The last time I went hiking on one of my favorite trails here in Southern California, I missed out on a really good photo opportunity. As I was driving out of the national forest at the end of the day, I spotted a Red-Tailed hawk perched in a nearby tree. The tree must’ve been just 30 feet or so away from my car.
So, I pulled over, and realized I had a problem: my camera and telephoto lens was in the trunk. That meant I’d have to get out of my car, open the trunk, get the camera, and finally try to fire off a few shots. Doing all that without scaring the hawk away would’ve been a miracle. I tried anyway, and sure enough, as soon as I got out of the car, the hawk took off. Oh well.
Although the hawks here in California usually don’t mind if I just roll down the window and fire off a few shots, they DO mind if I actually get out of the vehicle.
Looking back at that situation, I realize there’s a couple things I could’ve done.
First, I could’ve tried driving further up the road, out of sight of the hawk, pulled over, get my camera from the trunk, and then go back hoping the hawk was still there to photograph.
Or, what I think is the better solution for future travels is to keep your camera and telephoto lens on the front seat of your car. At least while you’re driving in or out of a park, and there’s enough light to actually photograph wildlife.
Although I do occasionally see wildlife when I’m hiking (I actually saw two bobcats recently, it was awesome!), most of the time I see bigger wildlife like hawks or deer is when I’m driving to or from a trailhead. Mostly because they don’t seem to be afraid of cars as much as they’re afraid of us 
Being prepared and having your camera right by your side will usually determine whether or not you get the photo. So, next time you’re driving in or out of a park, be sure to keep your camera and telephoto lens up front with you in your car!
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About the Author: Steve Berardi is a naturalist, photographer, computer scientist, and founder of PhotoNaturalist. You can usually find him hiking in the beautiful mountains and deserts of Southern California.
Yuppers, the camera should be within reach, but not like you have it pictured. If you have to slam on the brakes, that camera and lens are going to go flying. And as a result it may be damaged. Have it in a camera bag, or something that will protect it.
Once I had my camera within reach on the car seat next to me, stopped for gas, went in to pay for the gas because the credit card machine wasn’t working, and came back to find my camera gone! Now that was pretty stupid on my part, but just a warning to be more mindful than me.
Bill:www.wildramblings.com
Keep it hand AND protected.
Also, have a bean-bag handy.
That is great that you saw some bobcats recently! When I was biking last weekend at the Back Bay in Newport Beach, I saw 4 – a mother bobcat and 3 kittens, but of course I didn’t have my camera with me.
@Winston. Why a beanbag? (sorry mega fail on my part I was thinking about my question instead of thinking and typing!)
Good points, everyone! I should have added a few words of caution:
1) If you keep the camera on the seat, make sure it’s on something that’ll keep it in place if you stop suddenly. I’ve found that a fleece works well for this. Or perhaps it’s better to just keep it on the floor.
2) If you leave your car, make sure you hide the camera (or take it with you), and lock your car!
@Hiking Lady – that’s awesome! Too bad you didn’t have a camera!
@Allison – Don’t worry, I deleted your first mistake comment
I think Winston mentioned a beanbag to use on the window sill to help stabilize the camera.
thanks steve! thts what I thought.. but I wasn’t sure… Good idea… now where to get a beanbag!
I just came back from a guided nature photography field trip at Yellowstone Nat’l Park and can vouch for keeping my DSLR very handy while driving. I photographed a Bison from the driver’s seat who was just 6′ from me as I slowly drove past him.
I keep a P&S in my glove compartment just for these occasions. My camera options are limited somewhat, but it’s better than always regretting “the one that got away”.
Steve, what telephoto lens would you leave with your camera ?
I use a Puffin Pad http://www.puffinpad.com/ to support my camera and telephoto lens on the seat when I am driving it doesn’t slip and is also a very excellent alternative to a bean bag. PS I have no financial interest in the puffin pad just a user
Another idea for stabilizing the camera – you can buy mini tripod like mounts for your windows. Birders use them all the time, so check out birding sites and a quick search of B&H showed several options. These are great at places like Bosque del Apache in NM, where you drive a 12-15 mile loop and can come across a wide variety of birds close to the car where you don’t want to get out and spook them.
I have gotten into the habit using the seat belt on my 600mm when in the car. I too use a Puffin Pad upside down for the smaller lens while driving and as a window lens support when shooting birds and wildlife… Have to admit I am one of the co-inventors of the Pad.
I keep my supertelephoto lens mounted on a camera hidden away in a very plain, non-descript black duffel bag in my front seat. It can be zippered shut when I don’t want prying eyes to see its contents and I use the shoulder strap to anchor it to the front passenger seat by dropping it back behind the seat back. I use the end pockets on the duffel bag to keep a set of extensions rings and a teleconverter at the ready for the telephoto when I need them for shooting out the car window.
Since I travel a lot here in Alaska I always have my camera with the super telephoto on it in the console between our front seats. Remodeled the console so it acts as a mini-camera bag with teleconverter’s and filters handy. Also can lock the console when leaving the car. As a back-up, I carry a Canon P & S with me all the time to catch those un-expected shots away from the car. Now am learning how to improve my photo taking with the Smart Phone, no end to learning is there.
A large ziplok baggie filled with rice works very well as a stabilizer for the camera or lens.