watching mama

There is a new Mama in our neighborhood.  In fact, she is right in our own front yard.

One beautiful morning my mother, my children and I watched this new Mama for almost an hour.  She marched back and forth from the high grass to her burrow, preparing the nest for her littles.  Yes, I said high grass.  Right. in. my. front. yard. Ahem.

Mama rabbits usually run when they know humans are nearby.  But, this Mama had a job to do.  She looked us square in the eye as if to say I'm not leaving and Watch over my little ones.

She was even being eyed by another friendly creature who had taken shield behind the utility box.  Every time Mama wondered his way, he would duck underground.  Then he'd pop back up to observe her.  He was really too cute.  I wouldn't mind him too much if he wasn't tunneling under my house, my porch, my patio, and probably in my attic.  Sigh.

Over the next few nights, we've seen Mama return to feed and check in.  She's reliable, consistent and confident.

Now we wait anxiously for sight of those baby bunnies when they grow just a bit bigger and stronger.  Patiently, yet excitedly . . . we wait.