May 27, 2026

I am an Eastern Cottontail

Take look at my fluffy white butt

You must be relieved

To get a reprieve

From Dee's nearly month-long bug rut.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: http://fs.usda.gov/database/feis/animals/mammal/syfl/all.html

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

August 25, 2024

I am a baby Eastern Cottontail

I'm about the size of a tennis ball

I am the most widespread of all bunnies but, 

When this young you might miss me, I'm so small.

Location: Pearson Park Dr, Oregon, O

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Sylvilagus_floridanus/

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

August 14, 2022

I am an Eastern Cottontail

My ears are bigger than the Marsh Rabbit's

My fur is softer, and my tail is white

And we have different hopping habits.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/rabbit/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 2, 2021

I am an Eastern Cottontail,

As Rabbits go, I'm bigger than the Marsh

I would say my white fluffy tail makes me cuter

But the Marsh rabbit might think that sounds harsh.  

Location: Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Palm Bay

Sources: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/rabbit/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 22, 2021

This is the poop of the Eastern Cottontail

In polite company - it isn't something we discuss

But if you're in the woods, and think this looks good, 

Trust me, it's NOT Cocoa Puffs!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/2020/09/29/animal-scat-and-poop/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 21, 2020

I am an Eastern Cottontail

The Marsh Rabbit is my closest relative

Their tails are dark on the underside

"My tail's white." is a fact, and is also declarative.

Location: Captain Forster's Hammock, Jungle Trail, Vero

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Sylvilagus_palustris/

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-declarative-sentences-with-examples#what-is-a-declarative-sentence

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 18, 2019

Location: Archbold Biological Station, Venus

I am an Eastern Cottontail
When we're feeling randy, my mate and I dance
And as a result, one month later,
Baby bunnies and the end of romance.

Sources: NH PBS Nature Works - Eastern Cottontail - Sylvilagus floridanus

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson