North American Bobcat.
I took this image 15 minutes after entering the Bosque Del Apache refuge for the first time.
I could have left right then and been happy.
A Youngster I think, it seemed so content to pose and so docile, almost sleepy.
Ken, you right, it is a bit soft, I didn't really sharpen much at all, kind of liked the soft "kitty cat" look.
it was in shadow as you can see, I just jumped out of the vehicle and snapped 3 frames before it turned and ran.
Bobcats are unusual to see like this, this was my first in the wild ever.
I had no time to even look at settings, had just pulled into to the refuge and didn't expect anything.
So this was just a snapshot, if I ever see another (probably not), I will hope to do better.
Can't remember when I last saw a bobcat image, how lucky you are. I like the slightly dreamy look of this but would like to see if you can improve the shadowed eye marginally. Sometimes we just have to be grateful for the less than perfect opportunities presented to us. Well done.
Thanks for the comments.
Here is the next vertical frame (I only have two),
with a bit more light on the face.
I also sharpened it a bit.
I was only at 1/320, as I was not really prepared to see this guy.
This is not Africa, no safari's to see animals like this, hardly anyone ever sees one as
they are out at night and are pretty rare. I was extremely lucky and thankful for the shot.
What an exciting sighting and very well done in the circumstances. I am all to familiar with these rarities in the wild not presenting the best photographic oppertunities. I like your second post with the soft light on the Bobcat and love the detail and patterns on the coat against the dark BG. TFS.
Dan - great sighting and you did well to squeeze off a few frames. I prefer your 2nd shot as it is a little sharper and the light a little softer (the chin looks blown in the OP). I might consider removing the blueish vertical twig in the bg on the rhs.
Beautiful looking Bob Cat, Dan, and good capture considering your circumstances. I like the soft look and soft light on this, had an almost painterly look to it. Agree with removing twig on right.
What a great experience! Like the position of the eyes in the second image. Also like the dark background. I am heading there the day after Thanksgiving and would be happy to see something like this.