Snowshoeing on Donner Summit with Steve and Di above Van Norden Meadow

Diane, Steve, and Diane with Castle Peak in the background.

Crow's Nest  Peak on the left with Tinker's Knob on the right - Steve investigates the cornice...

Mt. Judah and Donner Peak beyond...

Nordic ski tour to Point Moriah at Royal Gorge

Nordic skiers on the newly renamed "Helman's Trail" - formally the East Ridge trail below Bear Pass on the way to Point Moriah

Jim Kaspari on the way to Point Moriah - Devil's Peak in the background

Snow Mountain looming above The Royal Gorge

Can you believe this is mid-February - look at the snow line! Unbelievable - View of The Royal Gorge of the American River from Point Moriah

A mid-June scene shot in mid-February...

Emerald Bay

Bobcat (or maybe Lynx) comes a calling

Diane looked out the window first thing this morning and exclaimed - "Coyote!....wait - what IS that? Get over here with the camera fast!" So I jumped out of bed, grabbed the camera, switched to the telephoto lense, and crept over to the window snapping these shots.  The California Bobcat sniffed at the woodpiles, marked a few spots, checked out the bird feeder, then sauntered off in search of rabbits I suspect. I guess we are on his route.  He was about 30" long and very fluffy.  I think based on the size of his paws he is NOT a lynx - and the lack of remarkable bow tie beneath his chin.  We had fresh snow yesterday, so I'll go have a look at the tracks soon and then we'll know if he comes back.

Here is a link to a web site that tries to help distinguish between a Lynx and  bobcat.:

How stuff works - Lynx vs bobcat

Based on the tail, I'd say Lynx, based on paw size and chin fur, its more like a bobcat.  What do YOU think?

excerpt:Of course, an article on bobcats wouldn't be complete without mentioning their short, rounded tails that appear to be cut, or "bobbed." While both cats have the characteristic haircut-gone-awry type of tail, the bobcat's is banded with black stripes. It's also black at the top of the tip and white at the bottom, while the lynx's tail lacks banding and is completely black at the tip.