🐻🐾"Footprints in the Sand"🐻🐾

🐻🐾"Footprints in the Sand"🐻🐾

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

*A bear and bobcat print can be seen in the sand in Cades Cove, Tennessee. 

I love looking for animal tracks when I’m in the Cove. My favorite two prints to find are the bear and the bobcat. I do extensive hiking, and one day, when it snowed, I saw a bobcat print in the snow on a log across a stream.

While walking down a dry creek bed, I recently found a bear paw print and a bobcat print. I put my hand next to it for scale. I was very excited!

Please feel free to visit my website to purchase nature photography.

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/

 

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

Soaring Above Cades Cove

“Soaring Above Cades Cove”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

 

A female Northern Harrier soars above the snowy mountains in Cades Cove, Tennessee.

 

Many people don’t go to the Cove in the winter and miss seeing so much beauty. Yes, the Bears are enjoying their winter rest, but they, too, still come out here and again. I’ve photographed one standing in it.

 

I love the winter visitors to the Cove—not the human type, but Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers. I love photographing them. They are hit and miss—they’ll be out, and some days, they are hiding.

 

Please feel free to visit my website:
https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/

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

 

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“Boom Baby”

“Boom Baby”

 

There are several rare leucistic turkeys inhabiting Cades Cove, Tennessee. My goal was to photograph one away from the flock. I spotted a beautiful dogwood tree and wanted to photograph the leucistic turkey with the tree in the background. 

 

Then it happened. Have you seen the white turkeys?

 

Boom baby!

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

 

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

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

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

Enough is Enough!

“Enough is Enough!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Ears back, snout snarled, eyes locked. She has had enough! 

Her yearling took their play fighting one step too far. Now, is she genuinely disciplining him or just wrestling? I don’t know. I have several photos of the encounter, and at one time, they were standing, and he swatted her face several times. I have a large print of that skirmish framed in my house. It reminds me of that day. I will never forget it!

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

Test, See & Learn

Test, See & Learn

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Baby bears are always watching and learning from mom. There is so much to observe to get the vital skills needed for survival. She has to teach them everything within the 16-17 months she rears them.

While at Cades Cove, Tennessee, I witnessed a sow test a small branch to see if it would hold her weight. She used her hind leg and grabbed onto an adjacent branch for added security. The cub was there to witness it all. It was quite a sight to see!

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

Look Up

 “Look Up”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I love to hike in the woods and open fields of Cades Cove. There is so much beauty to be found. There are still so many trails I have not hiked—so much to do in so little time.

So many times, I forget to look up, because well, that’s where bears are sometimes. Mama bear needs to sleep or forage for food, so she trees her cubs. They know to stay there until she calls them down.

My friends and I were hiking in the woods, and right when I said, “We need to look up,” there they were—three ginormous cubs resting in the tree.

I took a lot of shots and had a hard time deciding which one to post. I like this one because one bear is looking up.

I wanted this photo to reflect what I wanted to say. The last two years have been challenging for everyone. Covid has wrecked so many families by taking their loved ones away. I am sorry if your loved one passed away.

 Some people look for other things to soothe them and remove their pain. Only, the pain returns. The numbness only lasts a while.

One thing I can tell you is Jesus will gladly take your pain. I know, trust me. His outstretched arms reach forward to welcome you into His arms. He has brought me through so much and has always been by my side.

One morning when I first awoke, the Lord gave me a word. At the time, I didn’t need it. It was a gift I needed in the future. Hopefully, it will encourage you.

When there is not enough. . . there is I AM! 

Psalm 34:18 states, “ The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saved those who are crushed in spirit. 

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

Ever Watchful

“Ever Watchful”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I know everyone is probably sad the Cove was closed the last two days because it harbored beautiful snow and wildlife. Hopefully, you went to the Cove today and saw some snow. If you don’t get to go, I hope this photo will make you happy.

Backstory:

November 12, 2019, proved to be an exciting day! 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

“Looking Back to 2021” - “Year After Year”

 

“Looking Back to 2021” - “Year After Year”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Several Northern Harriers return to Cades Cove for the winter, year after year. The females and immatures are brown from above, whereas the males are a beautiful grey. He is nicknamed Gray Ghost. One thing is for sure; they know a good thing when they see it! 

They like to soar over the fields of the Cove as they look for a snack. I love how I captured this harrier as it soared in front of Dan Lawson’s barn. 

If you are interested in reading my backstory to my year, please click on my post on my Facebook Photography page.

Each year, I take time to look back at the year behind me. There are certain events I don’t like to remember, but there are happy memories too.

Some events shook me to my core and left me wondering how I would make it through. I leaned on Jesus during the hard times and was comforted by my dog Boo. Jesus and Boo showed me unconditional love. Boo knew when I was upset and would constantly lick me or snuggle against me. In essence, she was Jesus with fur on to me. 

May 22, at 5:32 a.m., Boo passed away. Her death was unexpected. Her kidneys failed after being on medicine for so long, but it controlled her seizures. She was a wonderful dog and my shadow. We miss Boo but are glad we had her in our lives.

On a positive note, we got two male puppies on July 22. They are littermates. They bring us so much happiness! 

One is a chocolate Yorkie, and the other is the traditional color. They were born one week after Boo passed away.

Each puppy is named after Boo. I called Boo all kinds of names. One silly name was Punkin Head. Don’t ask. I have no idea where that name came from.

The chocolate-colored one is Punkin, and the black and brown one is Little J. Little J stands for Little Jesus. That is not being silly or sacrilegious in any way. He is named after Boo, who gave me unconditional love during my hard times.

I got Covid the week of Thanksgiving. My case was extremely mild. I believe it is because I was fully vaccinated. Why was I spared when 5 million people were not? I believe it’s because I need to get my book about death published that the Lord laid on my heart. I am glad I'm alive so I can look back at my year.

 One Christmas day, everyone celebrated Jesus’ birthday—eating turkey, fellowshipping with family, and opening presents. I was horizontal at a different house and lay on my dog’s beds. They were snuggling with me.

I tested negative for Covid and the flu, but whatever I had kicked my butt. My doctor said something viral was going around.     

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

My Favorite Five – “Giddyup, Mama!”

My Favorite Five – “Giddyup, Mama!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Before I post my “top nine for 2021” photo on Instagram, I wanted to post my favorite five posts from 2021 and see the difference. I thought I would post them here too. 

Here they are……  

Backstory:

Once in a while, you get a special opportunity when out photographing. A black bear and her cubs graced my presence. They meandered about on Sparks Lane for a while. I parked my car at the top of the hill and Hazel and her cubs decided to walk near it. 

While I was photographing her, I noticed another set of ears popping up on her back. One of her cubs climbed on her back and told her, “Giddyup, Mama!”

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

“Kung Fu Fighting”

“Kung Fu Fighting”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

This spring, these black bear cubs had a blast in Cades Cove on their field trip as they were kung fu fighting on top of a log. They also got to climb trees, play peek-a-boo, pick out a Christmas tree, sneak attack their siblings, sleep in a tree, nurse on Mom’s rich milk, play follow the leader on a log, cross the road safely, and observe those funny humans while peering through weeds as tall as they were. 

These little ones were playing right before the Missionary Baptist Church. They were putting on a show. Boy did they create quite a bear jam that 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

A Whale of a Bear!

“A Whale of a Bear!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Last year, it was nearing Thanksgiving, and I went to Cades Cove. I hadn’t photographed too many critters that I thought worthy of sharing until I came upon one of the largest bears I have ever seen in the Cove.

The bear was sitting under a walnut tree fattening up winter by eating walnuts. There was quite a crowd, but nothing deterred the bear from eating.

Once, the bear stood up next to the tree, and it showed its scale. I’m not good with identifying the bears. 

Does anyone know for certain which one this is, and did you see it?

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

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

A Good Ole’ Fashion Whoopin’

“Black Bear Cub Gets a Good Ole’ Fashion Whoopin’”

The Rest of the Story – Part II

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Last week someone requested I post another photo of the sleeping bear in Cades Cove, so here it is. The incident caused the biggest “bear jam.” My story told of the bears getting bored because the mamma bear did not want to share the walnuts she cracked open.

One cub learned the lesson of not bothering mamma’s food the hard way and got a good ‘ole fashion whoopin.’ The swift discipline happened in the blink of an eye with no warning. Leaves were flying!

I did not think but just held down the camera’s shutter and took a series of photos. Meanwhile, the sleeping cub raised his head to check out the commotion.

Terror could be seen in the disciplined bear’s eyes as mamma’s claws dug into his fur. It was a moment he will never forget.

I wish I could see her head to see what she was doing. Maybe she was giving him a firm bite. At least I got the expression on the cub’s face.

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

It’s Their Home

“It’s Their Home”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Late yesterday afternoon in Cades Cove turned into a long line of cars because a bear family stayed in the road. One cub even tried to sleep on the road.

The line of cars backed up to the entrance to Cades Cove Loop Road. I didn’t want to get in the traffic but decided to in hopes of photographing bears. To make the situation merrier, I turned on Christmas music and had a jolly ride.

The staff tried to manage the problem the best they could to keep the bears and visitors safe. 

One by one, visitors managed their cars as instructed by the staff. Some had to stop or move their car around the bears.

Others honked their horns as directed to encourage the bears to move.

The mamma bear was not excited to share the walnuts she cracked open. One cub was scolded with a sudden snare and body pounce as he got too close to her meal. So, the cubs were bored and wandered around or rested.

Two cubs started trotting down the road. People were scattered around so they cleared the way. Soon mamma bear and another cub pursued. They walked down the road to another walnut tree. The mamma ate as two cubs climbed the tree. The excitement ended as they walked into the woods and disappeared.

We as visitors can’t complain about the long line of cars. I sat in it for at least an hour. Cades Cove is their home—we are just visitors. 

Now you know the rest of the story. 

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