I decided against titling this, A Hare Raising experience! lol.
This was the first time I have managed to see the mountain hares. The previous time I tried they must have been in hiding, but that’s the thing with wildlife; you can’t expect them to be on call! This time though I got very lucky (or do you make your own luck?).
Walking along the track and keeping my eyes out on the hillside for any white ‘spots’, there they were … three of them! I was spoilt.
Even though I could make them out, they were still a fair distance for decent photos. I watched them for a while and took many photos, then I started to creep up on them, keeping behind rocks as much as possible, and being slow and quiet. Obviously they knew I was there, but I thought I’d see how close I could get before they became a bit fidgety. I stayed watching for a while then left them alone and walked further up the track.
On my way back (after a flask of tea and a snack), I headed back down to the spot where the hares had been; and they were still there. So I thought I’d have another go to see if I could get some better photos. What happened next was fantastic! I had been watching from behind a rock again, but further along a guy was walking up the hill and spooked the hares. One of them ran to the right, then stopped; then it started to come downhill, straight toward me. I thought it’s bound to stop as it must know I’m here, but it kept coming. It ended up about twenty feet in front of me before it turned off and went back up the hill. Talk about excited!
So actually, I guess I could call this ‘A Hare Raising Experience!’
An unexpected bonus
When I was heading back down, before seeing the hares for a second time, I spotted something on the end of a rock. It wasn’t very close and it was only when I looked through my telephoto lens that I could see what it was. So, a hurried, distant photo before it quickly disappeared into the shrubs.
I believe this is a stoat, with a winter coat.
Fantastic pictures. Thanks for sharing. Where are the pics taken?
Hayley
Thanks Hayley
Most of my pictures are taken in my local area, Saddleworth, North West England.
Nigel