I'm sure that it's not escaped your attention that this year is a leap year? And, if this photo by David Tipling is anything to go by, our hares are getting into the spirit of things!

Hares boxing in spring. Photo by David Tipling (www.rspb-images.com)

They're easier to see at this time of year, before the farmland crops and grasses grow tall. And keep your eyes peeled for boxing females, March isn't far away, so they're sure to start sparring in earnest anytime soon.

As well as this one, there's thousands of other brilliant nature images over at RSPB Images. Taken by some of the UK's top nature photographers, they're all available to buy, too!

For more on our science, check out the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science web pages.