Named for its short (“bobbed”) tail, the bobcat is a shy predator that mostly eats rabbits. About twice the size of a house cat, it is found across much of Massachusetts. Observing a bobcat is a rare experience, and capturing one on camera requires a great deal of skill and luck. Here are five photos of these elusive cats from past editions of our Photo Contest.

2015 Photo Contest Entry © Scott Lewis

2011 Photo Contest Entry © Rachel Bellenoit

2012 Photo Contest Entry © George Brehm

2011 Photo Contest Entry © Mark Thorne

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Karin Beebe

Known colloquially as “snowbirds,” dark-eyed juncos are often linked to winter. These small, gray, seed-eating birds in the sparrow family are most often seen in Massachusetts from fall migration in October to spring migration in April. But what many people might not realize is that juncos can be found in the Commonwealth year-round, and often breed in our conifer forests. Learn more about juncos and enjoy five images from past editions of our photo contests.

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Lee Fortier

2011 Focus on Feeders Entry © Eladi Bermudez

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Ronelle Adams

2012 Focus on Feeders Entry © Anne Greene

2012 Photo Contest Entry © Kristin Shoemaker

View the winners of the 2015 Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest.