Yesterday morning, I took my lifer Swamp Rabbit photos at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge after my dear friend Steve Creek pointed the rabbit out to me.
Steve knows these rabbits well, and it’s terrific to have a friend who shares so much knowledge with me about the animals I am seeing while I visit with him and his wonder dog, Rosie.
Swamp Rabbit at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Nikon D500, f8, 1/80, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
These Swamp Rabbits are big, especially when I compare my memories of Florida Marsh Rabbits to this creature. I did a bit of research on this cottontail species and found out that they are the largest cottontail species in North America.
And they don’t mind taking a swim at all.
Swamp Rabbit close up – Nikon D500, f8, 1/125, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
They will even take to the water to escape predators.
The Swamp Rabbit I photographed at Sequoyah NWR was calmly eating its breakfast in a parking area not far from the dirt road at the refuge.
Swamp Rabbit portrait – Nikon D500, f8, 1/200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This rabbit also has a distinctive notch on the top of its left ear. I’ll be able to tell if I am able to photograph this individual cottontail again.
I’m sharing this as a second post today because I have many more wonderful bird photos taken here in Arkansas and Oklahoma yet to write about. I am trying to stay caught up! I don’t want to miss the opportunity to share the non-bird photos I have been taking here on my site.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Swamp Rabbit photos plus facts and information about this species.
Yup they are sweet. Cotton tails in Wyo are smaller, with a little less hair I think. Thanks for the pictures.
Such an attractive bun! Thanks for introducing me to a new-to-me species!
I really like the last image. They seem chunkier and shorter ears than the cottontails in Utah.
That is quite a notch in its ear. A narrow escape?
The Swamp Rabbit Portrait is wonderful and so full of character!