Mountain Hare Tour (one day)

This Photography tour is especially attractive during the winter season. The hares' have white fur during this time period, enabling us to take high key photographs, due to the snow's contrast. The snow hares's pairing season is from February to March. With a bit of luck, one can observe the hares during their box fights, or as they chase one another over the snowy landscape. 

Where

There are three suitable areas I know of where one can observe and photograph these fascinating creatures. Two of these places are located in central Scotland and one is close to the Caingorms National Park. We can either meet up at Dall Lodge, Killin or directly on site. This tour complements the “Ptarmigan Tour” very well.

Recommended Equipment

The ideal equipment for this given tour is a camera with a telephoto lens (a focal length of 300 to 600 mm). The extended focal length will help you photograph the rather shy animals from a greater distance. Spare batteries, memory cards, warm and waterproof clothes and shoes, headwear, waterproof gloves, waterproof protection for your backpack, camera and lens(es) are highly recommended. As the tour will be an entire day, you will have to take something to eat and drink along. In case you own a tripod and/or a bean bag, I would take them along as well.

What to expect

We will be photographing mountain hares in the Scottish Highlands. The windy, cold climates call for warm clothing. The conditions may also be wet. The hike up the mountain can go anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the location and snow conditions. Longer tours call for proper hiking boots and a certain endurance. Although finding snow hares is practically guaranteed, if in the unfortunate event that we are not able to find any, a second tour will be offered free of charge.