Listen here:
The Mojave desert is home to many unique animals – and there’s no doubt its a unique thrill to spot one of the rarer species that we are famous for. I’ve yet to see a bighorn sheep, tortoise or bobcat in the wild but I know they are out there, blending in to the landscape just out of sight. I keep looking though, on every hike or drive.
On this field report, I’m taking a look at a much more common desert dweller – who sits right between the diminutive kangaroo rat and the iconic black-tailed jackrabbit.
I’m talking about the desert cottontail, also known as Audubon’s cottontail. However – I usually just refer to them as bunnies.
(Natural sound of bunnies crunching discarded bird seed)
Story continues past bunny gallery…
Your listening to three desert cottontails munching on fallen bird seed in my backyard – that’s as close as I could get to gathering sounds of these commonly sighted but rarely heard animals.
Cottontail bunnies primarily feed on grass, weeds and shrubs. You may see evidence of their tiny teeth gnawing on the low branches of a creosote bush. The bunnies are around and active all year, but in hotter months they spend most of the days in shallow burrows underground. Mild spring and fall weather make them more active in the daytime – but like most animals in the hi desert sunrise and sunset are the best time to see active animals.
Cottontails’ breeding habits are.. Lets say famous for its frequency – which is why the bunny is numerous despite being prey for almost every predator in the park.
The desert cottontail is certainly popular with kids as they are undeniably cute – with their large expressive ears, slender sandy paws and a desert colored coat. If you live in the high desert, seeing them is probably commonplace at this point – but next time you spot one take a moment to appreciate the humble desert cottontail – a small but hearty survivor who has chosen a beautiful and challenging environment to try and thrive in.
Maybe the cottontail’s journey reflects some of the stories that have brought people like us to the majestic Mojave desert for generations.
