When we found out that bobcats had been spotted in the area, we knew this was where we needed to be.
Our first encounter with a cat here happened by accident.
We were walking around the park center, photographing birds, when we spotted a bobcat casually walking by one of the buildings.
Sophia and I dropped our gear and started firing off shots.
We followed the cat as it strolled away, capturing images, mostly of its butt and tail, as it slipped back into the brush.
We were on fire. That moment sealed it for both of us. We were instantly hooked.
That was the beginning of our obsession.
I started researching other places where we might reliably see bobcats. There are a few parks where they’re known to appear, especially during the heat of summer when water is scarce and they’re drawn to park water features.
But this was winter, and there was water everywhere, so that option was out.
Then came a rumor: a bobcat had been seen visiting one of the bird feeders at Bentsen Park.
The feeders are set up during fall migration and maintained throughout winter. We decided to see if the rumor was true.
Happy to report, it was.
At first, the sightings were rare. Sophia had to get used to the idea of sitting by the feeder for long stretches, hoping for a glimpse.
That’s the hardest part of this type of photography, long hours of waiting, with no guarantees.
