After 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.