Yesterday, I was beyond thrilled to photograph a gorgeous young Bobcat on a bright spring morning at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
Young Bobcat crossing a dirt road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, handheld, f11, 1/640, ISO 800, +0.7 EV, Canon RF 800mm, natural light
The young wildcat was so stunning that I took hundreds of photos of her or him as they moved back and forth across a dirt road at the refuge.
There was a slough where the Bobcat had been hunting on one side of the road. On the other side, a shallow ditch lined with tangled vines and shrubs seemed to provide cover for the cat as it moved back and forth.
Young Bobcat at the edge of a dirt road – Canon R7, handheld, f11, 1/400, ISO 800, +0.7 EV, Canon RF 800mm, natural light
The young wildcat knew my dear friend Steve Creek and I were there—the sound of my shutter definitely caught the cat’s attention. But she or he didn’t seem the least bit concerned about our presence. Neither of us saw any signs of alarm or discomfort in the Bobcat.
Young Bobcats can sometimes be more curious and less cautious, especially if they haven’t yet learned to associate humans with danger.
Young Bobcat after crossing a dirt road – Canon R7, handheld, f11, 1/400, ISO 800, +0.7 EV, Canon RF 800mm, natural light
If Steve or I had sensed or noticed any alarm or discomfort in the cat, we would have left it in peace. As it was, though, we were both photographing with 800mm lenses and were quite a distance from the Bobcat.
Steve and I have decades of experience photographing birds and wildlife, and we firmly believe in letting our wild subjects set the boundaries. No photo is worth the safety, comfort, or well-being of our subjects. Ever.
Young Bobcat strolling through lush grasses – Canon R7, handheld, f11, 1/320, ISO 800, +0.7 EV, Canon RF 800mm, natural light
My joy about photographing this young, gorgeous Bobcat stayed with me all day long—and I still feel it today. It has taken me years to get the photos of Bobcats I’ve been dreaming about for decades!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Bobcat photos plus facts and information about this species.
You may have found this beautiful bobcat in your view finder but he/she also had you in his/her ‘”viewfinder”. The bobcat’s gaze never left you. I love your narrative and your images reflect the care and respect you show all wildlife. Others could certainly learn from your example. Thanks Mia.
What an absolute beauty. Thank you for your ethics.
The bob cat was definitely keeping an eye on you two, but as photos progressed it appears the cat became less alarmed, or concerned. Animals seem to know who and what to fear or run from. You obviously put out good vibes
Great shots, thank you, Mia
O M G! That’s epic. Congrats!
Beautiful! What a wonderful day for you!
Well shot and well deserved.
Lanky! Good shots!
Wow! Gorgeous shots!