Crikey - need to catch up on blog posts...

I posted some time ago to say that I'd got a photo I'd entered into the British Wildlife Photography Awards through to the final judging round of 300 pictures.

This is the photo. I've now had a mail back from the judging panel to say that it's not made it through to the final cut, and while that might be a bit disappointing I'm still chuffed to bits that it got as far as it did.

Of the portfolio of photographs I entered this year I'm very pleased that this was the one that stood out as it meant the most to me. I'd set myself a challenge of photographing mountain hares last winter and had many occasions when I came home empty handed. This encounter was the result of patience, a bit of fieldcraft and time. Giving him the time to relax in my presence meant that I was able to share this moment and then leave him be. And that's what's important to me. Not trophy hunting, but capturing and remembering a moment in time and trying to be a bit creative while doing so.

Next year :)

Mountain HareAfter an aborted attempt last weekend, defeated by driving winds and low cloud, I was out early again today on the trail of mountain hares. While native to the highlands of Scotland, they were introduced to the Peak District in the 19th century and although they're fewer in numbers than they were, a reasonably healthy population still hangs on in certain places.

The cloud was slow to lift just after sunrise, so I used the time to recce out a few places. A few sightings at distance at first, and then I was able to work out where a good number of them were hanging out.

It takes patience and a lot of luck. Most will bolt as soon as they get wind of you but I was lucky to find this chilled out dude. I carefully got as close as I dared, although it still required my longest lens and he was well aware I was there, but tolerated me - even going so far to have a wash and a snooze at one point.

I must have spent a good forty five minutes or so in his company, before backing off and leaving him be.