Bobcat Photo Opportunity

 

When travelling to check trail cameras, I’m always looking for wildlife photo opportunities. The other day I was in the right place, at the right time, looking the right way. When passing a field, something in the distance caught my attention. A quick turnaround , another look, and holy …… There were two bobcats deep in the field. Knowing it would be tough to get a decent photo at that distance, I wanted to at least  capture an “ evidence picture.” Jumping the snowbank, I struggled in the deep snow to get to a tree along the edge of the field, didn’t want to advertise the photo opportunity with passing cars. That worked out. Now what ? I decided to wait and see how this would play out; likely the cats would cross the field at the far end. I’ll tell you, it was COLD,  temps near ten degrees and windy. Hopefully this will finish quickly. That wasn’t happening ! The bobcats SLOWLY moved in my direction with the male shadowing the females every move. She stopped often, squatting and staring in my direction. Both cats were aware of my presence. I was wondering why the female kept heading in my way, was it to keep the male at bay? The tom clearly had something on his mind and me being there had no impact on his behavior.

Jim

Pic above are the sheds I have found over the years. It’s been a good start to this year with an 8-point deadhead and moose shed. Hopefully more to be found in the coming weeks.

 

Thanks to all that attended the WRNC annual banquet on Feb 22nd. I enjoyed the dialog and questions following my presentation.

For sure this is “ The Dead of Winter.”  The most recent storm on top of the snow from late January has slowed wildlife activity. Snowshoeing last week  checking TC’s gave up a few Coyote tracks. I did see the first sign of Spring this weekend with maple syrup buckets hanging. I took a ride through an area with open fields on Saturday morning hoping to see a raptor activity, no luck.

I’ve been looking for a more efficient way to keep track of my trail cameras in the field. A field notebook has worked well in the past. This year I added more cameras, locations, and travel time. I have been researching Apps for my phone.

I  may have found the ideal App for keeping track of TC’s . I loaded all my trail camera detail and data onto the site. The site offers many features , the two most important ( to me ) camera location and camera location history. Once I start bushwhacking  new areas, I move TC’s frequently, and in the past have forgotten to note a move in my notes. I think ( hoping) having the phone readily at hand will make it easier. We shall see!

Using my phone to keep track should make it easier. I will share more on this after setting out my TC’s.

Jim