Something different and rare. I wanted to try for a different view of the Sandhill cranes as they flew into the big pond for their evening rest. At the refuge the photographers usually goes to the “flight deck” area on the east edge of the water but I thought I’d setup at a nearby trail where the birds would pass over an opening in the tree canopy. Well, it didn’t pan out and I was about to leave when I spotted what I assumed was a coyote coming down the trail. Of course when I focused in I realized I was looking at a mountain lion. Incredible luck. There is always talk about the lions at the refuge but just a few sightings. And here I was, all alone, safe inside my car with the camera all set up, as a big cat slowly headed straight for me. Turns out I was at one of the few spot in the park where a lion could get access to hunt without having to get wet crossing the surrounding canals. And it was only a hundred yards from the Rio Grande which the cats use as a highway to cover their 100 square mile territory and visit their females. It was one of those wonderful moments when what you see in the viewfinder gets the adrenaline pumping. To add to that I was nervous – not for my safety, but hoping I had focus and enough exposure for the night light, especially given it was my first few days with a new camera.
