I had the chance to snap a couple pictures of rabbits tonight when I stopped at the rest area on the way to Patterson this evening.

I was trying to get close enough to the rabbit to get a good picture, but it just wouldn’t move into the sun so that I could get some good light. I do however like this picture as the rabbit is partially silhouetted. However, you can see the little cotton tail peeking out from behind.

Here is another view of the little rabbit. Still in the shadows 😦 You can barely make out the black tips on the big ears that show that this is a desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii). This species is also know as Audubon’s cottontail.

There are also several species of brush cottontails in the Central Valley of California, but they live near the rivers and streams. The rest area is up the slope from the valley floor and is great habitat for the desert cottontail.

Finally I was able to get a picture of a rabbit in the sun. I really like this picture as you can clearly see the cottontail. Doesn’t it just look like a ball of cotton :-). I really like the way that that sun is lighting up the fur of the rabbit and how it is shining through the big ears.

I also had to get a picture of this sign. Interstate 5 is designated as a Blue Star Memorial Highway which is a tribute to our Armed Forces. There are many plants and flowers at the rest area as well, and they might just find their way into future posts.

There are two rest areas across the Interstate from each other and I have been able to capture some nice pictures at both of them. I have already shared pictures from the rest area on the other side of the interstate. You can view them by clicking on Rest Area Nature Call or Golden Hills.

As the seasons change I am sure that I will be taking more pictures from or at the rest areas. You may also see some more nice sunset pictures again :-).

Steven