Hares in Norfolk

Our visit to Norfolk also held the anticipation of seeing Hares. Driving along the coast road or even heading inland through the country lanes it seemed that most fields hold a Hare or two.  

It's very hard to put into words the excitement and magic of seeing Hares, there's just something about them.

On our journeys here and there we discovered quite by accident (due to a road closure) a field with great views across it. From the roadside we could safely park and simply hare watch from the car.  We stopped at this particular field many times to see the Hares and it was early one morning that we suspected they may box.  

We started watching a pair of Hares antagonise each other with occasional face offs and chases. We could feel it in the air that something was going to happen, we were on the edge of our seats with cameras poised at the ready!  Then there was a big chase and suddenly they started to box, all over in a few seconds but they boxed.  We have waited a lifetime to see this wonderful show and I can tell you it was a magical, humbling and emotional moment.  They continued to chase and box a little before settling down in the field.   What a brilliant start to the day as we headed off to Tichwell for a day of birdwatching.

As I mentioned before Hares seem plentiful in Norfolk and we saw them most days.  Seeing these beautiful magical animals always brought a smile to the day.

   First glimpse of a Hare as we stopped next to our field 

               

   There were 5 Hares running and chasing at the top of the field

               

               

                   Wow! The speed as one hare raced across the field

               

                   Four feet off the ground! 

                

    Almost looking like a small dog as the Hare gallops along

                

   Finally joining the 'gang' at the top of the field

               

                   Black tipped ears, a sure way of identifying a Hare

   Keeping a watchful eye on us

               

                  Early morning gang

    Getting the measure of each other

               

    A skirmish as Curlew pass by

               

   The fur starts to fly!

               

                

   Plenty of chasing and warding off

                

   There's something in the air with these two

               

   Another chase!

                

                   Then they  box!

               

                   A swift left hook .... 

   Over in seconds but what an amazing sight to witness

                

               

               

               

                   Beautiful 

   A very damp late morning but still the Hares are there

                

   Bedraggled damp fur

               

   Not in the mood to talk

               

Barn Owl, Grey Partridge & Hares etc near Snettisham, Norfolk 24/2/17

A fairly early start along  the coast road back towards Kings Lyn for our journey back to Somerset. Storm Doris had gone through though it was still a little blustery. Along the road we suddenly glimpsed a Barn Owl. So lucky that there was a pull in, we grabbed our cameras and binoculars and found the owl on a fairly nearby post. I guess it was out hunting now because of storm Doris the day before. Just couldn't believe our luck as we haven't seen a Barn Owl in ages.  We stood and watched the owl for a good 10 minutes before continuing our journey.

We decided to pay a quick visit to RSPB Snettisham. As we travelled the road leading to the reserve we spotted some Hares in a field. There was a convenient gate we could park next to and wow we were so glad we stopped. Not only for at least 6 Hares running around a field full of Snowdrops but our first ever sighting of Grey Partridge and good numbers to. There were also Red Partridge, Pheasants and a Green Woodpecker as well. We spent at least an hour watching the antics of the Hares and birds - what a field, a 'magic field'.

We reached the reserve and along the way had a great view of some more Grey Partridges in a field along the way. We didn't realise the male was so striking. Close to the reserve carpark in the fields were Greylag and Egyptian Geese. No time now to stop and explore the Snettisham reserve as we have to journey home but not before stopping at the 'magic field' one more time! 

In summary... Norfolk is an amazing place - we will definitely return.

    Stunning Barn Owl

               

                   

    On the look out

               

                   Spotted!

    So beautiful in flight

               

    

               

                    So 'ghost' like in flight

                

                    So privileged to see this beautiful owl

   Grey Partridge - another lifer

               

               

                    Crash landing! 

   Handsome fellow

                

                    Brown Hare 

                

   The Hare looks massive as it runs across the field

                

                 

               

                   Hare and Snowdrops 

               

    The dreamer!

                

               

                   Wash time

    

               

   Egyptian Goose

                

                    Bonding!