"The Moon Hare" Watercolour on Bockingford acid free paper.
When I walk with my wife by the River Stour in springtime, we often see the brown hares hurtling across the fields or boxing each other.
I think they have the most beautiful eyes to paint. They seem to reflect life, nature, and wisdom.
When I see a hare I like to make a wish for the year, as it seems I am looking at a shooting star in a field
The brown hare is also tied in with the pagan beliefs: It is commonly associated with the Anglo-Saxon goddess Ēostre.
Below are some interesting facts about brown hares.
About
The brown hare has long black-tipped ears, and can run up to 45mph when it has to. It prefers farmland and woodland habitats and can be spotted in fields.
The brown hare is thought to have been introduced into the UK in Roman Times. It is most common in grassland and near woodlands, favouring arable fields, grasses and hedgerows. It grazes on vegetation and the bark of small trees and bushes. Brown hares do not dig burrows, but shelter in 'forms', which are shallow depressions in the ground or grass; when disturbed, they can be seen bounding across the ground, using their powerful hind legs to propel them forwards, often in a zigzag pattern. Brown hares are at their most visible in early spring when the breeding season encourages fighting or 'boxing'. Females can produce three to four litters of two to four young (known as leverets) a year.
How to identify
The brown hare is golden-brown, with a pale belly and a white tail. It is larger than the Rabbit, with longer legs and longer ears with distinctive black tips.Where to find
Widespread, but absent from northern Scotland and the Scottish islands.Much love for now
Chris x