What is so special about Cades Cove?
Every season in Cades Cove, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is special. Perhaps the most visited seasons are spring and fall, when your chances of seeing wildlife are greatly increased. In autumn, especially, animals are responding to the new crisp cooler air with a quickness in their step and an urgency to find many foods before they disappear. The wildlife of Cades Cove is diverse and includes birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and more. Wild turkeys can be up to 35 inches long, and they are a large bird. They have large rounded wings and long fan-shaped tails. Their feathers are iridescent in the sun, showing hues of bronze, brown, gold, and black. There are no feathers on their heads. Wild turkeys can fly for short distances, and roost at night in large trees. Wild Turkeys in Cades Cove, October 2008 Wild turkeys eat berries and other fruits, many types of insects, seeds, and acorns. They are elusive birds, and are sometime hard to find. The best time to find wi
