Shetland mountain hares Among them, Scotland’s native mountain hares, with their thick fur Mountain Hares photo mug, from my animals and birds mugs range, all taken here in the Shetland Islands Each mug is captioned with the photograph location, choose from: Feb 7, 2019 · Shetland’s incomparable wildlife is one of our most impressive assets, but with another jaw-dropping voe, cliff or moorland around every corner, it can be hard to work out the best places to experience it. Unrivalled highlights included great views of Otters, Mountain Hares, Common and Grey Seals, thousands of seabirds - including lots of Puffins - at the Sumburgh, Hermaness and Noss colonies, amazing views of Red-necked Phalaropes, hundreds of Storm Petrels returning ashore to the Iron Age broch at Mousa, several Sep 10, 2024 · On harsh mountain slopes where the wind howls and thick snow carpets the landscape, only a handful of hardy species survive. In the Alps the mountain hare lives at elevations from 700 to 3800 m a. depending on biographic region and season. Both the rabbit and the brown hare were introduced. T he largest 'wild' land mammal you are likely to see is the mountain hare, this species turns white in winter. The main feature for most though is the waterfall called Ramnahol, or Pool of the Ravens in old Norn, quite impressive by Shetland standards. We ask local wildlife experts about their favourite places to experience Shetland’s nature. These hares are very good at living in chilly environments. Within Britain, its native range is restricted to the Scottish uplands, though small populations are found elsewhere. They are larger than rabbits and have longer legs, and don’t The mountain hare is well-known for its speed, but it also gains protection from being well camouflaged: The mountain hare is well-known for its speed, but it also gains protection from being well camouflaged: In our image the hare blends in with the surrounding rocks. I left the car out of sight, and taking my camera, decided to clamber as quietly as I could around and over the peat-hags. These three districts in central Shetland have a great variety of scenery and wildlife, from Mountain Hares and Golden Plovers on the high moorland to seals and otters along the sheltered rocky shores. But finding and enjoying these fantastic mammals can be a real challenge on snow-covered ground. Nov 2, 2020 · In Focus- Mountain Hare The first introduction of the Mountain Hare in Shetland was two pairs on the isle of Vaila from Perthshire in around 1900, followed by individuals onto the Kergord Estate in 1907 and later, Ronas Hill (Johnston 1999). Because the heather moorland is windswept and heavily grazed by sheep, it affords little cover for mountain hares Did you know? These hares naturally fluctuate in numbers and during the growth in a population a female can produce up to 12 offspring. Widely persecuted on grouse moors for carrying sheep ticks that can pass disease to Red Grouse. From his drawings, Howard moves on, in the studio, to print-making, in particular from woodcuts. Baltasound Junior High School pupils with The mountain hare (Lepus timidus), also known as blue hare, tundra hare, variable hare, white hare, snow hare, alpine hare, and Irish hare, is a species of Palearctic hare that is largely adapted to polar and mountainous habitats. On Scottish moors they prefer short, young heather, but will resort to older woody plants if necessary. s. Posted: March 9th, 2025 Mammal Mountain Hare Shetland Mar 4, 2010 · In most winters we experience surprisingly little snowfall when such superior forms of camouflage, such as the brilliant white winter moult of the Mountain hare actually act as a reverse of what nature intended. It is therefore possible to study the winter and spring spacing of mountain hares, when they are in white or partly white pelage, more readily in Shetland than in mainland Scotland, where hares generally shelter in long heather by day in forms which afford effective concealment (Thirgood & Hewson 1987). More on our series of award-winning wildlife and photography holidays / Jan 1, 2017 · Many of the birds and mammals that were featured are familiar in Shetland, including eiders, crows, mountain hares and otters. The Mountain hare is a relatively small-bodied member of the Lagomorpha order and the only lagomorph native to the UK, the rabbit and brown hare having been introduced. Apr 10, 2025 · HU4277 :: Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus), near Toft, near to Brough, Mainland, Shetland Islands, Scotland by Mike Pennington Mar 9, 2025 · The coats of Mountain Hare in Shetland changing this time of year, as Spring approaches. More on our award Mar 29, 2014 · The mountain hare has also been introduced to Shetland, Orkney, the Isle of Man, the Peak District and the Faroe Islands. I photographed this one at the top of the West Kames, looking north towards the Drongs and Eshaness in the distance (20km+ away). However, it was nice to find them closer to work this week. Just a few miles to the north, Europe's largest exporting o In the British Isles, most mountain hares are found in Scotland and Ireland, specifically where they are native in the Highlands of Scotland, but also where they have been introduced to the Southern Uplands and on some Scottish Islands including Hoy (Orkney), Mainland (Shetland), Mull and Skye. Whitish mammals appeared soon, but these were Shetland sheep very numerous here. They provided virtually no concealment from predators, although the use by leverets of burrows may be important in avoiding avian predators. The mountain hare, scientifically known as Lepus timidus, is a remarkable and adaptable creature inhabiting the Palearctic region. Mountain hares are larger than rabbits, but smaller than brown hares. Apr 17, 2023 · Although Shetland isn’t really know for its mountain hares, there are a few places where you can find them. Off the paths lot of peat diggings occurred which made progress difficult as i had to weave in and out of Mountain hares are less fussy than brown hares regarding the quality of their forage and this is a major reason why mountain hares have the competitive edge at high altitudes. We will only provide further advice in The mountain hare (Lepus timidus) is a type of hare that lives in cold, snowy places like mountains and the Arctic. They are now found in moderate numbers on heather moorland throughout mainland Shetland as far south as Maywick and are still prevalent on Vaila. This enigmatic hare goes by a multitude of names, reflecting its diverse habitats and characteristics. Jun 14, 2022 · Mountain Hare in early spring are still white, beacons against the harsh browns and dark peatlands of rural Shetland which rarely has any serious snowfall so little need for white camouflage ( or indeed any camouflage as predators are few and far between here). i was looking for Mountain Hares. May 27, 2025 · Mountain Hare by Hugh Harrop / Shetland WildlifeSouth easterly winds produced a good scattering of scarce migrants and we found an amazing Honey Buzzard drifting over Eshaness, enjoyed a singing Icterine Warbler and a small flock of Crossbills in Hugh’s garden, heard a singing Quail after our botanical bonanza at Keen of Hamar on Unst and had great views of a gorgeous Red-backed Shrike at Jun 17, 2025 · Mountain Hare by tour participant Jeff Smithanother wildlife-filled seven days. Although described as existing in moderate numbers throughout the Shetland mainland, it might be more accurate to describe the present distribution as patchy. The aim of this project was to develop and trial surveys of mountain hares (Lepus timidus) that are suitable for participation by a diverse range of volunteers, across the whole extent of the species’ range in Scotland Rabbits and hares are herbivorous mammals of the order Lagomorpha. I then wet-felt down the little hares to sweet miniatures. More on our series of award-winning wildlife and photography holidays / 6 days ago · The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with several special hawkweeds here and if you're lucky you might see mountain hares or ravens. Jan 12, 2021 · Mountain Hares are timid beasts – Lepus timidus – it seems a very apt name. It avoids the need for us to advise on individual planning consultations in relation to mountain hares. I knit and stuff my tiny mountain hares in their snowy winter coats in Jamieson's 100% Shetland wool, in natural white, embroidering their distinctive black ear tips in Shetland wool. Jun 30, 2023 · Hopping hares are set to showcase artistic talents on a trail celebrating a cancer charity's 40th anniversary. However, there were also studies of vultures, cranes and eagles from Howard’s travels. The Clan Big Hop Sculpture Trail features 40 six-foot hares and 52 little leverets at locations across the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. . In Britain, hares are mostly animals of open ground, relying on their good eyesight, camouflage and high speed to avoid predators. The young are called leverets and are born fully furred with their eyes open. Ravens used to nest on its banks some years back. Jun 24, 2025 · Recent Posts Shetland Wildlife 1d · Slo-mo Orcas: two minutes from our magical day spent following the '65s' - including adult bull 'Busta' - as they headed south along the coast from Gulberwick to Sumburgh Head this week. Glenmore Forest Park: This forested area is home to red squirrels and various bird species, making it an ideal location for woodland photography. The mountain hare (Lepus timidus), also known as blue hare, tundra hare, variable hare, white hare, snow hare, alpine hare, and Irish hare, is a species of Palearctic hare that is largely adapted to polar and mountainous habitats. In 2020 the Scottish parliament voted to give Mountain… Apr 9, 2025 · Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus), near Toft (set of 2 images) All images in HU4277, taken Wednesday, 9 April, 2025, by Mike Pennington, near to Brough, Mainland, Shetland Islands, Scotland An iconic upland species, the mountain hare is famed for its camouflage. In the past I have seen them on Ronas Hill and in the Lunna region. Dec 14, 2016 · Mountain Hare in the heather-clad hills of the Shetland north Mainland yesterday. Cairngorm Mountain: The mountain itself and the surrounding area offer opportunities to photograph mountain hares, ptarmigans, and birds of prey, such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons. l. Speed and camouflage combine to help this species survive in the rugged mountains and uplands of northern Europe and Asia The mountain hare has been introduced in places including New Zealand, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands; and in Britain, it has been introduced to Shetland, Orkney, the Isle of Man, and the Peak District. In recent years there have been growing concerns about the population of mountain hares, particularly in Scotland. Updated AUpdated August 2024 This is standing advice to help planning applicants seeking permission for development that could affect mountain hares, and to assist planning officers and other regulators in their assessment of these applications. It is otherwise known as the blue or Irish hare, and some older references refer to it as the Arctic or tundra hare, although these are typically associated with related species, Lepus arcticus and Lepus othus respectively Mar 21, 2015 · Saturday, 21 March 2015 Mountain Hares Had a trip up onto moorland near Cunningsburgh weather was sunny but cold. Rabbits are prolific, stoats and weasels along with polecats are multiplying and regarded as a nuisance for they frequently eat the eggs of nesting birds and raid folk's hen-houses. In the past […] July 4, 2021February 13, 2024 ecology, mammals, mountains Dec 14, 2016 · Mountain Hare in the heather-clad hills of the Shetland north Mainland yesterday. It's also known by many other names, like blue hare, snow hare, or Irish hare. South Nesting and the dramatic fjord-like landscape of Dales Voe. Often referred to as the blue hare, tundra hare, variable hare, white hare, snow hare, alpine hare, and even the Irish hare, it is a testament to the versatility Why mountain hares? The mountain hare, Lepus timidus, is Britain's only native member of the hare and rabbit family. ) were introduced to Shetland from the Scottish mainland c. Mountain hares (Lepus timidus L. Subsequent introductions have taken place on Ronas Hill and on the island of Vaila. Mountain hares are food foreagle, wildcats and foxes. The blue hare, also known as the mountain hare, was first introduced to the Kergord estate in 1907. Mountain Hare in the Shetland Landscape In their brilliant white winter coat, Mountain Hares can look very conspicuous against the moorland in Shetland. Lunnasting and Delting These three districts in central Shetland offer a Mountain Hares and Golden Plovers on the high moorland to seals and otters along the sheltered rocky shores. Mountain hare are wide spread throughout Mainland Shetland and can be found on most of Facts about the Mountain Hare Scientific name: Lepus timidus At a glance Our only native lagomorph (hares and rabbits) and strongly associated with heather moorland. The day resting places of mountain hares in Shetland provided less shelter from wind than their counterparts in north-east Scotland. Britain’s only native member of the group is the mountain hare (Lepus timidus). One of the highlights for our 'Walk Shetland' group! Aerial footage by Hugh. 1907 (Berry & Johnston 1980). Otters, mountain hares, common and grey seals various birds (including a Great Northern Diver, Razorbill, Eider Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, Black Guillemot, Fulmars, Purple Sandpipers, Red-Breasted Merganzer Shag and some of the rarer Gulls - great black-backed, iceland, glaucous). They will also feed on gorse, willow, birch, rowan and juniper. Mountain Hares in Shetland Although Shetland isn’t really know for its mountain hares, there are a few places where you can find them. fe ef2t8yc h9hv0 agp jex dnik yt 9uwcp2dbq hd1wnl 3nxmklk