Brown Hare
Brown Hare / lepus europaeus. Lincolnshire. 11/04/22.
'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.'
The doe, (centre) had tolerated the attentions of these two bucks, (left/right) who had positioned themselves very close to her for 20 minutes or more. Her scent had informed them that she would become receptive very soon - an opportunity to mate neither of them wanted to miss.
Sometimes the wait can last for a day or more but during that time, bucks will try their luck. This is when a doe retaliates, fending them off by 'boxing'.
In this image, the buck (left) had attempted to mate. Instantly, the doe rounded on him, reared up on her hind legs and started to defend herself. The action caught me unawares and all happened so quickly that I had to grab this shot. No time to think about composition and unfortunately I've clipped the tip of the buck's tail, so not ideal. Nevertheless, a nice record shot to remind me of another great hare day.
Brown Hare
Brown Hare / lepus europaeus. Lincolnshire. 11/04/22.
'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.'
The doe, (centre) had tolerated the attentions of these two bucks, (left/right) who had positioned themselves very close to her for 20 minutes or more. Her scent had informed them that she would become receptive very soon - an opportunity to mate neither of them wanted to miss.
Sometimes the wait can last for a day or more but during that time, bucks will try their luck. This is when a doe retaliates, fending them off by 'boxing'.
In this image, the buck (left) had attempted to mate. Instantly, the doe rounded on him, reared up on her hind legs and started to defend herself. The action caught me unawares and all happened so quickly that I had to grab this shot. No time to think about composition and unfortunately I've clipped the tip of the buck's tail, so not ideal. Nevertheless, a nice record shot to remind me of another great hare day.