I decided to head up onto the Cranborne Chase early on Sunday 20th March hopefully to see Hares and perhaps Red Kites. It was a cold morning with clear skies. I wanted to see Hares as I knew that soon it would be more difficult to spot them with the leaves on the hedges coming out and the crops growing. I stopped at the first place I usually see Hares, there were a few about but they were quite distant from me so I decided to go to my other favourite spot just down the road. As I was driving there I spotted number of Red Kites flying and it was in a place where I could stop, which was lucky and I was busy watching the Kites when I looked to the right and there was a Hare sitting fairly close to me in the field, he didn’t seem too bothered I was there!

I spent sometime trying to photograph the Kites they were quite active and it’s something I still struggle with and although I had my new camera I don’t think I had it set up to it’s best to capture the moving birds, but this is the only way I can get to know the camera learn by my mistakes and to remember to read the manual! As I was watching them fly over suddenly they were gone so I headed on to my next stop.

I parked in my usual spot and looked up the path and before I even got out of the car I spotted two Hares in the track. I was really excited, there was no way I could photograph them from the car as our passenger window was broken so I had to get out. They disappeared into the side but as I walked up the track I could see one in the distance. Unfortunately I would be facing straight into the sun to get an image but I made the best of the situation and took a picture.

The Hare soon disappeared so I walked with Tilly along the bridleway and into the woods, I would have to come back the same way and I was so pleased I did as there were Hares on the path once again as I got near to the car. The first one was running towards me and although it was in the shade I got a picture. and then he ran towards me into the sun. Tilly and I just stayed still.

Another came out of the side and looking at the picture it looks like a youngster, it disappeared into the woods.

I was already excited when another popped out of the side and this is when I’m so pleased that Tilly stays perfectly still and quiet. The Hare  rummaged around at the edge of the path and then came towards me giving me a chance to take some close up photos. My heart was racing I was that excited! It eventually realised we were there and disappeared into the woods. What a morning!