More Bunny Indignity

Are these goldfinches feasting at the Rowe Sanctuary a sign of the storm to come?

Oh dear, Kearney is officially under a winter storm warning and currently rain is shifting to snow. Tonight at the banquet at the Rivers and Wildlife Festival it was announced that the prairie chicken blind trip tomorrow morning is cancelled, since the chickens will not be "workin' the lek" (mating) due to the impending snow. The crane blind trip is still a go since the cranes landed on the river tonight to roost and when they wake up in the morning, they can't really "sleep in" on the water so that experience should still be magical and worthwhile. Wussy prairie chickens. I wonder if Cinnamon and I will be able to make the 18 miles from my hotel to my booth at Rowe Sanctuary tomorrow?

Speaking of Cinnamon, when I take her outside, you can tell she is not sure what to make of all the crane sounds. When I am carrying her from the car to the booth, she gets very tense and is trying to figure out the source of the sound, but just doesn't know what to make of it.

Cinnamon is earning her pay by being the model for testing out close focusing of binoculars at the Eagle Optics booth. I made her wear a harness and leash while at the festival because I realize that just because I enjoy the company of the bunny, doesn't mean all the vendors around me do.

She's certainly a hit and everyone loves her. Her leash is about sixteen feet long and during lulls in foot traffic, she will take a few moments to check out the other booths.

Here, Cinnamon is taking a visit to sculptor Gary Ginther's booth on the left to check out his pewter eagles and cranes. Gary's work can be seen around Kearney and he recently did a ten foot buffalo sculpture for Ted Turner. Cinnamon was also very interested in the wooden frames surrounding the photos of Mark Urwiller. At one point Cinnamon got a little tangled in her long leash and Mark was kind enough to lend a hand. He picked her up, which normally Cinnamon hates, but she was fairly relaxed in his arms and allowed him to pet her--she didn't thrash at all, she must really like him, either that or he is some sort of bunny whisperer on top of photographer.

True to form Cinnamon gives Mark a disapproval. He's now part of a very illustrious club. I think Cinnamon is enjoying the attention overall. She's been getting tons of treats and lots of head scratches. The only big problem she has is wearing the harness:

"I disapprove of this dignity robbing harness. I am a force of nature who cannot be tamed by some mere human."

Working the Booth in Nebraska

Today was fun. The drive from the hotel to Rowe Sanctuary to set up the Eagle Optics booth was beautiful. It was in the 40s and bright and sunny. The cranes were taking advantage of the thermals and soaring high in the sky and created what looked like crane tornadoes. Swarms of blackbirds were moving around the trees too, it's a regular bird rush hour. When you aren't in your car, sounds of spring are everywhere: cranes (of course), killdeer, bluebirds, western meadowlarks, blackbirds and geese, I feel so invigorated, especially since I got snow in Minneapolis and Madison this week.

The big excitement came today when an adult bald eagle took out one of the sandhill cranes right on the river in front of the viewing area at the sanctuary. The crane was probably injured to begin with, because a healthy sandhill is too much even for the most macho of eagles to take on. After the eagle finished off the crane, it started plucking the feathers. Something got its attention and it flew off. It wasn't gone ten minutes when a red-tailed hawk flew in and took advantage of the dead. It was pretty sweet.

Speaking of sweet, check out the shirts we are selling at Eagle Optics. The shrike was drawn by Julie Zickefoose. Even Cinnamon approves.

Birdchick and Cinnamon Rant

Here is Cinnamon atop her new Cottontail Cottage. At first she disapproved, but now I think she understands that with this new bunny hideout she can bring her disapproval to a whole new level.

Meanwhile, she has other problems on her plate. Mike Hendrickson sent a link warning us that we are not the only female birder and bunny act in the blogosphere. Somewhere In NJ Blog has started up and she's letting her bunny photos loose with a vengeance. You can already see in this link the bunnies are going for broke with hiney photos. I asked Cinnamon if she would like me to do the same for her, but she gave me here usual disapproving look and apparently butt shots are a little too exploitive for her taste--hopefully she hasn't noticed the photo in the previous post. I'm sure she would disapprove and accuse me of making her butt look big.

Something interesting, I've started to explore the world of bunny related blogs and I am surprised and a bit taken aback by the number of rabbit run blogs (here is an example) where the bunnies type in a sort of baby talk that almost resembles Buckwheat talk similar to the Eddie Murphy- Saturday Night Live routine. Cinnamon is not happy with this and would like everyone to know that rabbits are capable of proper grammar and speech and this move of rabbits blogging in baby talk must be a predator run conspiracy. Personally, I find this disturbing, and yet, I can't stop reading it.

Today I stopped into a bird store I don't typically patronize for some article research. I found a pet odor elimination product and as I was waiting in line to purchase it, a customer in front of me enquired on how to get rid of crows. I waited for the store employees to answer and they hesitated so I volunteered some information. Usually, I try to stay quiet in bird stores because I don't want to upstage the employees, but they weren't quick to answer and I've had lots of experience with crows and bird feeders. I started to point to some weight sensitive feeders and mentioned my luck in using those to keep crows out. However, this woman didn't want to just keep crows out of her feeder, she wanted to keep them out of her yard. For the record, there is no humanly way to keep crows out of her yard. She mentioned that she had a neighbor who throws bread out specifically for squirrels and all involved were upset the crows were coming for the bread and scaring the squirrels. Before I could stop myself I started chuckling, and noticed one of the guys behind the counter did too. It's not every day you hear someone upset about a bird taking food from squirrels!

The customer said that she wouldn't mind ten or twelve crows but she had over three hundred in her woods and she needed expert advice on what to do with them. I suggested that she learn to love crows, but that wasn't what she wanted to hear. Here were her other suggestions (in bold) and the answers to those suggestions (in regular type):

Fake owl or hawk: Those never work, first they just bring in crows who want to mob them and second, any self respecting bird figures out they are fake in about five hours or less. Fake owls and hawks are a waste of money as far as repellents go.

Feral cats running through the woods: I told her those are way more likely to keep the songbirds away than crows. This was unacceptable because she wanted to keep the other birds around and anyway, the neighbor that feeds the squirrels was working on taming the cats so they won't chase the birds.

Noise Makers: They might keep all the birds away for a little while, but eventually birds can get used to the sound.

Her Neighbor Chasing Them With A Broom: Will work at the time, but unless the neighbor will be out there all day long, is a temporary solution at best. However, this might provide endless amusement for others who live on the block.

Her Dog Out In The Woods: See Neighbor With Broom answer.

The Raptor Center Coming Over With Birds Of Prey To Chase The Crows Away: The Raptor Center will not come out for a crow problem. Although, you might find someone from the Minnesota Falconry Association to help with that, but alas they do not have a website or phone number and cannot be contacted easily.

A Non-lethal Gun: This was Non Birding Bill's favorite suggestion. What was she talking about, a nerf gun or super soaker? I'm not sure what this non-lethal gun is that she was speaking of.

At this point the conversation started going weird and in circles. The customer mentioned that something needed to be done about the crows scaring the cats and squirrels (that perplexed me and clued me in to "let her go" because earlier she had asked if cats would keep crows away). After the non-lethal gun suggestion I figured it best to wish her "good luck" and move along with my own purchase.

Cinnamon’s Disapproving Rampage

To the left is one of the many Katies of Eagle Optics helping a customer over the phone. Little does she know that as she is innocently giving oh so informative answers that Cinnamon is sneaking up behind her to give a stealthy disapproval. Katie was wise not to take this particular incident too personally since Cinnamon knows little to nothing about binoculars.

Katie was a huge help to me in my training. She sat across from me as I would answer the phones and as I would repeat what customers were telling me, she would help me find the right answers. She was fascinated by Cinnamon. At one point while I was on the phone I noticed that she stood up with a Kleenex and bent down towards Cinnamon. I guessed that Cinnamon had left a little poo pellet outside her litter box and Kate was going to try and clean it up. Then I heard Katie say, "Oh...oh, okay...ew." I instantly knew what happened, Cinnamon had eaten her poo pellets (or cecotropes), which is typical rabbit behavior. Here's an explanation from the House Rabbit Society:

Cecotropes are clustered, soft gel-like "bunches" of fecal matter, which are covered with a light mucous film and resemble a mulberry in shape and size. They are manufactured in the adult cecum through "hindgut fermentation," and contain high concentrations of proteins, B and K vitamins, fiber, ash (nitrogen-free extract) and unidentified "energy" elements, as well as the hindgut microbes. Cecotropes are an important part of a healthy rabbit diet and are usually eaten directly from the anus as they are produced.

Mike McDowell (pictured, right) tried everything in his power to be friendly and knowledgeable but Cinnamon was unimpressed, perhaps it was because he's been talking about snowy owls too much or that he never mentions rabbits. Whatever the reason, no one was safe from her today . Katie refused to acknowledge that she was getting disapproved of, but she was just in denial. There was no approval to be had this day. Katie felt that if she petted Cinnamon in her every free moment she could get some kind of approval, but it wasn't working. But take a close look at the photo below. I took this photo as Katie was petting her, I ask you, does that look like approval?

I think Cinnamon was pretty bitter about having to wear a harness and leash. She is pretty much of the attitude that she cannot be tamed...even though she is s domestic rabbit. Of course, having a golden eagle in the office (see previous post) didn't help matters either.

All in all it was a very educational visit for me, and some fun was involved, some of the Eagle Optics crew took me out for some karaoke and I must say we really rocked the bar. After I sang Xanadu--which is becoming my signature song-- a woman came up and said I did an awesome job and she was so glad I sang it. I don't know what disturbs Non Birding Bill more, the fact that I have a signature karaoke song or that the signature song is Xanadu.

Bunny Buttheadery

This morning as I was checking out of my hotel, Cinnamon decided that she was NOT going to deal with the leash today and preferred to wedge herself in the space between the wall and the bed. When I poked my head behind the bed, she grunted. Many people don't realize all the sounds a rabbit can make. When rabbits are fairly irritated and feeling territorial the will grunt like little piggies and it is the highest level of disapproval. Had I not been so irritated, I would have gotten a photo of it, but I needed to get moving.

I did eventually get Cinnamon out, but not without a few well chosen four letter words.

On our way down while playing the red-tail game we passed over a river and saw two pairs red-tails thermalizing on either side of the highway. I've never seen four red-tails hanging out like that except during migration. I have a feeling this was more along the lines of two pairs of birds arguing over territory. I wish I could have stayed and watch how it played out.

Another highlight was a big beautiful rough-legged hawk on the side of the highway. I haven't seen one since last fall--I haven't been spending much time up north either so that's the reason.

I'll be curious to see if I find any more on my way back. By the way, if you don't read Bill of the Birds Blog, check this link here about CGI Carolina Parakeets in the movie New World. Finally someone is using special effects for accuate birds. I'm so happy.

Bunny Mischief

Cinnamon is really feeling her Wheaties these days, fame has gone to her head. Connie Andrews of Bunny Blog has made Disapproving Rabbits her Website of the Week. It had never occurred to me to seek out rabbit themed blogs, I think I'm getting hooked on this one. Thanks Connie!

And now I leave you with Cinnamon's latest triumph:


"Hmmm, Mommy seems to be busy doing whatever it is she does. Perhaps now is my chance to finally get that baggy full of pecans in her backpack she thinks I'm not aware of. I approve of this plan."


"Aha! I almost have it, just a little more...almost...have...the...corner...of baggie..."

"Success!"

Bunny Indignity

I'll give you three guesses as to who is in my fancy shmancy ABA bag? I'll give you a hint: as I took the photo there were was some MAJOR disapproval emanating from said ABA bag.

If you guessed Cinnamon, you guessed correctly. It's a very breathable canvass bag and she is not in it for more than three minutes. Plus, I keep the zipper slightly ajar just to be safe.

None of the staff at the hotel who have been charmed by Cinnamon have told me that she can't come, but I feel the need to not draw attention to ourselves when we arrive. She fits just perfectly in there and it works for getting her from the car to the room. I was going to take a photo of her inside the bag, but when I opened it, she hopped out too fast for a photo. She was a little testy to say the least, her face kind looked like it did in the photo below. That's Defcon 4 when it comes to Bunny Disapproval. But some carrots tops and fresh litter in the litter box and all is forgiven for the moment.

We played the Red-tail Game on the way to Madison. It's inspired by a game Non Birding Bill has where you get points for each cow that is on your side of the car. If you pass a cemetery on your side of the car, then you lose all your points. Whoever has the most points at the end of the trip wins. In the Red-tail Game you get a point for every red-tailed hawk you spot on your side of the car, and five points for a bald eagle. If you see a turkey vulture on your side of the car you lose all your points. I had an early eagle crossing over into Wisconsin and felt sure I would win, but alas, all the red-tailed hawks were on Cinnamon's side of the car--perhaps the red-tails could sense something tasty on that side? Being winter, there just aren't too many turkey vultures up here so neither of us lost points. Finally tally: Birdchick 16 points, Cinnamon 18 points.

Bunny Rights

"I disapprove of Chet Baker!"

Hello, Sharon here, I escaped the research station for a momentary check of email and couldn't resist blogging. My email was full of complaints and memos from Cinnamon about "bunny rights" with a petition signed by Hazel and Kabuki that the blog is going to the dogs. I have to placate Cinnamon, but I think Julie is doing a fabulous job and I'm sorry I can't read it day to day.

Well, off to go back to the station before they notice I'm gone and not working and to look for that which cannot be named.

Go Julie!

Bunny Buttheadery

Cinnamon is not liking her medicine and his putting Non Birding Bill through the ringer. Today at work I was incredibly lonely forgetting how much I talk to her when it's just us in the store. When you talk to your pet you're not so crazy, but if the pet isn't there you are just plain talking to yourself.

Meanwhile, Cinnamon has taken to sitting under my computer desk at home, periodically nudging my foot. She knows this is not an appropriate bunny hiding spot, but I'm a little lenient right now feeling bad over her injury. So far she has left the wires alone but found my pile of birding periodicals that I'm currently using and storing under the desk for easy access quite fascinating and fun to chew on. If she's not careful I may reconsider my stand on wearing fur as a fashion accessory.

Non Birding Bill is getting no end of amusement saying, "Oh my, look at that dust bunny under your desk!" Har har, sad rabbit owner humor. I decided to move away some of the more important periodicals (what would be said if it were known a rabbit was chewing on a Wilson Bulletin?). However, bunny mischief still ensued as she found my ABA Membership Booklet and started thrashing it around and chewing it. Apparently, she disapproves of the ABA now. I think Cinnamon's plan is to be as much of a butthead at home in the hopes that we will take her back to the bird store. I argue that if she is well enough to hop around near the desk and chew my favorite reading materials than she is well enough to work, however NBB feels very strongly that we should follow the vet's instructions to the letter. Her cut is looking better, but she still looks weird missing a huge chunk of fur on her hind end.