Mountain Hare - Shake it off

This is from a series of shots taken in the Scottish Highlands.

 

This guy was soaked and was giving himself a good shake which I managed to capture.

 

To approach the hares you need to gain their trust. You get close and if they remain calm then you can slowly move towards them. This means on your belly, with the camera and tripod.

 

By doing this they get used to you being there and you can remain for some time near them being comfortable with your presence. It was an experience I'm grateful to have had.

 

I spent the day photographing these creatures in their natural habitat. It was a freezing cold day with gale force winds and constant rain and sleet. It hit home how harsh the conditions can be for these guys.

 

Mountain hares have evolved to change colour from dappled shades of brown to white, keeping them camouflaged against the winter snow. They are at their most vulnerable when they are still young leverets and preyed upon by foxes, stoats, birds of prey and cats.

 

Thanks for looking.

Done