If you are a Naturalist/Wild Life Enthusiast/Nature Photographer or whatever you wish to call yourself observing the countryside, we only on very rare occasions witness something that is quite amazing and a privilege to see.
The other morning I went for a walk in the regular Woodland Reserve.
As I was making my way along a hard track I observed in the distance (Approx 100 metres) something which momentarily, I wasn't sure what it was. I instinctively placed my camera in the 'ready' position and on looking immediately through the lens I could see it was a Hare. Oddly, he was coming along the track towards me. I started shooting off images of it and kept as still as possible. It stopped on at least three occasions (Probably as a result of hearing the camera shutter clicking) and then continued on towards me. It came that close eventually that it over filled the frame of what was a 400mm lens and I was struggling to get him all in the frame.
Then it suddenly realised (probably because I was turning my camera in the Portrait position) that I was there and it shot off back down the track at a speed that only a Hare could achieve.
He appeared in good health and free of disease, (Bright eyed and bushy tailed).
I could see no reason for what would be considered a hareless, I mean careless approach.
I would like to be able to say that due to my amazing 'Fieldcraft' that these shots were possible.
Truth is it was probably more like 5% Fieldcraft and 95% pure luck.
Over the years I have observed numerous Hares out in the field, but I have never seen one that close before.
You got some really amazing shots of the hare! They don't normally like to pose.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gunilla.
DeleteIt seems to be the case that many animals and birds don't notice you until you move; I've had similar experiences with foxes, weasels and a barn owl. The fox in particular did exactly what you describe - stopping frequently and looking straight at me but apparently unable to compute what I might be. I was looking through binoculars so there was no shutter noise to alert him of my presence. I also had a Barn Owl fly straight towards me, perhaps thinking I was a ragged old post on which he might perch, again I was looking through the bins and it wasn't till he looked so close that I instinctively ducked that he swerved away in panic!
ReplyDeleteYour definitely not easy to 'Compute' John.{:))
DeleteRoy These ara amazing images adn such a proveledge for you to see one so close.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret.
DeleteBrilliant...one of those special moments that come along all too rarely.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job in holding your composure(!) to get these stunning images...well done Roy...[;o)
Super photos Roy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ian.
DeleteWow! Encounters like that make such memories!
ReplyDeleteCertainly do FG.
DeleteUtterly fantastic! I've never seen a hare closer than about 100 metres away, and always running like hell in the opposite direction from me!
ReplyDeleteThanks Simon.
DeleteI do believe that 90% of "fieldcraft" is being in the field! Great series. That last image is priceless!
ReplyDeleteThanks Wilma. Far too kind.
DeleteThose are a fabulous series Roy.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures and wonderful sequence, Roy, hare-larious indeed. There was surely more than 5% of your merit as you were attentive, ready and well-behaved, all of that counts! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Petra, not sure about the well behaved bit though.{:))
DeleteI don't think I've ever seen such a great set of photos of a hare; usually just the one from a VAST distance and slightly blurry. These are amazing Roy. By the way, when I saw the little picture in the sidebar, I thought it was a Kangaroo,,....
ReplyDeleteThanks Em. Not many 'Roos' around these 'yer' parts.
DeleteThat's a big wow Roy! How marvelous for you...and us.
ReplyDeleteIt was special Suzie.
DeleteWhat a wonderful experience Roy, just occasionally we are treated to moments like you describe and they are always very special aren't they. The images are superb :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks David.
DeleteHey Roy... Oh my these shot's made me laugh out loud. :) :) What a "lucky" encounter for you to get these great shot's they are just wonderful. He sure is handsome,a perfect specimen ; ).
ReplyDeleteGrace
Thanks GG. It was hare-raising.{:))
DeleteNiesamowite ujęcia !!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots !!!
Dziękuję MC
DeleteWhat fun. I had the same experience with a bobcat on my birthday several years ago.
ReplyDeleteWe have "jack rabbits" out in the desert. I've tried to shoot them in the past, but they can put a lot of distance between the camera and themselves before I can get the camera up to my face. So yes, this is indeed serendipity.
Thanks Steve.
DeleteWow!! I especially like the nochalance in the sixth shot. An incredible experience, you lucky man:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sweff.
DeleteMarvellous experience and wonderful photos of course. Whilst I'd love a 400mm lens, I guess there's a downside to a prime lens! (I'm guessing that's what it is...)
ReplyDeleteLoved your butterfly images in the previous post too. Not fair that everyone else is seeing Brimstones feeding - mine just fly around really fast and never land. But later in the year they do so I've plenty of captures of them, so not really complaining! :-)
Thanks Mandy. Yes thats the downside of a 400mm. It is meant to be used primarily for birds and mostly they are in range OK and in this case the Prime is best.
DeleteGreat that you hare so beautiful and so close to photograph.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helma.
DeleteMy goodness, Roy, how lucky that was!
ReplyDeleteAn fantastic and rare opportunity you perfectly turned to your advantage!!
Brilliant portraits of a rather shy animal.
Congrats!!
Thanks Noushka.
DeleteSuch long legs! Great shots of it! Glad you got to see it so close.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary, yes a rare opportunity.
Delete