Scottish Wildcat - Felis silvestris (C)

Thought I would change the subject matter this time.

This was taken on one of Andy Rouse's workshops days with a guy called Dave Newton at the BWC. From the outset he just looked like a rather large pussy, the cat that is. However get it wrong with this guy and you won't be playing the guitar again!

Shot through the keepers legs to get the perspective, I did have to get close as I was shooting with 24-70 lens. Fun hey?

Steve
PS I think the cats name was Berttie!

1DmkII 24-70 2.8 lens 1/800 sec AV f5 ISO 250

Hi Stephen nice image but IMO wrong title as it cannot be wild and captive at the same time of taking the picture.
John
Aberdeen
Scotland.

Hi John, my understanding is that the cat is known as a 'scottish wild cat' irrespective of it being captive or not, as that is its actual description. The fact that it was taken in captive surrounds cannot mean that its name changes to 'scottish captive cat'? Be good to have some clarity here only for future postings. Forgive me as I am a new kid on the block here :-)

Steve

Of course in theory it's a Scottish Wild Cat as that is the species name but unfortunately, I think it is generally accepted that Bertie is only part Scottish Wild Cat and part 'feral moggy'.

Nice image all the same (no disrespect intended but all photos of Bertie at the BWC look the same - he must get really cheesed off with pulling this pose for photographers )

Guess that is the price you pay for a captive animal. I thought it was strange as we went into the pen, I swear I saw Berttie waving what seemed to be an equity card about.

Steve

No - it's an ekitty card

Sorry ;

I think you squeezed in by a whisker on that one!

Steve
PS Another overlapping member I see

Actually it is (meant) to be a "Scottish Wildcat" (noun and species) as apposed to a "Scottish Wild Cat" (adjective and descriptor).

I know you've just mentioned the yellow inside of mouth on my posting Steve, but I feel the same with this shot I think you could lift the shadows in the mouth showing a bit more detail IMO Composition is really good too
Nice shot of a captive wildcat nonetheless

Cheers Greame, will have a look.

Steve

Whatever its name, I like the shot!

Thank Paula for taking the time.

Steve

yep i like this too, and lets face it the chances of getting a shot in the wild are very slim, so needs must

Brian

Very nice portrait Stephen and I wouldn't worry about the cat having some Felis domesticus genes - almost all of the "wild" ones do as well.

Malcolm

Angry little chap-Good to see you posting here-look forward to more

Regards

Dave

Thank you Brian & Malcom think I will post a few more 'wild' images and keep the 'captive' to a minimum. Appreciate all the comments and advice. I beleive it is the only way to progress, look, listen and apply. One day I might achieve the ultimate shot we all strive for...

Steve