The place where I most reliably photograph Bobcats has become, frankly, a shit-show. More and more people are learning about it at the same time other locations that used to be reliable for Bobcats are drying out. Apparently Bobcats in other parts of the Bay Area are being affected severely by a mange epidemic. More photographers are trawling this spot, cats are sometimes getting unreasonably pressured when photographers converge from multiple directions, and I heard that a disagreement about photography ethics nearly came to blows a few weeks ago.
It’s not like it’s my special spot or anything. I learned about it (along with invaluable lessons in fieldcraft and animal behavior) on a tour with @danieldietrichphoto. But, given that I keep my visits to the area brief to avoid adding pressure to the cats and stick to the unofficial rule not to approach other photographers actively photographing a cat, on more and more of my visits I see a Bobcat or two that’s already being photographed and then continue on my way. No big deal. While I love Bobcats, I take satisfaction from photographing many different subjects. And it can be fun just to watch and study their behavior from a distance.
Yesterday, as I took a trip through Bobcat Alley, I came across a group with a cat. I gave them their space and worked on some mediocre scenic shots from a distance. After a while, one of the members of the group waved me in. It turned out it was cat whisperer and all-around good guy @pumapix. I spent a lovely 20 minutes with the group as everyone stayed closely bunched together, let the cat behave naturally, and waited for the cat to approach instead of chasing it around the field.
When it comes to wildlife photography, the animals’ wellbeing needs to be the first priority, followed shortly after by courtesy to other people observing or photographing the wildlife. Sometimes you get a shot, sometimes you don’t, and that’s okay. Besides, the best memories come from the friends we make along the way.