to their life with such a hospitable host! Bet your tomatoes were happy with the soaking!
ReplyDeleteYes the yard is very quiet and secure so nothing bothered them. Yes, now I can really pour it on my tomatoes.
DeleteIt was fun and interesting to hear about your jack rabbits, growing in your garden. Yes, they finally do reach the stage to depart, or maybe Momma just didn't like you watering her youngster, so she hid them elsewhere. I know what you are saying when you actually get to witness and share their growth - its like every rabbit family is different in upbringing their young - kinda like humans in a sense, eh No matter what you have read, its seems a different growing adventure in your own back yard,eh. I really enjoyed reading about your young babies and perhaps they are hiding where you have not found them yet? Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like this series. I didn't see it coming as a number of posts so it was fun to write about them. They were very uncooperative when it came to photos.
DeleteI know you will miss them. Your photo of the one hidng is so cute. But it is probably kind of nice to get things back in order, too.
ReplyDeleteThere will be more bunnies some other day so not to worry. Yes, I don't have to tread carefully anymore.
DeleteYour rabbits are so much nicer garden guests than the fawns here. There were 2 moms and 4 fawns drinking out of the birdbaths yesterday, including the one who had to stand in the ground birdbath to drink out of it. Sheesh.
ReplyDeleteWe get deer in the winter . we have had moose on occasion as well. Moose really like cities as there lots that's good to eat.
DeleteI enjoyed your visitors! It isn't often that a yard gets to be a nursery. You took care of them and shared with us so we got to enjoy with you.
ReplyDeleteFor all of this I say THANKS!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
It was fun and unexpected to write this. You must have jack rabbits where you live?
DeleteAww.. I bet you'll miss them a wee bit. So cute that you named them. Maybe they'll come back from time to time.. to visit the guy who watered them.
ReplyDeleteWell, the guy who watered them would rather not have them back as they help themselves to things that are good to eat.
Deletebut they stick around...right? you'll see their bunnies next!
ReplyDeleteYou never know. I think that they tend to spread out and move into a different area.
DeleteThey'll be baaaack!
ReplyDeleteWell, somebody will be back for sure.
DeleteAh, I guess the kids always leave home eventually! I enjoyed your stories about them. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, they've got to go sometime. These nurse for about three weeks.
DeleteAs Tabor has so eloquently pointed out!
ReplyDelete"They'll be baaaack!"
Plan C has to work, just plant more edibles - easy job and build a big hatch for the winter months. This will keep you out of mischief and it is good for your health and vigour.
I am wondering should I address my letter as
"dear Sir" or "dear Comrade". I think the latter will appeal more.
The opportunities are unlimited - the Canadian financial problems are overcome, the Chinese will have plenty of meat, and I/We will become RICH! A diplomatic enterprise of the highest order, courtesy of "moi". I shall in all modesty share the accolades with our shareholders.
Now back to the garden - pronto. Rhubarb,lettuce,tomatoes and carrots and anything else you can think of.
Mrs. Kline are you taking notes????
The "bunny enterprises" are about to take over.
Colin
CEO of the "H/K/L" International Rabbit Trade".
My grass is getting far too long and badly needs cutting. I couldn't borrow your rabbit family could I? Seems like a fine excuse to sit back and watch nature take its course.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel! Our critters keep moving on. Don't you think it is rather like our students. They all move on.
ReplyDeleteCheers from Cottage Country!
I enjoyed your Jack Rabbit adventures! They may send some of their relatives back..just give them time:)
ReplyDelete