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A HARE-raising altercation. A pair of hares engage in a furry fisted boxing match as a courtship dance takes a tumble. The two were pictured in the Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk. John Crooks, 70, said, “I regularly visit Strumpshaw Fen RSPB Reserve and had spotted several Hares in a nearby roadside field. This is an example of the courtship behavior of Hares which continues for several weeks. The male, Buck, will chase the female, Doe, and she may ‘Box’ the male when she has had enough of his attention.” “I watched as a Buck began to show some interest in a Doe and began nudging and dancing around her. She moved away and after a couple of minutes the Buck again started to chase her. To my delight, the Boxing began and I managed to get the images I wanted but more importantly a ringside view of the Hares who were totally oblivious to my presence.” Please byline: John Crooks/Solent News © John Crooks/Solent News & Photo Agency UK +44 (0) 2380 458800 *** Local Caption *** I will give you the background to this series of images and hopefully cover all of your questions. During the lockdown I took up Wildlife photography. As a very keen amateur I regularly visit Strumpshaw Fen RSPB Reserve and had spotted several Hares in a nearby roadside field. The expression ‘Mad as a March Hare’ is due to the courtship behavior of Hares which peeks in March but may continue for several weeks. The male, Buck, will chase the female, Doe, and she may ‘Box’ the male when she has had enough of his attention. This is wonderful to watch and to catch this behavior on camera was my dream. On the 13 March 2023 travelling to Strumpshaw Fen with my camera equipment ready I spotted several Hares hunkered down in the grass. I parked up and lay down in the hedgerow amongst the brambles and branches. After about 15 minutes the Hares began to sit up and become active. Then a Buck began to show some interest in a Doe and began nudging and dancing around her. She moved away and after a couple of minutes the Buck again started to chase her. This happened on several occasions and each time I was capturing photos hoping that she might have had enough of his attention and a Boxing Match might ensue. To my delight, after getting cramp and very uncomfortable, the Boxing began and I managed to get the images I wanted but more importantly a ringside view of the Hares who were totally oblivious to my presence. John Crooks 70 years old. Retired Accountant and Company Director. From Berkshire but retired to Norfolk about 8 years ago.