Cairngorms Mountain Hare

During the month of December, one of the darkest times of the year with only about 6 hours daylight from sunrise to sunset, I set off to the Cairngorms mountains. 

I wanted snow and did I get it. It was amazing. I was able to crawl around stalking the hares for ages and not get wet as the snow was dry and like powder.

At about 2,000ft above sea level if saw my first hare sheltering from the strong wind in a gully. It is amazing how these animals can survive the entire Winter in these conditions.

-10c

Snowy Hare

The wind was quite strong on this side of the mountain. I found that as I lay on the ground crawling toward the mountain hare, the wind wasn't too bad. I was able to get about 4 metres away from the hare eventually but this took about 30mins of crawling and stopping, then crawling again. 

I spent about 3 hours with the hares and was quite amazed how they allow you to get so close. Maybe it's the lack of human contact.One of the highlights was to see a Golden Eagle fly low over the ground in search of prey. I didnt get an image of it, as it just appeared and then disappeared as quick. About 30 mins later I decided to descend in the direction of where the eagle flew. I never saw it again but I stumbled across a dead red grouse with it's head missing. This was not here on my ascent. Fresh blood and the bird was slightly warm. Truly a wild day in the wilds!