Posted by Nick Mckeown on September 7, 2013 at 2:58 PM
Nikon D7000 500mm f4 ISO 320 1/400s at f8 handheld lay prone with lens resting on bean bag.
This was taken on the same day as my last post. This mountain hare leveret was sat close to a burrow and allowed a close approach. I do not think it saw me as a threat because it showed no fear at all and I have plenty of frame filling shots taken with the smaller 300mm. This shot was taken after a heavy shower when it had cleaned itself then stood, stretched and yawned. I like the expression on its face as it was yawning.
These mountain hares spend a lot of time just resting during the day and I also noticed a curious thing. On the hill there are lots of burrows and yet if a hare is sat outside one and I approach it, it does not run into the burrow but runs off up the hill. I guess this proves that they are not a burrowing animal by nature and instinct makes them run from a perceived threat as opposed to seeking shelter. I also think that the leveret was keeping close to the burrow as its age made it more at risk of predation due to its inexperience and as a gust of wind spooked it it shot into the burrow. Thats my theory anyhoo.
Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to comment on my last post.
Nick.
Posted by David Taylor on September 7, 2013 at 4:34 PM
Good description with interesting observations, Nick. A great expression, caught with excellent timing to catch it in mid yawn. A really pleasing image with a touch of humour.
Posted by keith mitchell on September 8, 2013 at 2:58 PM
Nick you learn something everyday I have never heard of a Hare going down a burrow. I love the yawning pose great shot with no nits from me.
Keith.
Posted by David Sewell on September 11, 2013 at 6:07 PM
I think I would have preferred a tad more space behind him if you have it, but that is only a very minor nit about a great shot.
David
Posted by Mike Smith on September 29, 2013 at 9:10 AM
T'uis a bit cramped for me as well, otherwise top notch again
Posted by Phil Ellard on October 2, 2013 at 2:59 PM
Discussion
5 repliesThis was taken on the same day as my last post. This mountain hare leveret was sat close to a burrow and allowed a close approach. I do not think it saw me as a threat because it showed no fear at all and I have plenty of frame filling shots taken with the smaller 300mm. This shot was taken after a heavy shower when it had cleaned itself then stood, stretched and yawned. I like the expression on its face as it was yawning.
These mountain hares spend a lot of time just resting during the day and I also noticed a curious thing. On the hill there are lots of burrows and yet if a hare is sat outside one and I approach it, it does not run into the burrow but runs off up the hill. I guess this proves that they are not a burrowing animal by nature and instinct makes them run from a perceived threat as opposed to seeking shelter. I also think that the leveret was keeping close to the burrow as its age made it more at risk of predation due to its inexperience and as a gust of wind spooked it it shot into the burrow. Thats my theory anyhoo.
Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to comment on my last post.
Nick.
Keith.
David