I decided to get up early one morning and go for a long, local walk; down lanes, up hills and across fields. Something I am not keen of though is cattle. As soon as I set out, up a short path to cross a field, there was a herd right in my way. Do I cross ( I’m sure they are friendly enough) or turn back and go another way? I chickened out and turned back! But, it turned out to be a great decision.
I went down the lane instead and got five minutes along when I saw the backside of a hare disappear into the hedgerow. Damn! Missed it I thought. I carried on walking though and when I rounded a bend it appeared again. I froze; knelt down and pointed my camera, thinking I’ve got seconds to get a few photos. Surprisingly the hare didn’t run off; in fact it hopped closer.
Keeping as still as possible I continued to take photos and still the hare didn’t run away; it did the opposite – once again it hopped closer toward me. Surely it knew I was there, but maybe it didn’t feel threatened because I was crouched down and not making any movement. Whatever the reason it was great fun and really exciting to be so close.
I was able to fire off plenty of photos and get some good photos; especially the one where it’s cleaning itself (or is it praying!), and also where it’s got it’s tongue sticking out (how rude! lol).
The close encounter lasted a few minutes. I had to keep my wits about me though as cars do come down this narrow country lane. One more time the hare hopped toward me before it set off into the hedge and across the field.
What a fantastic encounter it was. To be so close, without being in a hide, was brilliant. A truly ‘wild’ experience!
