An activity that has brought me immense joy these past few years is watching the wildlife in my backyard.  There are rabbits, squirrels, many birds, and the occasional raccoon or possum.  I set up an area of bird baths I call the "Community Center" to create a respite and sanctuary for all the animals passing through.  Sean and I have taken so many photos of our animal friends, so I am still processing and organizing those to show you.

But today, I have an extraordinary treat to share!  I want you to meet Papa Smurf.  ✨🐰✨

Papa Smurf is the largest of a crew of (I'm assuming) former domestic bunnies turned wild, or the children of those bunnies.  I call this gang of bunnies "Magic Bunnies" mainly because they look so different, and it feels friggin' magical when you stumble upon one.  Usually, I have only seen these rabbits at the top of the hill in my neighborhood, and only in the evenings or at night (lending to their magic).  The rest of the crew include a tan bunny I named Chip (after my childhood guinea pig of the same color), a totally white one I call Ghost Bunny (because he spooked me one night running across the road and looked like a little ghost), and another white and grey one that hasn't shown enough personality to get a name yet.

Every time I have seen them for the last two years, I roll down the car window, tell them where my house is, and invite them to my yard.  They never show up, but I keep doing it because I am fine with a Snow White-ish existence in that way. (Except I'm NOT living with seven men, I don't care how little space they take up. 😜)

Imagine my delight when I saw Papa Smurf traipse through my yard after breakfast the other day!!  I pulled out the camera and snuck through my living room to get photos.  (Our living room has windowed doors that look out to the backyard.)  It looked like a Wildling bunny brought Papa Smurf to our yard and showed him around.  Sean was calling them "Jon Snow and Ygritte", but I'm obviously Team Papa Smurf.

Watching the animals, taking photos, learning the types of birds and calls, giving them names, and making up backstories, have all been an entertaining part of the every day lately.  It's been a way for me to connect to nature, use my imagination and creativity, and even honor my inner child.  I loved playing under the trees, making up stories about fairies and princesses, and talking to the animals. when I was a kid.

Please enjoy these photos of the leader of the Magic Bunnies!