hares boxing

[moxy 617]

Maybe a little early for breeding for the vast majority of the hare population in my area but dug up a nest containing four young hares last week, whilst doing a mole job.

The female hare had burrowed into a mole nest (fortress) and had the young, then immaculately backfilled the hole. There wasnt much spoil left outside the burrow to indicate what was below. Other than what the chain harrows had left the week earlier.

Unfortunately by the time the spade had gone in and the nest unearthed it was too late for the little ones. with the nest and young put back it was unearted later that evening (im guessing by the female) and the young killed.

I have seen varying degrees of courtship behaviour for a few weeks from boxing to chasing and new shallow burrows being excavated out, not only along wall sides but out in the middle of large meadows.

There are very few rabbits on this land.

The hares i have observed are more active in the morning to early afternoon 1-2ish, then they tend to lay up,inactive untill late.

[Billy c 0]

fanx for all you comments hop i will see some been out tday never see any hop i have more luck tomoro wood be good to see some pics if any one has any