Eurasian Lynx Yawning (c)

[Joerg Rockenberger]

This Lynx was photographed over the 2010 holidays in the wildlife enclosure of the National Park Centre Mt. Falkenstein in Ludwigsthal, Bavaria, Germany.

Best, Joerg

Canon 1DMkIV, 500F4IS, 1.4TC, 700 mm, 1/640s, F7.1, ISO 1600, Manual Exposure, Gitzo tripod w/ upgraded Mongoose 3.5a

[Gary Hamilton]

Perhaps a bit tight in the frame but I like the sharpness and detail throughout the image. Nice set of teeth on this one. Snow in sun and shade looks properly exposed. Would like to see a little more of the right eye open but as is it accentuates the yawn. Very nice image overall.

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Gary, thanks for taking the time comment. Yes, I agree I'd love to see the eye more open also but those cats have the annoying habit of closing them when yawning. This was the only image where the eyes are at least somewhat open. JR

[Morkel Erasmus]

nice pose and exposure here Joerg...I like the position in the frame, but might add some space on RHS if you have it

how large is the area in which these cats roam in that park?

[Hilary Hann]

These are beautiful cats. I like the tufts of the ears and the softly spotted coat. Nice detail in the snow. Would agree to have a bit more room on RHS.

[Todd Frost]

I like it as presented Joerg, make for a nice portrait. Good exposure and sharpness. Well done.
TFS
Todd

[DanWalters]

Love the yawn and the surrounding snow makes for a clutter-free image!

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Thank you all for the kind feedback. I agree that it's a bit tight to the right.

Morkel, the enclosure is large enough for people to walk up to me when I was there and tell me that they haven't seen the lynx (pl.: "lynxes"?) in previous multiple visits. So, it's large enough for them to hide and it's definitely not a zoo setting. But it's of course a far cry from what you might be used to in South Africa. JR

[Robert Amoruso]

Nice looking animal. For me I would have preferred to not have the canine teeth lost in the white of the fur.

[Steve Canuel]

A nice portrait of a good looking animal. Only wish I have is that the canines on the right (top and bottom) were a bit more visible.

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Thanks Robert & Steve. JR

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks for clarifying, Joerg...was just asking as it's always a debate on when to list "captive"...if you feel there was ample space for them to move around, hide and catch prey, then I am fine with that :)

(that's assuming they hunt for themselves in this reserve?)

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Morkel, I see now what you're getting at. No, they are being fed. I thought it was clear from me stating that the image was taken in a "wildlife enclosure" that they are captive. Didn't mean to mislead anyone and, yes, I think photographers should disclose such fact. I will be more clear in the future. Thx, JR

[Morkel Erasmus]

no problem then - next time denote it as "captive" please, putting a (c) next to the title should suffice. I changed it for you...