Smoky Mountains Cabin Trip - Day 6 - Monday, May 17, 2021

 Since this was our last full day at the cabin, we really wanted to make the most of just relaxing among the gorgeous views and beautiful songs of the birds.  We slept in a bit later and so didn't catch the sunrise but still were up early enough to enjoy the bird activity.

White-breasted Nuthatch

Eastern Bluebird

Indigo Bunting

Eastern Bluebird

Hooded Warbler

Eastern Bluebird

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Over five days, we identified 22 different bird species.  Eastern Bluebirds and Red-bellied Woodpeckers were the most common around our cabin and were often seen in pairs squawking and playing (it is mating season).  The Hooded Warbler was the most exciting new species to me, as well as the nocturnal Chuck-will's-widow which could be heard each night.  I got glimpses of a beautiful Pileated Woodpecker one day at the cabin (and again at Cades Cove on our way home - see the next post) but was never successful getting a photo of one.

Mid-morning we made a quick trip into Pigeon Forge to get some more chocolate and do a little shopping.  We wandered the Old Mill Shops and picked up some pottery, soap, t-shirts, a puzzle, and of course chocolate.  

In the early evening, a turkey wandered through the patio and yard of our cabin.

 After I took these photos, he wandered off out of the yard and so we went back in the cabin.  Not too much later, I heard what sounded like a turkey again and so I stepped outside just in time to catch one starting to peck at our car!  I have no idea what he was trying to do but he was very focused on both sides of the car just in front of the front wheels.