Thursday, January 14, 2010

Cades Cove

It has been difficult to get interesting new wildlife photos during the last few weeks so we will dip into the archives from a 2003 visit to Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At that time my primary lenses were the Canon 28-135mm ef, which I used for the scenic photos and the Canon 100-400mmL, which was my primary wildlife lens.

Henry Whitehead Cabin

Cades Cove Stream

Since I am addicted to whitetail deer photography, the whitetail bucks were the primary focus of the trip. Some of the Cades Cove bucks look a lot like the ones in Pennsylvania, while others have a distinctly different appearance. The first buck is a classic beauty while the second is somewhat odd.

Large Eight-Point: Lower End Of Cades Cove

This buck is one of the more unusual ones that I have ever seen, with a very unique set of antlers and facial features.

Eleven-Point: Hyatt Lane

Billie Cromwell went to the Cove in early December and photographed this same buck. He is now in decline as advancing age is taking it's toll.




10 comments:

SaraG said...

BEAUTIFUL photo's Willard.
That is one unique looking deer! Just beautiful though. What a rack!!
I have been to Cades Cove, it amazed me the number of people who get out to get a closer look at the bears...actually chase them.

imac said...

Looks a very beautiful place to stay Willard.

Heather said...

I would love to go there!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photography. Was interesting to read about your 2003 trip and your camera equipment then. Also to learn that others have tracked or photographed the same deer is most interesting. I have no idea how long a deer in the wild lives but would guess it is a short life for bucks and not due to hunting but as males have their own problems.

Stacey Olson said...

he is beautiful and very unique Willard.. archives or not.. they are still amazing photographs.. thanks as always for sharing your beautiful work..

Unknown said...

Beautiful shots, the 2nd last one is extra special Willard...Thomas

Kerri Farley said...

Wow Willard - these are great! Those bucks are Beautiful!

eileeninmd said...

Great set of photos from Cades Cove. I loved the Smoky Mountains.

eileeninmd said...

Great set of photos from Cades Cove. I loved the Smoky Mountains.

Tim Rucci said...

Great photos Willard, and in such a magically peaceful setting. That cabin looks like a fantastic place to spend some time.