There was one clear view through the stems of surrounding shrubbery of this Scrub Hare remaining motionless in dappled shade, apparently hoping not to be seen, one foreleg extended rather elegantly forward.
Usually Scrub Hares disappear into the vegetation if a vehicle stops nearby, but this one and a slightly smaller and more nervous companion remained where they were even as we drove off after I took this photo.
I found this image in a collection of photos taken at the Addo Elephant National Park, which is situated in the Eastern Cape not far from Port Elizabeth.
Posted by Carol
August 8, 2018 at 9:43 am
We saw a hare near our tent in die Camdeboo National Park near Graaff Reinet two weeks ago after our trip to the Wild Coast. Unlike yours, it quickly disappeared in the shrubs so it was impossible to identify…you were really lucky to get such a beautiful clear shot!
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August 9, 2018 at 7:03 pm
A trip to the Wild Coast and to Camdeboo sounds great! Yes we were lucky with this hare deciding to sit it out.
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August 5, 2018 at 4:20 pm
A lovely photograph!`
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August 5, 2018 at 6:51 pm
Thanks Anne.
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August 3, 2018 at 11:05 pm
Great photo. How nice that a view opened up and you were able to get the shot.
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August 5, 2018 at 2:22 pm
Thanks Graham. So many sightings evade the camera because of intervening vegetation, so this one was lucky.
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August 3, 2018 at 3:38 pm
Very sharp. Excellent.
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August 5, 2018 at 2:22 pm
Thanks Sherry.
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August 3, 2018 at 6:59 am
What a great study of this creature.
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August 5, 2018 at 2:11 pm
Thanks Margaret. The Scrub Hares always remind me of the famous painting of a hare by Durer.
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August 5, 2018 at 6:42 pm
That had occurred to me too!
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August 3, 2018 at 4:50 am
He (she?) seriously has an eye on you! Found this little gem when looking up what the difference was between a hare and a rabbit: “Hares are less social than bunnies, and their lively courtship and skittish behavior likely inspired the term “harebrained.””
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August 5, 2018 at 2:09 pm
Interesting to know where the term comes from. I suppose “mad as a March hare” stems from similar observations. The Scrub Hares I have seen usually seem rather solemn and reserved – nice to know they might have a secret liveliness in their relationships.
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August 3, 2018 at 3:36 am
It’s fur really does match its surroundings well. Amazing it stayed put for your shot!
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August 5, 2018 at 2:04 pm
We were surprised too that it – and its nervous companion – stayed where they were.
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August 3, 2018 at 1:56 am
That’s a wonderfully clear photo, and the hare does blend rather well into its surroundings.
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August 5, 2018 at 2:00 pm
Thanks Jane. In addition to the colour of the fur, the dappled light and twiggy shrubs broke up the shape most effectively.
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August 2, 2018 at 11:58 pm
Such a clear eye and beautiful fur – great sighting on your part!
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August 5, 2018 at 1:56 pm
Thanks Eliza. I always enjoy being able to see the smaller animals too.
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