Cades Cove - 7/3

I made a short trip to the Cove on Friday. I knew it would get crowded fast and the one way, 11 mile loop is not fun (for me) at bumper-to-bumper friendliness.

Arriving as the gate was opened at sunrise I passed the turkeys grazing in the horse pastures, heading directly to Hyatt Lane, hoping for a black bear.

I ran into Sam Hobbs, an accomplished Tennessee wildlife photographers, we talked a while, photographed a couple of young buck whitetail deer, in the field in front of us and then Sam headed off in one direction and I went another.

Whitetail Deer - Hyatt Lane





You should have stayed with me Sam .... This young female Pileated Woodpecker put on a nice show.



Ever seen a Pileated's tongue?


The Barn Swallows cooperated, posing on the wire fences





Then I eased back up the lane, towards the far side of the Loop Road .... looking for movement of black .... Finally there it was ... I watched a small Black Bear, maybe a recently booted yearling? The bear was working its way down the small hill, eating grass and blackberries.

I was alone, no traffic ... just waiting. The bear slowly worked it's way to the edge of the field ... checking the air for smells ...... The suddenly a car pulls up with the occupants "Screaming" Look a bear! Well needless to say the bear was off like a flash. Special thanks to the folks from Missouri.

With the grass in the fields not being mowed, like in the past you have to hope the bears come into the edge 10 feet, near the roads that is kept shorter ....





I was out of the Cove and headed home via Rich Mountain Road by 9:30am .... All in all a very nice 3 hours.

Really nice photos - excellent woodpecker shot. I can't wait to spend some time in the Cove in August.