“Just That One”

 

“Just That One”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

One of the photographs I treasure getting in Cades Cove, Tennessee, is a baby black bear riding his mama’s back. 

There are a few mama bears in the Cove that have three cubs. One baby bear tends to stay by himself more than the others. One seems to be playing with the grass or staring out into space while the others brawl, biting each other profusely. Maybe the baby bear on its mother’s back is just that one.

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

 

#CadesCove #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #blackbears #bearphotos #bearphoto #bearphotography #blackbearsofinstagram #CadesCoveTN #GSMNP #CadesCoveTennessee #blackbear #smokymountains #smokies #GreatSmokyMountains 

 

“No house decorations!”

“No house decorations!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

 

Don’t tie a yellow ribbon around my old oak tree! This mama bear was unhappy about the yellow ribbon on her house, so she decided to bite through it. She chewed through one, then attempted to bite through another and failed.

 

The ribbon was put up to give her a little space, peace, and quiet from everyone, but she didn’t like the ribbon! The rangers do what is best for the wildlife.

 

This photograph is really a shot of a lifetime. The Lord blesses me so much. On the way to Cades Cove this morning, I prayed, “Lord, show me or bring to me what You want me to photograph.” It’s my regular prayer. All you have to do is ask.

Please feel free share and to visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com/  

 

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

 

#CadesCove #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #blackbears #bearphotos #bearphoto #bearphotography #blackbearsofinstagram #CadesCoveTN #GSMNP #CadesCoveTennessee #blackbear #smokymountains #smokies #GreatSmokyMountains

"Baby Black Bear Bum"

"Baby Black Bear Bum"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

 

I love photographing black bears in Cades Cove, Tennessee. Recently, I found a mama with three spring cubs. I love the tiny babies!

 

One of my other favorite things is to hear the mama call her cubs down from the trees. Her call is music to my ears.

 

One little cub was not minding his mama and stayed up in the tree. She kept her eye on him, though, occasionally glancing up his way.

 

We had the privilege of shooting next to John, who works for the National Park Service. He documented the mama bear and her cubs while ensuring everyone kept their distance.  

 

Please feel free share and to visit my website:

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

“Introducing … the King!”

“Introducing … the King!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

In February, a friend and I went to the Gum Swamp Exclosure in Cades Cove, Tennessee, to see what critters we could find. We found a buck, and a few does. I was excited when I saw a buck walk toward the swamp’s edge. I anxiously waited and hoped I could get his reflection—and then it happened!

 

First, let me say, it says exclosure because that means it is an area which unwanted animals are excluded. If you haven’t been there and want to know the history, I will tell you what the sign says. “This is one of approximately 20 special sites that have been identified for fencing against the wild hog, a non-native animal that has been present in the park only since the 1950s. The exclosure contains a wetland community that is unique to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It represents an assemblage of native plants and animals that would be seriously injured by the invasion of hogs. The fence was installed in 1984 in an effort to retain the natural character of the site.”

 

#CadesCove #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #CadesCoveTN #GSMNP #greatsmokynps #CadesCoveTennessee #smokymountains #GreatSmokyMountains #whitetaileddeer #whitetaildeer #buck

Please feel free share and to visit my website:

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

“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!

Please feel free share and 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 #leucisticturkey #leucistic

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