FIRST DAY OF WINTER

Today is the 'official' start of the Winter season. Of course in the mountains of Scotland the Winter season can start anytime in November. We've had some light snow falling here and there throughout last month but it's not really come to much, lasting just a couple of days at most. From tomorrow things may well start to ramp up. A forecast of snow down to low levels for a few days. Just what we need. Today I had a short day up to a relatively new area for Mountain Hare photography. I have been researching in this location for a few months now.

It was a chilly morning with summit temperatures below freezing. Some fresh snow and trime ice above about 900m. Hardly any wind and the tops of the Cairngorms were free of cloud. A good forecast with sunshine in the afternoon was promised. 

The first hare I spotted was well tucked in in his wee rocky hollow. Sheltered and safe amongst the time encrusted grasses. He was just a small hare. Lots of wee ones about at the moment. So nice to see. I spent a good half hour with this lovely chap.

The morning was overcast and a few spots of wet snow fell. But the weather forecast was spot on, the clouds broke and the sun popped out by mid day. The temperatures rose too and it felt very pleasant.  Another high altitude Hare was out at around 1150m. These guys that live at these altitudes are hardy. The toughest hares in the UK. Fabulous to photograph this guy standing proud amongst the ice encrusted rocks.

I had a wander about looking for Ptarmigan but none seen today. Some beautiful cloudscapes this afternoon. 

The skies cleared completely over the high tops by mid afternoon. Beautiful weather. Quiet hills. Fabulous. By the time I reached Coire Cas carpark the snow had melted off the tops. It will be back shortly, for sure!

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