Thumper

It's another foggy morning in the southern Appalachians.  The grass is soaked from last night's rain.  The eight lawn chairs weren't scattered this time so I won't need to hunt for them.

Before the rain, I watched for hours as four young rabbits enjoyed the clover on the lawn.  The grass is high.  The rabbits are delighted. There have been more this past year than in previous years.  I suppose not using fertilizer or chemicals make this patch a yummy treat for them.

When I discovered the adult whom I call Thumper,  sprawled out close to my studio window, I couldn't have been happier.  Apparently, Thumper has claimed this yard exclusively. Squatter's rights. At least for a time.

And, it is a regular and daily treat to walk around the house and gardens to see who has been visiting.  I can't be sure whether the visitor the other night was a fox or a coyote.  It may have been the latter since they are often seen in the cove.  Scat is also hard to discern.  Claw marks are not and they can be found high up on the side of my deck as well as on the new steps.  Could it be someone was interested in the fresh humming bird nectar recently filled?

That suggests a bear, perhaps a small one.  Maybe I will put the trail camera out again.  I am like a child on Christmas morning, waiting to see the gift.  The camera tells part of the story.  But sometimes it feels like an intrusion and I am left to guess all that may have transpired.

It is truly magic time!