The mild, wet spring along the Colorado Front Range has produced an abundance of crabapples on our Littleton farm. Consumed by a wide variety of birds and mammals, the tart fruit has also been used by humans to make jam, jelly, cider and, yes, wine.
Until yesterday, I was aware that cottontails often nibbled at fallen crabapples but did not know they were such a prized component of their diet. In the late afternoon, as thunderstorms loomed to the west, a dozen cottontails gathered beneath our largest crabapple tree, lounging in the shade and devouring the apples. Young bunnies pushed the fruit along, nibbling at the outer pulp while adults took in the entire apple, slowly munching on the globes like cattle chewing their cud.
I suspect that my enlightenment regarding cottontails and crabapples is purely a reflection of the fruit bonanza and the ever increasing number of rabbits on our property. I'm glad that the cottontails are enjoying the windfall but hope that the fox, hawks and owls recognize their opportunity as well!
Until yesterday, I was aware that cottontails often nibbled at fallen crabapples but did not know they were such a prized component of their diet. In the late afternoon, as thunderstorms loomed to the west, a dozen cottontails gathered beneath our largest crabapple tree, lounging in the shade and devouring the apples. Young bunnies pushed the fruit along, nibbling at the outer pulp while adults took in the entire apple, slowly munching on the globes like cattle chewing their cud.
I suspect that my enlightenment regarding cottontails and crabapples is purely a reflection of the fruit bonanza and the ever increasing number of rabbits on our property. I'm glad that the cottontails are enjoying the windfall but hope that the fox, hawks and owls recognize their opportunity as well!
