Bobcat - The Best Wildlife Experience of My Life (Face to Face with a Big Cat)

[@JeffandLeslie]

One thing that I can share is to avoid crouching down in front of a predator. As you found, it doesn't work well. More important, don't crouch down and turn your back on them. A bobcat isn't going to attack you unless it is sick, old or hurt but one shouldn't make themselves look like prey in any case. Nice photos. It does look like her right eye is not working correctly. She must be pretty old. It must have been an incredible experience.

[@briansorrells8126]

What a beautiful bobcat. But what you didn't realize was the fact that she was actually TRYING to get you closer. Drawing you in with her deceptively docile behavior. She's thinking to herself, "Hmmm. He's already robbed me of a duck dinner and I'm pretty sure he can't out run me. He doesn't seem scared so if I let him get close enough, this'll be easy. Just a little closer...." Seriously though, she was an older cat and its harder for her to hunt now so she was waiting for an easy meal like a curious Yorkshireman...

[@dawnmason2378]

It's a Bobcat. They are the smallest of the Lynx family. Beautiful.

[@rbr6852]

I would say Bobcat. Doesn’t seem well to let you up this close though. 🤷‍♂️

[@rbr6852]

Learning more about wildlife and their prey, might get you better photos. It is up to oneself how to use that. Catching mice/rodents ”Off season” storing and using as photofeeding station might help Owls, bobcats etc at the end of winter but it is a thin line. On the other hand, catching a stunning photo and further educate people to the beauty of wildlife, and KEEPING a healthy distance…

[@filton12]

Probably was her self-preservation kicking in when you got down to her level. Yorkshire man squatting in a field, probably had a Vindaloo the previous night, the bobcat didn't want any part of that.

[@roscot40]

Those rare moments when we find ourselves in the presence of something truly wild and beautiful are priceless. Great video as always 👍

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome to the club, buddy! That 600 f4 would be great on that A1!

[@fototripper]

Let's hope she got the hint...

[@MMaj-ym8or]

It doesn't matter what she is. She is beautiful example of nature.

[@rcarder2093]

Maybe Belinda the bobcat was thinking "This guy is crazy. He keeps turning around and talking to someone that isn't there. I'm OUTTA HERE!" 😂

[@mountaingalatheart]

A lynx hips are higher than its shoulders, has a shorter tail & less noticeable spots than the bobcat. She didnt seem well, poor kitty 😿. Beautiful portrait shot, thanks for sharing!!

[@toddmcgowan9449]

The picture of the bobcat was phenomenal! Terrific job on the video!

[@edc641]

I have a "panic button" on my A7RIII. When I push and hold it the camera is set to continuous shooting, ss 1/1000sec and the most open aperture available on the lens I have mounted at the moment. When released the camera is set to whatever settings I had before. Very useful when something unexpected happens and I have little time to react, like an interesting bird flying by.

[@MattTalksPhotography]

That's a great idea I'll have to look into. Closest thing I've had is when I shot sports, I'd have a custom function for the field and another for the crowd lighting.

[@edc641]

​@@MattTalksPhotography I usually shoot landscapes, but I also enjoy shooting wildlife. So when I'm out in the field it's so convenient having that button to quickly change settings to something more suitable for fast moving subjects. I forgot to mention that I also get continuous autofocus when pressing the button. I used to have two buttons set up for action photography, the other one with an even faster shutter speed for smaller birds. But my camera model is not great for those smaller birds in the air so I'm back to a single button with 1/1000 (or maybe a tad faster). Works great!

[@michellewesson4409]

Wildlife is addicting to photograph, such a rush to get a special shot. Reminds me of the quote from John Muir, ‘In every walk with nature one receives more than they seek’. ❤

[@rachaelsdoutz2678]

Great experience. This is how you get the wildlife photographer bug, for sure! My vote would be for a bobcat, as her feet don't look as big and hairy as the lynx pictures I've seen, but it can be very hard to distinguish them. Thank you for sharing.

[@WLynnSargent]

What an awesome experience! And the straight on photo is truly epic. I have to admit, I don't think I would have had the nerve to get that close. I can't help but think that her reaction while looking at you was just her trying to figure out if it would be worth the effort of trying to get through the wrapper to the tasty morsels inside...

[@Trish12303]

I am SO jealous! She is gorgeous!! What a special experience. 💖

[@pictie]

Wild life photography is just as much of a experience as it is about photography and is so magical . legitimately some of the best times in my life was hiding in some bushes watching and capturing wildlife doing thair thing .

[@panrucker1]

It must be that calming Yorkshire accent, I fell asleep about the same time as the bobcat did .😊

[@davidforshaw6447]

That show from in front of the cat left me absolutely gobsmacked... what a fantastic memory for you to share with us. Thank you for this Simon

[@mickyp3357]

Thomas Heaton and his arctic fox's, eat yer heart out!! That a stunning wild life photo Gavin!!

[@bh9702]

Some people might say that you got lucky. But you’re when you’re out five days a week, year after year, you make your own luck. Nice one brother. What an experience!

[@jessicaa8336]

Poor baby is unwell. She’s a beauty

[@black-and-light]

What a wonderful encounter. An absolut beauty. Belinda is a bobcat (black banded tail). You lucky guy!

[@davidhuth5659]

Looks like a bobcat to me and I think she has a cataract in the right eye. She may be of advanced age. Amazing encounter for sure!

[@keithsandercock1412]

I had the same thought about the eye.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

That's definitely a bobcat. Looks like a cataract in its right eye and it's slightly favoring its left rear leg. So, an old girl with a hitch in its gitalong. A lynx is huge by comparison. Never seen one in the wild but I've seen them in zoos. You don't want to be anywhere near that close to one. Great images and an entertaining video. Canadian Lynxes are bigger than bobcats with more pronounced face and ear tufts. They are very long-legged, and the rear legs are longer than the front. Their primary prey are snowshoe hares, for which they lie in wait along hare trails and ambush rather than actively stalking.

[@perfect12386]

So beautiful. I'm a massive lover of cats too.

[@Bazzo61]

What an amazing shot! That animal is absolutely beautiful.

[@jlf_photo]

Just incredible! The details in the fur is awesome! We always remember these encounters. I met a canada lynx family this winter after 3 years of research, best moment of my wildlife photography life.

[@viviennenoble4035]

How beautiful, what an experience to have. You could do landscape and wildlife photos.

[@keddy6live]

Ive found any time eyes lock for more than a second with wildlife it makes for a special moment

[@TheGuitarsadist]

Congrats to you Gavin, one of my favorite subjects. I have one that allowed me to get up to witin 10 feet before it gently moved on, I had a 500 with me and it was full frame of a face, then after looking how close I was, I decided to give her more room, for I did want a peeded off Bobcat decide to show me who was boss. Now I was very fortunate to had been working a miltary base were they had a allot, so over my time there I had 7 encouter with different Bobcats from chilling to snaking on ground squirells. Oh and Amada is not fat and when I get Chasin Awe I may take it with me to shoot wildlife and get lucky also. Good luck on getting the big boy lens for the BD, I think over the years I have spent enough on big white lens to buy a C8 Corvett, luckily I have a loving and understanding wife who got me a Canorn R5 for an Christmas, it is good that the old EF work fantasic with it especially teh 500 and 600. Take care and be safe and thanks for sharing.

[@TheGuitarsadist]

Ok finally convinced me that I can only better my photography if I keep a handy copy of CHasing Awe with me, So pulled the trigger and ordered. Sent your order email a replay with the proper shipping information along with one of my Bobcat shots, Thank you and best to you and Amanda

[@theflavourist1985]

I'm absolutely jealous of everyone that takes part in that workshop in fall...^^

[@toddwhitmire9057]

HOLY SH** Gavin! That has book cover written all over it, great job on that picture. I think her eye adds so much more character too. What a capture!

[@markheatherington8367]

Bobcats can be neutered, just takes a very brave Vet 😀 An encounter of a lifetime, congrats!

[@slowlyrusting4044]

The stripes/bands on her tail and the black on top, white on bottom tip of the tail say she is Belinda the bobcat. That experience you had was pretty cool. Nice portrait too.

[@brianmckeever5280]

Shenanigans indeed. A really nice image "not-a-wildlife-photographer". It almost looks like a cataract in the cat's right eye. So, I'd guess pretty old? Good video, thanks for sharing.

[@GeorgiaT1496]

Bobcats are actually the smallest of the Lynx, but I'm not sure if that is a bobcat or a different lynx. Super cool encounter! There's no way she'd let you that close if she wasn't I'll or injured in some way, cats hide pain extremely well.

[@pipercan1]

Or used to being fed ...

[@johnround8311]

As you progress in your wildlife career, I can`t wait until you have the opportunity to approach a cow moose and her calf. Should be some interesting action footage!

[@arapahoetactical7749]

I've always headed into the wild prepared to photograph both wildlife and scenery. There is no law saying you can't do both. Wildlife is a little more hit or miss, but other than my time spent at South Pole Station, I've found wildlife everywhere I've found beautiful scenery. I'm going with Bobcat on this. The Lynx is more inclined to colder regions but Bobcat are also found in your neck of the woods. This could explain why you were able to get so close. When it's cold a Bobcat will be less likely to attack than a Lynx. The Lynx also have bigger paws and longer legs than the Bobcat, but other than that, they are really tough to tell apart.

[@matejbednarik8736]

You have probably better photography of wild animal than many of wildlife photographers.Great work. 👍💪 Magical moment.

[@Eigil_Skovgaard]

Wow, that was special. I have seen videos with bobcats half domesticated, i.e. visiting the gardens regularly to get the snacks. They would probably be more or less confident with humans. It depends of how close the nearest houses are. After all you were successful with a very direct approach strategy. That said I don't for a minute want to reduce your experience. For good reasons it IS an extraordinary experience to get close to a wild animal, not least when you are "naked" and the slower runner. You managed to get perfect close-ups - and even report it. Very good. Wildlife may be knocking on your photography tepee, Gavin!

[@JeffWeymier]

Once in a lifetime experience. You should pick up the Sony 200-600G lens. It's the one I use and I love it. Very sharp and not to expensive compared to their other 600mm lens.

[@fototripper]

Well I did hint at the good lady so...

[@stangmang96]

I second that, great lens

[@jsimes1]

@@fototripper did you hint at the good lady before or after you called her fat? 🤐

[@PentaxLife]

Wow that was very very nice. Congratulations on the Once in lifetime. Did you phone Simon to get the right settings?

[@westvirginianlivin9871]

I was really hoping this would be the video this week after you posted her photo the other day. Amazing encounter!

[@bcrossphotos]

Great shots, brought back some special memories for me with a Bobcat encounter in Yellowstone. They truly are beautiful.

[@GodIsReal]

Isn’t it amazing what an intense thrill it gives us to get close to wild animals? It’s amazing how that touches us.

[@paulkirk5760]

Great that you were able to share a precious moment like that. She was so chilled and you nailed the eye shot! I’m sure Simin will tell you, you should have been on auto iso, 5.6 and 1/1600 in case she bolted.

[@sagetheowlfatfeathery2083]

I have one of the custom modes on my camera set to basic wildlife settings (fast shutter, wide aperture, auto ISO, fast burst shutter, animal eye detect autofocus) so that if something pops up, it’s just a case of rotating the selector dial a couple of clicks to be ready to get the shot.

[@johnmehalick]

That was a good first encounter for your wild life photography. I like the straight on face picture. I thought I watch a KZbinr saying you need to see your reflection in the animals eye! After watching the closeup of the kitty she might have the start of cataracts. Think you might need two cameras. One setup for wild life with the long lens on! Just have to buy lots and lots of chocolate for Amanda. I am upgrade to a IV from a M2. I have to see if it was worth the extra $,$$$?

[@nickungureanu]

This Belinda bobcat is quite old, she probably preserved her energy for the next hunt rather than running from you. These moments are truly magical. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.

[@DeanNewlove]

I'm so glad I stumbled along this guy! Your humour, sir, makes me want to watch all of your uploads. "My life" made me chuckle.

[@dcshutterbug]

Well done mate! Beautiful opportunity, beautiful shots indeed. And to think, after all those years on VI and no such chance to photograph a cougar! My dream encounter with my camera. I am so envious.

[@markgubbins1958]

What a wonderful encounter. Glad you got some fantastic photos. Amanda, you are gorgeous !!!!

[@jean-claudecajolet7618]

Beautiful pictures and video. If you go 16:03 on the video, you will that the bottom of tail tip is grey and the top black, it's one way to say that it's a bobcat. The lynx has a full black tail tip. To approach it so close, it's probably because is not in very good shape, but it gave you the opportunity to make some beautiful pictures.

[@fototripper]

Yes, I think she's in her last years.

[@allansisson355]

Beautiful Image ! What a rare and wonderful experience , you are so lucky. I was bow hunting on a very cold morning and the leaves were just to loud to move. I sat down beside a large rock, with the wind to my face. I didn't hear her she came from but she was six feet away. She was the size of a carry on. Of course I was in camo, so she might of thought I was a small creature, or just curious. I had. No camera and I was afraid if I scared her I feared an attack. I didn't really wish to be torn up by her paws full of razors. I spent three minutes with my hand on my knife handle I didn't dare move. She decided to walk away to my left. One of the Best Days of my Life. You kept talking so she sensed you were not a hunter. Until you crouched down that is. I did that four feet from a moose, I was taking photos of once. It's temperament toward me changed then. hahah One of the photos I got of the moose , the lens was wet from it's snort. You two are so funny, love the ending

[@fototripper]

I've heard that moose can be the most dangerous. No way I'd get close to a moose unless it was walking in front of the vehicle which has happened a few times.

[@allansisson355]

@@fototripper I was visiting my family i Maine. We drove up on one and I got out of the van. Walking up saying good Mossie Moosie in a calming tone. I had an instamatic camera then. It was fine until I wanted to show the size. So I knelt down and it's eyebrows grew 10 x i didn't get that shot. Terrified the flash would set him off. He came down to meet my camera he snorted and took a step back. I then stood up and took one as he was leaving. I didn't find out he can kick forward until returning to the van.. hahah Another Best day of My Life

[@adragonphotography]

All I can say is wow!! She was so pretty. And that last pic you took was fantastic. Thank you for sharing with us all

[@KirkDurstonquest]

That was a Bobcat. The color, the size, and the length of tail were all indicators of a Bobcat. (Lynx typically have a significantly stumpier/shorter tail, are shades of grey, and usually a bit larger.

[@RichAdamsFineArt]

Very special moment to share with the old gal. The cat was nice too.

[@lindaw5890]

WOW! How lucky were you!

[@denisturcott5131]

When we were in Cape Breton we used to see a bob cat on Kelly's Mountain. It was the start of my love for wild life photography. It also means you will learn more about animals and birds that you ever thought possible. I now shoot landscapes in between seasons when the mating season is done. It is an awesome sight to see and it don't matter who good the videos or stills, it is the encounter that matters. I am a Canon shooter and carry one camera for video and the other for stills. I can't afford a Canon Prime so I bought a 150 - 600 Sigma sport lens. best move I ever made. Hope you end up shooting wild life.

[@chachacha4]

Great shot! The coolest thing is that you were so close that you can see your reflection in her eyes! The predator eyeing her prey.

[@joehusband8479]

Wow! What an amazing encounter that was! You managed a super head on photo as well, Brilliant mate!

[@never-2-late997]

The pictures of the Bobcat are beautiful, you’re so lucky you got that close and share the moment

[@jerryeisner1]

Nice share and great story of the Big Cat portrait in the wild!! Additionally, All you do is made even sweeter with Amanda's amazing supportive humor and support.

[@a.harrispoems2738]

The Encounter I saw a kitty on the street a lovely thing to see. I psbsbpsbsed him over and he came to talk to me. I reached my hand out slowly and scratched him on his head. He flopped down on the dusty ground. “prrrprrrprrr” he said. And with our little meeting, for that briefest point in time, peace and love filled all the world and everything was fine.

[@denisesavage2382]

Now that was a moment! Great image with the cat looking straight down the barrel of the lens. Nailed it.

[@ytubechannel997]

A beautiful shot of a beautiful animal. A vivid example of chasing awe.

[@ti-ande]

Thank you for taking the time to video this special moment! If I had this majestic encounter, I would be buzzing so much I'd forget how to use my camera, let alone vlog the experience at the same time!

[@stefangoldensteinwildlife9929]

Wow. Amazing you came that close to a bobcat. Wonderful footage and pictures. Greets Stefan

[@galensinkey]

14:47 incredible shot! Looks like her contact lens in the right eye is a little cloudy. I’m guessing an older cat but very beautiful

[@nevillewatkins4997]

Wow! What an experience. Of course you know what you should have done, phoned Simon for some tips. 😄

[@mikefaulkner3163]

Great stuff as usual Gavin, reminds me of the scene from Walter Mitty when Sean Penn photographs the big cat… clearly a Yorkshireman does the encounter with far more panache and style!!

[@Suhailkhan53]

Great video with this cute Bob cat. It surely is not a Lynx although they both belong to same genus of lynx. The Lynx are larger with a tuft of hair on their ear tips and black tipped tail. They also have longer legs.😊

[@M.Campbell]

Definitely a Bobcat. Lynx are bigger. Their ear tufts are longer and their tails have only a black tip, no rings. She's at a disadvantage with the loss of vision in her right eye and she looks thin. Poor girl. Nature can be cruel. But perhaps she's coping. Thank you for this video.

[@conniequinton371]

A bobcat. We have lots of them in our neighbourhood in Calgary. Gorgeous shot Gavin!

[@Aerosnapper]

What a wonderful encounter - hugely envious - but very happy to enjoy your experience

[@stephaniegraham4896]

What an awesome experience, as a (hobby) wildlife photographer, I’m very jealous. Be careful, wildlife photography is addictive, and bankrupting 😂

[@Ramage7070]

Gavin that was really special, thank you for sharing. The adrenalin rush when you have a chance share a few minutes of peace with an amazing creature is why I love wildlife photography. I know I'm not alone in being both a landscape and wildlife photographer, they really do complement each other so well.

[@roberthennessey5702]

She’s a beautiful Bobcat for sure, I can’t believe how close she let you get. Yup your going to get hooked now animals and birds. Great vid.

[@DamienCulley]

I left Shainblum’s new video when I saw the notification for this pop up.

[@fototripper]

I'll go and watch Shainblum to cover you ;)

[@MichaelShainblum]

geez some of you KZbin folks are brutal

[@fototripper]

@@MichaelShainblum hehehe. You tell him Michael.

[@DamienCulley]

@@MichaelShainblum😬 soz - lured by the promise of awe

[@LeeDillion]

@@MichaelShainblum Not to worry, just watched you both! Great stuff

[@Jacob-64]

That cat is unwell

[@Tofushoots]

Holy bobcats that's an awesome shot!

[@Ruscombephotos]

What an incredible encounter; I"m very envious. And wonderful head-on portrait of her. Thanks for sharing. I cannot answer your question though. It looks like there is a cataract on her right eye, not an injury. I don't know if that is any indication of age that she could possibly well above the average age for living in the wild. My wildlife experience perhaps pales in comparison, but last November, an adult red-tailed hawk landed on our balcony railing and stayed for about 15 minutes. Not bad for Riverdale, Bronx in New York City. The door to the balcony was open and I was able to get my camera and photograph this hawk and I was sitting about 8ft away. It wasn't bothered by me in the slightest. I still feel blessed that it chose to sit on our balcony, when there were several others to choose from. I think it was a male, judging from the size, about 16-18 inches long, whereas the females can be 20-22 inches long. But the markings are the same in both genders.

[@simonstevens1631]

Lynx and bobcats are different species but same branch of lynx genus. Love seeing these guys. I saw 4 together this winter and got video and a photo. Pretty cool stuff.

[@fototripper]

What a treat!

[@deblashbrook3209]

Oh wow, had a lump in my throat what a beautiful animal!

[@dragonmediaxl]

You only needed the ones shot, superb shot and what a experience

[@jsimes1]

I know a Simon fella that's gonna be jelly! Beautiful shot! I love the pin sharp face and the out of focus body!! Striking!

[@bradpeck1901]

wow that was an amazing shot - cant believe you got that close - those things can tear into you too

[@Hirsutechin]

This video helped me see you in a new light .... as bobcat bait, definitely bobcat.

[@kaneclements7761]

Gavin that is brilliant. The best I have done is being 10ft from a deer. I'm pretty quiet in nature. Poor sod ran like the wind.

[@martinpriest5446]

what a amazing encounter with this wonderful animal, she looked in good shape to me except her one eye seem to have a bit of problem, It must have felt such a privilege to get so close to this beauty, a very different video Gavin,but so pleasing to watch, well done.

[@EzyYoutube]

Im not 100% shure but i do think this is a lynx. Some of the facial features made me think so especially the tips on the ears. Bobcats also usually have more contrast and spots in their fur than lynx do. Great video beautiful encounter! More and more wildlife photographers on youtube these days :)

[@scottvk75]

Thanks for sharing this one! What a great moment and such a beautiful shot.

[@paulbradbury7166]

Awesome, thank you for sharing that encounter. You did very well getting that front on shot. Whenever the misses starts talking about fat, it's time to walk away, change subject or turn the music up loudly.

[@NeilArthurs]

An absolutely fantastic video! The image is stunning! Your patience and perseverance really paid off! 🎉

[@jillschindel2832]

I hope you have more (safe) wildlife encounters! Belinda is delightful.

[@stevebanks484]

Must admit I got hooked on wildlife photography (mainly birds) about a year ago when I upgraded from the Canon 6D to the R6 with its much greater burst rate and the eye tracking. Having the equipment makes it a completely better experience. 👍

[@weisserth]

I got a bobcat like the one in your footage that visits my backyard in suburban Sammamish, WA multiple times a week. She's pretty chill too - she even hanged out with my neighbor's cat, sunbathing side by side. I got that on Ring video footage. I am kind of amused that in all your years in BC, you've never had a close bobcat encounter. They are so, so ubiquitous in the PNW.

[@fibonacho]

Check out the Pixie Bob. They are amazing. I think it has been an officially recognized breed for a while now. To make a long story short, it originated from what happens when farm/barn/outdoor cats mate with wild bobcats. Might want to make sure that neighbor's cat is fixed. 😉

[@fototripper]

There aren't any bobcats on Vancouver Island.

[@jamesmcmillan4234]

You lucky bugger. That bobcat was a heavenly sight.

[@davebryer6133]

She is a beautiful cat. Good video.

[@wednesdaythroughthelens830]

Laugh out loud at the segway in to your book 😂😂lovely image of her face