July 2024 Overview
Image: A black bear sow that I spent an evening with in mid-july.
Welcome to the first of many overviews to come! Each month, I will be writing a short blog highlighting some of my favorite images, stories, and adventures from that month!
July held many firsts for me - my first up-close copperhead encounter, my first time with a macro lens, and most importantly, my first time sharing this website with the world! Somehow, between work and creating this site, I found the time to be in nature and venture outside of my usual stomping grounds around Oconaluftee. On top of that, I have been experimenting with new photography styles. All in all, it has been an incredibly exhausting and rewarding few weeks!
Let’s get right into my favorite images! This was a tough choice to make, as I had over 30 to chose from. However, the ones listed below, in my opinion, stood out from the rest in storytelling, composition, and excitement!
Honorable Mentions
Number 5 - Moody Green Anole
This was one of the first images I ever took with my new macro lens. I was visiting family over the Fourth of July and, instead of participating in most of the usual holiday activities, decided to try and find reptiles.
It didn’t take me too long to come across this guy perched on a fallen tree branch. Clearly unimpressed with me, he extended his rosy dewlap, his way of saying “back off!” I’m sure he didn’t expect his display of aggression to be on this list, but I was excited to get this sort of image on my first day! I enjoyed a brief but fun photoshoot with him as he grew tired of my antics and decided to pretend I wasn’t even there. No hard feelings, little buddy - I’m sure the sound of my camera shutter was annoying!
Here’s a fun fact about green anoles - they are the only native anole species to mainland North America! And, despite the tropical world they are often associated with, they are hardy lizards. There is even a small population in the Smokies!
Number 4 - Bath Time with Mom and Calf
What’s cuter than an intimate moment between a mother elk and her calf? In my humble option, nothing!
Grooming behavior is a vital part of a young mammal’s early development. It strengthens the bond between mother and offspring and keeps the calf’s fur clean and hygienic.
This is one of many times I’ve captured this behavior, but I really liked the composition of the mother mirroring her calf and really amplifying the size difference between them. Young elk can gain up to two pounds a day, but it still takes a few years to reach an adult’s 700 - 900!
Number Three - Chillin’ With a Copperhead
Surprise encounters like this one are always fun!
I decided to take a short hike in the middle of day while in Cades Cove in the hopes of finding salamanders. While I failed to achieve my original goal (seriously, I must have chosen the one patch of forest devoid of plethodons!), I was soon approached by an older man warning me of a copperhead just up the trail.
Like any reasonable person, I hurried in that direction until I found this individual, curled up along the base of a tree near a well-visited cabin. Copperheads are famous for their camouflage, and so I decided to try out a composition that would show more of their environment. I certainly got some concerned and unsure looks from other hikers as I crouched down near the snake in my short sleeve t-shirt and blue jean shorts, but this guy was completely calm as I photographed him from multiple angles. This image was my favorite from that series.
Number Two - The Old Lady of Cataloochee
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Phoebe, this is just an image of an elk standing. What’s so special about that?”
Allow me to introduce you to #20, the oldest elk in the Smokies. At 24 years of age, she had far outlived the average 15-year life expectancy of her kind. Yet, depsite a bulging cataract in one eye and stiff muscles, she manages to persevere.
I had traveled up to Cataloochee just for the chance to see her, and I was lucky enough to stumble upon her rather quickly. We spent a lovely evening together. I do not know how much time #20 had left, so each moment I spend with her is deeply cherished. To me, she is the prime example of the sheer will and determination these animals have to survive.
Number One - The Hungry Sow
I have struggled to get up-close images of black bears for years. Often, they are always too far out or encounters far too brief for me to get anything I am satisfied with. On this hot July evening, however, this sow treated me with an amazing half-hour show!
She emerged from the forest to feed on leafy greens beside the road. Like most of the bears in the national park, she is completely comfortable in the presence of humans, even with the growing line of cars and visitors eagerly encroaching on her space.
I had many images from this encounter to chose from, but something about this one really spoke to me. She looks completely relaxed in the lush environment she calls home. No wonder our bears are famous for being so visible!
What’s Happening in August?
As I prepare to begin my third year of university, I imagine that August will be both exciting and stressful, which means that I will have less time to photograph. However, it is also a preamble to my favorite time of year - the elk rut! I am stoked to see what boys will compete for the hearts of the ladies this year. I have a feeling that there will be more competition than previous years, considering the many large bulls who now rival our beloved Chippy in size!
As far as my other plans go, you can sign up for my newsletter to get all of the details! In summary though, I hope to make one last trip to Tennessee before I get too deep into my studies and, if I have time, search for one of my favorite endemic species near Kuwohi!
In the meantime, enjoy yet another gallery of the many images I captured this month!
