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

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Let me share one of the best experiences of my entire life with you.
In this video, I come face to face with a big wild cat and it's everything I hoped it would be.
I show you the entire encounter from start to finish and even the exact moment when I capture the shot I waited for so patiently.
The question is, am I making friends with a lynx or a bobcat? One thing I can tell you is that no kebabs were harmed during this encounter.
Things go well and we're getting along great until I try to read a couple of pages of 'Chasing Awe With Gavin Hardcastle' to this potentially dangerous predator. She clearly prefers fiction or perhaps self-help books. Whatever her preference, I'm left looking like a fool.
Will Amanda buy me that 800mm lens for my birthday? Will I put my foot in a hunters snare and what's got this big cat so spooked when it looks over my shoulder?
There's really only one way to find out.
Gavin Hardcastle - Fototripper
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#wildlifephotography #fototripper #wildlife

[@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…

[@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...

[@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 👍

[@jessicaa8336]

Poor baby is unwell. She’s a beauty

[@MMaj-ym8or]

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

[@panrucker1]

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

[@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!" 😂

[@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

[@simon_dentremont]

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

[@fototripper]

Let's hope she got the hint...

[@Jacob-64]

That cat is unwell

[@theflavourist1985]

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

[@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.

[@Cre8ivtouch]

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!!

[@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 ...

[@toddmcgowan9449]

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

[@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!

[@perfect12386]

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

[@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 .

[@Trish12303]

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

[@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’. ❤

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@PentaxLife]

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

[@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...

[@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? 🤐

[@jamesmcmillan4234]

You lucky bugger. That bobcat was a heavenly sight.

[@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

[@kevinglowe2855]

Right then. You can now say that there is a Lynx in the description. 😊

[@fototripper]

Ugh. I missed a golden upportunitah!

[@keddy6live]

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

[@seanhannagans]

Quick Google says Lynx have longer legs and bigger feet than a bobcat, so you just need to acquire a known lynx (or bobcat) then make them stand back to back.

[@viviennenoble4035]

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

[@markheatherington8367]

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

[@mickyp3357]

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

[@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.

[@Hirsutechin]

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

[@QuietLightPhoto]

What a great encounter! She looked old.

[@fototripper]

Perhaps ready for the old cats home in my shed?

[@stephaniegraham4896]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@black-and-light]

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

[@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.

[@cindyengel5670]

She looks old and uncomfortable. Still, lovely opportunity for you and a beautiful shot!

[@davebryer6133]

She is a beautiful cat. Good video.

[@dragonmediaxl]

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

[@kelvinaitken9020]

Bobcat. Underside of the tail is white, small ear tufts and it's name on it's driver's license is "Bob"

[@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.

[@matejbednarik8736]

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

[@rickbanks6254]

I think you now have the cover image for your next book

[@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.

[@Bazzo61]

What an amazing shot! That animal is absolutely beautiful.

[@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!

[@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!

[@nevillewatkins4997]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@599miata]

Super nice shot Gavin. You seldom get a chance like that, for sure.

[@RichAdamsFineArt]

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

[@Tofushoots]

Holy bobcats that's an awesome shot!

[@conniequinton371]

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

[@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.

[@deblashbrook3209]

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

[@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.

[@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 $,$$$?

[@KenToney]

Lynx are bigger, awesome shot.

[@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.

[@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.

[@markgubbins1958]

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

[@ytubechannel997]

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

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@kushi1515]

Wow, great shot and what a beautiful creature indeed.

[@never-2-late997]

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

[@runepehrsson73]

The best natur photography on KZbin 👍😀👍

[@lindaw5890]

WOW! How lucky were you!

[@ryanmutch7921]

I think that might actually be a lynx... I'm judging mostly on the fact that bobcats I've seen are a bit smaller and leaner, and the ear tuffs were longer. But it looks so similar it might be a bobcat with its winter coat. Awesome encounter!

[@alexSpunkt.]

Great encounter! Love the shot 👏

[@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!!

[@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.

[@shannonsnow8298]

Simply stunning! Sooo jealous! Still on my bucket list!😎💛

[@joehusband8479]

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

[@vincentlerie2911]

Fantastic experience, but I truly think there is something wrong with the animal. I wonder if she is visually impaired, because her right eye looked cloudy like it may have a cataract. If so, the left eye may have one, thus reducing her eye sight even more. This may account for why you could get so close. Nonetheless again a fantastic experience! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@bunathan2485]

Old cat

[@stefangoldensteinwildlife9929]

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

[@hummersd]

That front-facing shot was incredible!!! Fantastic job! 👏

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@pictureworldphotography]

Awesome shot of the bobcat, really is.

[@PeterLavender]

I wonder if it's a cataract in that right eye. Maybe she's quite old? Nice image Gavin. :)

[@adragon3210]

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

[@denisesavage2382]

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

[@wildbillgreen]

I would love an episode where Simon breaks down this encounter with you . ❤Such a beautiful creature

[@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!

[@thompsy2k6]

Gavin, this video was top class,. wildlife photography? Yes please!