Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Flowers and Fauna in Cades Cove, TN


Many people go to Cades Cove JUST to see the wildlife... Wild turkeys are common in the Cove and many visitors are lucky enough to see them, like us!!!! Other wildlife which can be seen at times are: skunks, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, copperheads, timber rattlesnakes, woodchucks, river otters, coyotes, and less frequently-- gray foxes, red foxes, raccoons, or bobcats.

Besides deer, people come to Cades Cove to see the black bears. Since we didn't see any on this trip, I don't have any pictures today... BUT--- we have seen them in the Cove.. IF you drive the Loop Road very early in the morning or late afternoon (dusk), you will definitely see more deer and bears. We just happened to be there in the middle of the day this time.




There are many birds in the park and the Cove as you can imagine. Obviously, the Woodpeckers have enjoyed this tree!!!!




Before the park service took over the Cove, there weren't many deer left in the Cove. But--after hunting was banned, the population grew and grew. If you go to Cades Cove and drive around the loop road, you will probably see some deer most anytime of the day. A virus killed almost 80% of the deer population in the 1970's , but the deer population came back quickly. This one had his eye on ME!!!! ha




Like every mountainous area, there are also predators. Red wolves were introduced into the Cove in the 1990's--but they didn't do well. They were later located somewhere else. The black bears kill fawns and even adult deer, IF they can catch them.

Then there are the wild hogs/boar. You can see from the pictures above and below --that they are trying to capture some of the wild boar and get them out of the park. These predators came to America from Europe to a game preserve in Graham County, NC --which is south of the park, in 1912. They found their way into the park about 1950. They have expanded their territory to nearly every section of the park.





This is the trap used to capture the Wild Hogs. They root up large areas in search of food, and they damage small high-country streams by wallowing in them. They compete with native animals for sometimes-scarce food. Because of these destructive habits and because the hogs are non-native, the Park Service has been trying to hold their numbers as low as possible. Their damage has been lessened in recent years.





Wildflower lovers love to come to Cades Cove. They say that exotic plants in the Cove outnumber exotic animals. I didn't take time to look for many wildflowers during this trip---but did take pictures of a few along the way... I like this picture because of all of the bees and bugs enjoying it also!!!




Isn't this a pretty white flower? I'm sure that some of my blog friends know what this is --so if you do, please let us know!!!! Thanks!




Finally, here is a butterfly I captured a picture of. I had to ask my butterfly-expert friends to tell me what this one is... First, we thought it was a Silvery Checkerspot --but then realized (since this is a SMALL one) that it is a Pearl Crescent... Isn't it pretty?????

Hope you enjoyed seeing the "Flowers and Fauna" in Cades Cove... The neat thing about Cades Cove is that everytime we visit there, we see different things!!!!! SO--I'm sure we will go back --and take pictures of many more beautiful things in the Smokies.. What a fabulous place!!

++++++++++++++++++++
We found our favorite EATING apple in the produce market today.... I have talked about it before --but if you like crunchy, tart --yet sweet apples, try a HONEY CRISP.. They are delicious!!!!!

Hope you have a great remainder of the week and weekend... I am taking a Blog Break beginning today... I'll blog again on Monday....

Hugs,

58 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures Betsy and I especially love the butterfly!
I'm delighted you found your Honey Crisp apples ~ nothing better for an afternoon snack! Enjoy the weekend.

Jane said...

Good morning Betsy,

Beautiful pics and I enjoyed the story as well.

Jane

Jo said...

Beautiful Betsy;) I love all butterfly. Such a clear image. I hope the wild boars are caught and removed. Oh, I just read about Honey Crisp Apples on another blog this morning. Never heard of them before today! Have a blessed day my friend (((Hugs))) Jo

Reanaclaire said...

Betsy.. nature.. nowadays i love to see the wonders of nature... God's creation...

Elettra said...

Hello Betsy, your post today is a wonderful documentary that enriches my knowledge, thanks

Big Dude said...

We've been gone for a week and I'm just catching up. Looks like you had a great visit to the cove.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Thank you for the lovely trip to the 'Cove', It's just such a fascinating place, and your pictures show it in all it's glory.
The deer really did have his eye on you !
Glad you didn't run into any wild boar, I hear they can be ferocious !
Honey crisp apples are delicious. it's a wonderful time of the year :)

Sunny said...

Love your post and such beautiful photos, Betsy!

Ohhh, I'll stay away from the copperheads and rattlesnakes, thankyou :) But, I love all the rest!

Have a great day !

RoeH said...

You can almost feel the body of that beautiful deer! Gorgeous!

Dorothy said...

Thanks for the tour! I never tire of visiting Cades Cove!

Connie said...

I love the butterfly and deer photos, Betsy! Interesting to read about this area too. :)

Arkansas Patti said...

The animals, especially the deer were what amazed me at Cades Cove. They are not afraid of people nor cameras.
Wild hogs are a real pest in Florida. They really destroy pasture lands. Pastures look like they have been plowed when they get thru. They can also be dangerous.
Still I wish there was room for all of God's creatures.
Enjoy your break. Come back when you are ready.

Sunny said...

Wonderful pictures, as always :)
I'm not good with names of flowers but it looks almost like a Gardenia to me.
Enjoy your break.
☼ Sunny

Susie said...

You got a great pic of the deer Betsy.

I've never tried honey crisp apples before but they sound delish!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Happy Mabon, Autumn Equinox, and Full Harvest Moon!

Karin said...

Thanks for taking me along - virtually! Just loved it and so educational too! Have an awesome week-end!

Unknown said...

I will never forget reading The Thornbirds and coming to the part where one of the brothers was attacked by a wild boar! I still shudder when I think about it. We had some ruckus a while back when our big hog operations started in the county. One "informed" gentleman was aghast at such things and thought pigs should be allowed "free range" in pastures and wooded areas. Apparently he did not understand what letting these animals go back to the wild would do to them. And who would want to eat one of these hogs? Oye! or is it Oink!

Have a great day!

amelia said...

Lovely pictures as usual Betsy.

I'm guessing that the flower is a Rose of Sharon but I'm no expert and I'm probably wrong!!

Fred Alton said...

Very interesting post, Betsy. Of course enlarged the picture of the information about wild hogs and their reproduction rate because of the situation I have at the cabin. I'm learning all I can about them. Thanks.

MadSnapper said...

the butterfly looks like velvet. i would love to see all the wildlife except the snakes. and not the wild hogs either. I have not seen a wild turkey before, they look just like domestic don't they. you have been to so many wonderful places and thanks for our arm chair travels to far places.

Pedaling said...

what a nice place to visit.
I'd like me a nice honey crisp apple...mmmmm
enjoy your little bloggy break.
i should take one too.

Loran said...

I love your post, your pictures and your positive attitude! Thank you for always stopping by my blog and saying something nice. I appreciate it even though I haven't been around much.

I Am Woody said...

I'll have to tell you about our Cades Cove bear experience some time. It is really funny!

Khaki said...

I am enjoying your posts from Cades Cove. We try to visit there as often as we can but this year it didn't work into our schedule. Your posts have helped ease the loss of our annual visit. Thanks. Every time I go there I think 'life needs to be simpler' again.

marmee said...

betsy,

wonderful trip and wonderful photos.
this is the time of year for apples...enjoy.
happy autumn dear friend.

Busy Bee Suz said...

A beautiful area and beautiful photos Betsy.
The deer are so cute...so glad they are protected!
Have a great weekend,
Suz

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Great wildlife photo's! Have a bright and fun day! Happy Autumn!

Diane said...

Nice post of all the flora and fauna, Betsy. Interesting about the hogs, that's something we don't have around here. As you know I'm very fond of those silly turkeys, too. Diane

Ginny Hartzler said...

I love the butterfly! And all the other cool pictures. But I would definately stay in the car, I think you must have gotten out for some of these pics? The Honeycrisp here are HUGE!! I have been begging Phil to try one, and he won't. He says that the bigger an apple is, it loses flavor. But he wouldn't even try it! So I have just read him what you said, and am now making him buy one today!!! He has reluctantly agreed.

Joe Todd said...

Enjoyed the post Betsy as I always do. Linda and I are off wandering

Carletta said...

Wonderful pictures Betsy!
I love the butterfly!
Happy Fall! :)

Anonymous said...

Betsy, thanks for posting such interesting photos and information about Cades Cove. Some of the local critters are probably best watched from a distance... Skunks, copperheads and rattlesnakes. :-)

LV said...

Wonderful wild life post, but I prefer the pretty flowers. Have a good and safe weekend.

Kay said...

That turkey better hide. Doesn't he know it's getting close to Thanksgiving? LOL

ruthinian said...

wow! what a wild life. i have seen a lot of wild turkey in our backyard too and Hubby told me 2 nights in a row when he came home from work that there were deer in the field outback. i was just so lazy to take photos recently. i just hope that those critters come out when i am ready to take photos. hahahah and that will never happen. or maybe i will get lucky next time.

and oh, yes, i love honey crisp apple too.

NCmountainwoman said...

Wild boars are a huge problem here as well. And with the prolific roots, berries, and nuts this year they are expected to reproduce even more.

Love your photographs. Have a nice break!

Shelley said...

honey crisp is one of my favorite apples too betsy! This past weekend at the farmers market, this one farmer had crossed a honey crisp w/ another apple (can't remember the name) and the result was incredible! Loved the photo of that fat turkey and your beautiful butterfly!
Hugs,
Shelley

Lynda said...

My brother encountered a wild boar when he walked the Appalachian Trail in the 80's. It scared him because he knew they can be very dangerous. Fortunately the boar seemed bored with my brother's presence and wandered away. Kev said it was one of the most frightening things he has experienced.

Jen said...

Another great tour! Thanks Betsy.
I really must get back there someday.
I have a ton of those little Pearl Crescents in my yard this year. They go 90 miles an hour. :)

Rose said...

great photos. i love watching wildlife. i don't think i would like to come across a wild boar. enjoy rose

SquirrelQueen said...

I enjoyed seeing all the flora and fauna of Cades Cove. The wild hogs look to be a serious threat to the native species, I hope the park service can reduce their numbers.

I'm glad to hear you found your Honey Crisp apples. They are in all the stores here but I am buying mine from a local orchard, they are so good this year.

Have a great weekend!

Kelly said...

...very cool....I've never seen one of those traps! I didn't even know they existed. A beautiful post...great documentation of Cades Cove. I want to go there! We have our Honeycrisp apples back too. I love them so much.

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Betsy,
Wow! Cades Cove is incredible. I love the deer, animals, flowers, everyone of your photos. What a beautiful place. I may just take off down there before all the leaf lookers come with all the traffic. What a wonderful posting.

Lola said...

AAhhh Betsy. Another post on my favorite place. One can go at different times & see different things.
See if you can find out anything about "Streamer" a buck that was killed {plus another deer} in the cove by 2 idiots from Fl. With a silencer no less. Community service is all they got from what I learned.
Sad, Sad is all I can say. I bought a tee shirt with his pic on the front. All proceeds went to a fund to prosecute law breakers in the park.

Lola said...

AAhhh Betsy. Another post on my favorite place. One can go at different times & see different things.
See if you can find out anything about "Streamer" a buck that was killed {plus another deer} in the cove by 2 idiots from Fl. With a silencer no less. Community service is all they got from what I learned.
Sad, Sad is all I can say. I bought a tee shirt with his pic on the front. All proceeds went to a fund to prosecute law breakers in the park.

NENSA MOON said...

Oh Betsy,
Long time no visit here...I really miss your post...haha...
Hmm.. it's always brighten me when I come to your site... so many lovely pics and interesting story...
I love all the pics above, especially the deer and the pretty white flower.

Hope you always have a blessed day, my dear friend!
hugs,
nensa

diane b said...

You are lucky to be able to visit this place often, it is beautiful and the animals are so different to here. seeing bears must be exciting. The white flower looks like a gardenia.

Rajesh said...

Beautiful place. The shots of wildlife are great. The flowers are beautiful.

From the Kitchen said...

Again amazing photos! Cades Cove is on my list of places to visit--perhaps during a more leisurely drive to Virginia meandering through Tennessee. In the meantime, I'm there with you.

Best,
Bonnie

Debbie Taillieu said...

Gosh, so much to see and do for all the senses in the cove! The white flower looks like a camillia. We had a camillia bush in our yard growing up in Los Angeles....so, that's my guess!
Have a fabulous day!

Rose said...

Nice post, Betsy. I hope when Sarah has her operation and gets back on her feet that we can get to Tennessee for a long weekend at the least!

Glenda said...

Cades Cove has changed so little over the years, yet we always seem to see something we've never seen before. The quietness, simplicity, and beauty of the place draws us there!

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed this post. I didn't know the wild pigs were so much of a problem but do now.

Love Of Quilts said...

I had no idea about the wild pigs...we went to Cades Cove once...didn't see a thing..this would be a good time of year to visit. Trish

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

I saw similar wild turkeys in Australia. We have wild boars in Sarawak, but I don't like to eat them.

Janie said...

Great photos of the wildlife. Mr. Turkey is looking fat and healthy. He'd better watch out as Thanksgiving approaches!
Interesting that the wild hogs are non-native and have become pests.

KathyA said...

1. Love all your photos!
2. Could that be a camelia?
3. Honey crisp apples rock! We also like pink ladies and fuji.
4. Didn't know the wild hogs were not indigenous.
5. We're up to our schnutzes in deer as their only predator around here is the auto.

KathyA said...

Betsy! Just looking at an issue of SOUTHERN LIVING. I think that flower may be a confederate rose.