Backyard Birding

As we drove into the Smokey Mountains, how they got their name was obvious. It looked like the clouds were ascending from a thousand vents in the mountains as they took their place in the sky. Other days, a haze hung over the mountains as if they were covered in smoke. Some of this haze is caused by clouds. Some is from pollution, both natural and man-made.

The Great Smokey Mountain National Park is unique in that it was carved out of private land. Donations were made so that the federal government could purchase large tracts of land from lumber companies as well as from farmers. Many of the old buildings remain, including the remains of stone chimneys

and a graveyard outside a church.

Because of varying altitudes, soil types, moisture levels and light levels, the Smokes boast an incredible diversity of plant and animal life within a relatively small geographic area, including approximately 200 species of birds. There are also trails throughout the park. Some carry you to interesting features, such as this Laurel Falls which features a 75 foot drop.

As we hiked up to the falls, we received an ominous warning.

My son, who is a little leery of heights, hugged the rocks near the edge of the trail When we reached the falls, my daughter immediately tried to join the other hikers who were trying to climb the falls. My son played quietly in a small pool of water while I had my eye on my eight year old for fear temptation would overtake her and lead her up those rocks. Then, for no apparent reason, my son took off toward the other edge of the falls…and quite a long drop ending on jagged rocks below. He was just running around, oblivious to the imminent danger. Luckily, I am not prone to yelling at my children too much so when I yelled, he froze. We left the falls. That is why we have no other pictures and the falls actually do not look all that impressive. But I had nightmares about them.

There are also a number of “quiet walks” with no particular destination that allow you to take a leisurely walk in the woods to enjoy the peace. I realized that if I am ever to get serious about birding outside my backyard, I really am going to have to learn bird calls. We did not see any birds on any of our hikes. They provided us with a continuous, although somewhat muted, concert throughout our trip. Other than than the rather nasal “twack twack” of the nuthatch, however, I had no idea who the performers were.

We did have to stop to allow a rafter of turkeys to cross. They are kind of ugly birds and I do not know why I like them so much. They remind me of wilderness and the fact that we see them on our way into town always makes me feel like we are further from the city than we really are.

The highlight of our ten days was this fellow. He came out of the woods, paused and crossed. On the other side of the street, he changed his mind and walked back, disappearing back into the woods the way he had come. Just long enough to get the camera out, but not long enough to really focus it.

The late freeze and dry summer has affected this area of the country as well. Early in the year, there were concerns that the acorn crop would fail and that severe shortages in other natural food sources would drive an increased number of birds and even bears into residential areas looking for food. Luckily, estimated damage to the food supply were incorrect and we saw a number of acorns on the ground. There has not been an increased number of bears in residential areas which is good both for humans and for bears. No one wants their property damaged by an overzealous bear. And bears that begin to associate humans with food often end up euthanized.

Just running in a field was the highlight for my two year old. This was taken in a meadow in Cade’s Cove.

The baby spent most of her time in the Snuggli, content to explore the world from the safety of my arms. Here she is at the campground, enjoying the dance of the leaves above her.

We had a wonderful time with a perfect mix of hiking and just lounging about the campground.

birding, birdwatching, vacation, Smokey Mountains