My Favorite Six – “Ever Watchful”

My Favorite Six – “Ever Watchful”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Before I post my “top nine for 2022” photo this year, I wanted to post my favorite six posts from 2022 and see the difference. I just couldn’t narrow it down to five this year. I hope you enjoy the photos!

Here they are……  

Backstory:

I love photographing bears, especially when I have the rare opportunity to photograph them in the snow. 

The sow was ever so watchful because she was looking after her two ginormous cubs. The cubs played peek-a-boo around a tree, and one even climbed a tree and posed.

The opportunity seemed surreal. I was thankful the Lord provided me with such an amazing sight. I also met a new photography friend who enjoyed photographing them too.

Check out all the snow on her paws:0

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

   

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

#CadesCove #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #blackbears #bearphotos #blackbearsofinstagram #CadesCoveTN #GSMNP #CadesCoveTennessee #blackbear 

 #bearphoto #blackbearphoto #blackbearphotos

My Favorite Six – “Sunscreen Black Bear Cub”

My Favorite Six – “Sunscreen Black Bear Cub”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Before I post my “top nine for 2022” photo this year, I wanted to post my favorite six posts from 2022 and see the difference. I just couldn’t narrow it down to five this year. I hope you enjoy the photos!

Here they are……

Backstory: It always thrills me to photograph the spring black bear cubs. They are just so darn cute!

I took a gamble this day while I was in Cades Cove, deciding which way to wait for the cubs I had seen earlier. I figured mama bear was nursing them under the shade of a cool tree. She could either come out the same way she was earlier or head up the hill on the backside of the trees.

Patiently, I waited at the top of the hill, hoping they’d come my way. A friend of mine joined me on the hill. She decided to go back down the other side and wait. She said, “Wave your hands if you see them, and I will do the same.”

She began her descent down the hill. I giggled as I thought of waving my arms because the momma bear had just walked up the hill.

Boy, was I so excited to see the little ones follow suit. One cub climbed up the tree and decided to play hide and seek. I loved seeing that he was being clever and using the natural sunscreen of the mud on his nose.

Needless to say, it was a wonderful day!

Please feel free to share and visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

#CadesCove #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #blackbears #bearphotos #blackbearsofinstagram #CadesCoveTN #GSMNP #CadesCoveTennessee #blackbear #blackbears #bearcub #bearcubs #CadesCoveBears #blackbearcub #blackbearcubs

Peeking Through the Fog

“Peeking Through the Fog”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

The thick fog at Cades Cove made everything beautiful last week. As I peeked through the fog, it revealed the Dan Lawson barn. The view was stunning.  

     Please feel free to visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

#CadesCove #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #CadesCoveTN #GSMNP #greatsmokynps #CadesCoveTennessee #smokymountains #GreatSmokyMountains

“Higher Ground”

 

“Higher Ground” 

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Last week, I had a slight advantage photographing an eight-point buck in Cades Cove, Tennessee. Bobby and his wife Debra allowed me to stand in the bed of their truck to get higher ground. The brush was tall and made it very difficult to photograph.

When I first found him, he was near the side of the road but in the thicket. Shortly after, he bedded down and could barely be seen. Before long, he was on the prowl because it was rut season, and a few does were in the area.

I am thankful for the generosity of Bobby and Debra. 

  Please feel free to visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tender Moment

“Tender Moment”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

While traveling down Sparks Lane in Cades Cove, Tennessee. I noticed a few deer and fawns in an open field. I love photographing fawns, so I stopped.

The fawns were from two moms because one was larger and had already lost its spots. They were fun to watch.

At one point, the younger fawn walked over to the other fawn and touched noses. It was a tender moment. 

      To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Out of the Shadows

“Out of the Shadows”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Murfree Springs Wetlands hosts amazing wildlife! When I am in the area, I stop by and walk the wooden boardwalk around the wetlands.

I was told the raccoons there died from distemper, and one family was left. Luckily, that one family of raccoons decided to show up and grace us with their presence. 

The mama had three babies in tow. They meandered through the brush looking for their morning feast and occasionally popped their heads up to peak at us. 

All my images are for sale on my website. Click the link in my bio then click the “Galleries” tab to peruse the many galleries.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Public Service Announcement - “One by One”

Public Service Announcement

“One by One”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

While I love raising monarch caterpillars, there is a downside to it­–watching them die. Please don’t spray pesticides outside your home; it also kills beautiful creatures.

Each caterpillar is precious to me. I love watching them grow and change from one instar to the next. My favorite part is watching the beautiful butterfly emerge from its chrysalis!

But, as you can see from the photo, these caterpillars are dead. I left my milkweed plant at a friend’s house, and her neighbor sprayed pesticides outside their home.

There were over 61 beautiful eggs on my plant. The pesticides must have blown over to my plant, infecting the eggs and eventually killing all the caterpillars after they emerged.

One by one, they suffered and died. It is a sorrowful story, but it teaches a huge lesson.

I used to spray pesticides outside my home, but I won’t do it again after seeing the devastation it leaves behind. 

These caterpillars could have been beautiful butterflies—they are an endangered species now. Let’s keep them around!

Thank you for listening:)

  

Please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/

I’m Diving In!

“I’m Diving In!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

 

A lady was leaning over the wooden bridge in Cades Cove.

 

“What do you see?” I asked.

 

“An otter!” she said.

 

That was all I needed to hear. I quickly parked my car.

 

When taking wildlife photos, it is best to shoot eye to eye with the subject when possible. Shooting down on a subject doesn’t look as good.

 

I wear my muck boots when I go to the Cove, so it was easy to get in the creek without getting wet! Carefully, I slid down the muddy bank of the creek and got in the water.

 

The otter was diving for some goodies. He wouldn’t show me what he was eating, but I guess it was crawfish.

 

His front two incisors were worn down, so he’s been crunching on some hard objects during his lifetime.

 

Please feel free to share and visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Teacher, I’ve Gotta Potty!

“Teacher, I’ve Gotta Potty!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this raccoon while at Murfree Springs Wetlands. I stood watching him as he entertained me for hours. 

All my images are for sale on my website. Click the link in my bio then click the “Galleries” tab to peruse the many galleries.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Murfree Springs Wetlands, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

“Vigilant”

“Vigilant”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I very much miss my brief encounters with this fox family this spring. The young kits frolicked and played as the mama stood vigilantly waiting for dad to return with a meal.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

“Yuck! Your Feet Stink!’

 “Yuck! Your Feet Stink!’

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Watching these spring black bear cubs interact in a tall pine tree in Cades Cove, Tennessee, was fun. They stayed in the tree for two hours while mama bear got her well-deserved rest!

It was well worth the wait because once mama bear called them down from the tree, I got some great shots of one cub in another tree. That photo was my last post.

All my images are for sale on my website. Click the link in my bio then click the “Galleries” tab to peruse the many galleries.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

“Sunscreen Black Bear Cub”

 

“Sunscreen Black Bear Cub”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

It always thrills me to photograph the spring black bear cubs. They are just so darn cute!

I took a gamble this day while I was in Cades Cove, deciding which way to wait for the cubs I had seen earlier. I figured mama bear was nursing them under the shade of a cool tree. She could either come out the same way she was earlier or head up the hill on the backside of the trees. 

Patiently, I waited at the top of the hill, hoping they’d come my way. A friend of mine joined me on the hill. She decided to go back down the other side and wait. She said, “Wave your hands if you see them, and I will do the same.”

She began her descent down the hill. I giggled as I thought of waving my arms because the momma bear had just walked up the hill.

Boy, was I so excited to see the little ones follow suit. One cub climbed up the tree and decided to play hide and seek. I loved seeing that he was being clever and using the natural sunscreen of the mud on his nose.

Needless to say, it was a wonderful day!

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

 Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

“Memorial Day Tribute”

“Memorial Day Tribute”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Thank you to the brave men and women who stood up for my rights and sacrificed their lives so that I could have the freedom to do the things I love.

One of the rights I truly love is photographing black bears in Cades Cove, Tennessee. This sweet bear is Hazel, who lives in the Cove. She was foraging in the fields with her cubs. Her tiniest cub, Moe, was out of her sight, so she stood and looked for him and her other cubs.

He quietly appeared out of the brush and climbed on her back. One of my favorite shots is of him riding on her back.

I was also fortunate to photograph one of her cubs on her back in 2021 too!

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

When it Rains, it Snores

“When it Rains, it Snores”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I enjoyed watching two bears snore away a rainy day in Cades Cove, Tennessee. 

The morning started as I was driving, and the mountains appeared closer and closer. I said, “Good morning, mountains. Good morning bears—come and see me!”

I had already prayed and asked the Lord to show me or bring to me what He wanted me to photograph. Seeing sleepy bears and spring cubs made my day.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Dinner and a Show!

 “Dinner and a Show!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

This black bear photoshoot was one of the most exciting ones I have done. It’s one I will never forget.

A sow and her two yearlings decided to put on a show. The sow crossed a grassy field and immediately started foraging. The yearlings were reluctant to walk out of the tall grass but soon followed suit. They climbed a walnut tree not even a foot from the road and stayed there for almost an hour. They were not in a hurry! I watched them have dinner and put on a show. 

Of course, they created a massive bear jam, a.k.a., when a long line of cars built up from everyone stopped to admire them.

I hope to get back in the Cove soon as I have a shoulder injury. I haven’t been there for a month:( This photo was taken spring two years ago.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

“Never Ceasing”

“Never Ceasing”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

The Lord’s grace, and love for me is never ceasing. He knew I have wanted to photograph foxes for two and a half years. I have had a few opportunities, but never like this.

I was able to watch this momma fox and her kits play and play. It was so much fun watching them play fight. They are so adorable!

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Tennessee

Little Cub—Big Forest

“Little Cub—Big Forest”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Black bears were first on my agenda to photograph when I moved to Tennessee two and a half years ago. I love them so much and look forward to photographing the spring cubs this year.

 These were the cubs I wrote about that were playing kung fu fighting on a log, and then they picked out their favorite Christmas tree. This photo was taken in May 2021. In case you miss those blog posts, the links can be found here and here.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Some Bunny Loves You

“Some Bunny Loves You”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Easter is upon us, and it conjures many thoughts and emotions. Children look forward to the Easter bunny bringing a basket full of goodies, while others may take a different slant. 

I personally love Easter because it reminds me of what my Lord and Savior did for me on the cross. Yes, He died a horrific death, but he rose from the grave three days later. He loves us so much!

It’s not about being a good person, doing the right things, or going to church that will grant you access to Heaven. It is having a personal relationship with Jesus. 

Have you asked Him to be your personal Lord and Savior? If you haven’t, it would be the best decision you will make in your entire life.

That’s what Easter is all about:) 

It’s as simple as ABC. A — Admit that you are a sinner. (Romans 3:23)

B — Believe that Jesus, God’s only son, was born and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 16:31)

C — Confess and repent of your sins and ask Him to be Lord of your life. (1 John 1:9)

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Oak Ridge, Tennessee