Guy Belbin, a Dorset Camera Club member who lives just outside the town, was out early one morning in Dorset when he spotted a brown hare on a quiet rural track. He said he often enjoys waking up very early and “surrounding” himself in wildlife.
A wild Hare caught on camera by wildlife enthusiast in Dorset (Image: Guy Belbin)
Guy said: “The hare was completely relaxed and going about its normal morning routine.”
“It was calm, alert and full of character, which made it a real privilege to observe.”
He said the animal appeared to have already eaten and then spent around half an hour grooming and feeding.
“It had clearly already had breakfast and spent around half an hour grooming, nibbling at bits of vegetation, washing its face and simply relaxing.
“Those natural behaviours are exactly what I hope to capture.”
Guy said he approached the hare with extreme care, moving slowly over the course of nearly 20 minutes.
He added: “I slowly crawled for around 20 minutes, covering roughly 70 yards while constantly watching its body language. I eventually got to within about 10 metres.
“Once I was close enough, I stopped moving completely and let the hare decide whether it was comfortable with my presence.
“It simply carried on with its morning, which was incredibly rewarding.”
Guy said: “The experience was about far more than getting a strong photograph.
“It was about earning the hare’s trust enough to witness completely natural behaviour.
“Moments like that can never be forced, and I never take them for granted.
“Those early mornings and the patience involved are always worth it when wildlife accepts you as part of the landscape.”
To join the Dorset Camera Club, visit facebook.com/groups/echocameraclubdorset