Unexpected Encounter
One evening a few months ago my neighbors came over to check on me. They had heard a terrifying scream coming from the wooded creek next to our house and, knowing my inclination to wander there, thought I might have been attacked. Finding me unharmed, we speculated that they may have heard a bobcat. I had rather forgotten about the incident until one morning this week when, to my surprise, I discovered three bobcat kittens, lounging in the road about 30 yards from our driveway. We eyed each other from a distance for several minutes—the world suddenly intimate and yet enlarged with a greater sense of the life that we so rarely see. And then the moment was gone. A car came along and sent the kittens scampering into the field.
Tips and Techniques– Use your sketchbook to learn. When you encounter something that you don’t know much about, combine sketches with notes to record facts, folklore, or quotes about your subject. Don’t worry if your handwriting isn’t elegant. Remember that your sketchbook is for you. When you fill it with your own personal notes and drawings—it will be a perfect reflection of your encounters and musings.
Drawn In 
That is incredible!
You’re probably within the territory. I think the den is in the wet wooded area right across from us.
That is so cool. I heard something the other night but thought it might have been coydogs – maybe not. I have seen a bobcat down by Bishop Nelson Rd and County Rte 21. Amazing creatures. I’ve warned friends to be careful driving up by you.
How exciting for you! I’ll bet you could hardly believe your eyes.
It was quite a surprise– and cool to think that they are so close by.
That sounds like a wonderful moment.
Rare, indeed!
What a great surprise!! How fun. Your drawings are marvelous.
Thanks Kelly!
They are so lovely and beautiful and strong. We had some redwood logs we had thinned out and I looked out one morning and here was a Bobcat just walking along the log I think she was looking for the Chipmunks that had taken residence in the logs. The kittens must have been darling. What a lovely morning treat ! Jean have you seen the “All about birds Anatomy ” that Cornell has it is so well done and a great way to pick up some bird anatomy for those of us that need some bird anatomy.
Hi Georgia– I’ve only seen a bobcat in the wild once before on a trail in Texas many years ago. It’s cool to think that they are so close by– and that it’s unlikely I’ll see them again.
Yes, Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds and other resources are great. I use them as a resource frequently.
Awesome layout and info!!
Thanks Diane. The kittens were backlit, so I didn’t see their features close up. When it came to drawing them, keeping it simple seemed like the best approach.
Wonderful story, sketches and tips!
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks Alison!
What an experience! I love you how recorded it.
How delightful! What a blessing! I loved reading about your memory of the encounter and the journal page you created! I’d LOVE to see a Bobcat!!! As always, thank you for the encouragement too.
Hi Elaine- Maybe it’s just good enough for now to know they are out there. This was a special encounter.
It’s always a little tricky to put multiple sketches on a page. I wasn’t sure how it would come out, so I just kept building until it came together.
How exciting! Love those unexpected moments
Always a treat!
What a magical moment! How lovely that you’ve captured it in your sketchbook.
Totally incredible encounter! And such beautiful and memorable journal pages, and I love how you’ve added bobcat specific information. You’ve really captured the kittens perfectly! Your advice is spot on, and by the way, your writing is always elegant! Thanks for sharing Jean!
Thanks Barb!
Jean, this is so wonderful! Lucky you! I came upon a bobcat hiking alone at Won Darma in Claverack and we had that frozen moment you experienced. But I won’t hike alone there anymore:)
Love the colors of the kittens.
Interesting to know they are around, yet seldom seen. I’m not worried about hiking alone, but some caution is always good.
Beautiful, and I love the trail of dots linking the sketches together.
Thanks!
Are bobcats aggressive to humans at all? If they feel threatened? What an amazing encounter. I do love finding out about new animals that live nearby that I wasn’t aware of. One morning a couple years ago I went out to my kitchen garden and discovered a dead animal that turned out to be a flying squirrel! I’ve never seen one around here otherwise. I’m wondering if it was dropped prey from an owl or hawk that lost its hold….?? Anyway, cool stuff! Love the simplicity, and yet accuracy of your drawings.
Thanks for sharing your encounter. We have flying squirrels around, but I only saw one once since they are nocturnal. I’m not worried about being attacked by a bobcat. They are more likely to avoid an encounter…unless the kittens are threatened.
How wonderful….3 kittens! We lived in the Tehachapi Mountains of CA for many years and frequently had bobcats walk across our deck and patio, quite nonchalantly. We had a lot of large boulders and they could hide in there and you’d never know they were there. I never saw more than two siblings, never 3 and never as young as “yours”. We never saw aggression in them towards us or our dog, but neither were they particularly afraid of you unless you startled them. They would run from the dog, because she would give chase if they were in her yard. Here’s a link to a video of two not quite grown siblings on our patio.
Fascinating! I’m not sure I’d like to see them so close to the house, but I suspect they move on when they’re ready. The link didn’t attach, but I can imagine them hanging out and perhaps playing with each other on your deck.
Oh my gosh, what a lucky encounter! My heart stopped for a second when you said the kittens were lounging in the road. Glad they made it safely to the field! I love all the positions you captured and the beautiful face on the one.
I’ve only seen a bobcat once, strolling down the trail behind the place we were staying in South Carolina. Such a graceful creature.
Glad to hear you had an encounter, too. It’s pretty special to see a bobcat. It sort of blows my mind to think they are living so close by!
I love the different angles!
Thanks!
“…the world suddenly intimate and yet enlarged with a greater sense of the life that we so rarely see. And then the moment was gone.” Beautifully expressed, Jean, and what a lucky day that was! I love the way you sketched and arranged the playful Bobcats n the pages.