Photographing Brown Hares at Sunrise with the Canon R5 and Sigma 150-600mm

There’s a kind of quiet magic in photographing Brown Hares at sunrise. Just beyond the edge of Baughurst Copse, where the mist hangs low over the fields and the birds begin their tentative morning calls, I’ve found both wildlife and peace. It’s here — in the stillness before the world wakes up — that I turn to my camera not just as a tool, but as a way to reconnect with myself.

Dawn and the Dance of the Hares

Brown Hares are masters of stealth. At first light, they appear like mirages in the dewy grass — ears upright, eyes sharp, movement minimal. There’s no rushing this kind of photography. You have to wait, breathe, and let the landscape accept you. That’s why photographing Brown Hares at sunrise has become a kind of moving meditation for me — a practice of stillness wrapped in action.

I head out just before dawn with my Canon R5 and the Sigma 150-600mm Sport lens, usually handheld, which might seem mad to some. But I enjoy the immediacy — the feeling of being light and responsive, ready to shift as a hare bolts or stretches. The R5’s incredible autofocus and low-light performance are a dream in these conditions, and the reach of the Sigma lens means I can keep a respectful distance while still capturing sharp detail.

The Gear: Reliable, Responsive, and Ready for the Unexpected

If you’re wondering whether the Canon R5 and Sigma 150-600mm Sport is a good pairing for wildlife at dawn — the answer, at least for me, is a resounding yes.

• Canon R5: Its ability to lock onto fast-moving subjects in low light is perfect for unpredictable hare behaviour. Eye-detection AF is particularly useful when a hare pauses just long enough to look back.
• Sigma 150-600mm Sport: The weight can be a challenge, especially handheld, but the image quality and reach are superb. On misty mornings, it cuts through haze with crisp contrast and clarity.

Photography as a Mindful Practice

There are days when I wake up heavy with thoughts. Life, stress, anxiety — all the noise that never really stops. But stepping into the fields with my camera before sunrise clears the mental fog in a way nothing else does. As I focus on a hare’s twitching ears, or the perfect curve of its leap, I’m not thinking about anything else. It’s just me, the light, the moment — and that’s enough.

Photographing Brown Hares at sunrise isn’t just about the wildlife for me. It’s about presence. It’s about choosing to meet the day gently, deliberately, and with curiosity.

Field Notes from Baughurst Copse

This particular morning, the sky had barely shifted from black to deep blue when I arrived. A light dew added a silver sheen to the pasture. I spotted the first hare at 5:08 AM — silhouetted against the horizon, perfectly still. By 5:30, there were three in view, boxing briefly before vanishing into the thicket.

Patience is everything. I waited nearly an hour before one reappeared close enough to frame fully at 600mm. The reward? A single frame of a mid-bound hare, fur rimmed with gold, ears backlit like stained glass. Moments like that make the early start — and the cold fingers — entirely worth it.

Tips for Photographing Brown Hares at Sunrise

If you’re inspired to try this kind of photography, here are a few tips from my own experience:

• Arrive early: Hares are most active at dawn. Get in place at least 30–40 minutes before sunrise.
• Stay low and still: Use natural cover, avoid sudden movements, and let them come to you.
• Shoot handheld if you’re comfortable: It gives you more flexibility in the field.
• Use silent shutter mode: The Canon R5 excels here, helping you stay discreet.
• Respect the wildlife: These are sensitive creatures. Keep your distance and avoid disturbing their routines.

Why It Matters

In a world that moves too fast, photographing hares has taught me to slow down. To be still. To really see what’s in front of me. For those of us who wrestle with mental health, the early morning hours with a camera in hand are more than just peaceful — they’re healing.

So here’s to the quiet fields, the long lenses, the soft light — and the Brown Hares who remind me that each morning is a chance to begin again.