WILLIAM WISE PHOTOGRAPHY
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Gators So Numerous...

3/4/2017

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Okefenokee Photography by William Wise. A nature photo journal exploration of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, the Land of Trembling Earth, one of the largest blackwater swamps in North America. The alligators, birds, snakes and wildlife of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message
On our four day paddling trek in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, the gator were so numerous and photographs so plenteous that they could hardly all fit on my main Okefenokee Journal page. 
Large American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
Large bull gator, teeth, American Alligator and lily pads, Billys Lake, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia
American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
American Alligator squinting half submerged, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia
American Alligator basking on log in spike rush bog, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
American Alligator basking on floating peat mat hammock, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia
American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Floyds, gator Picture
Large American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, on floating Spatterdock peat bed, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park
American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Floyds, gator Picture
Large American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, on floating Spatterdock peat bed, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park
Large Bull American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
Big Male American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, basking on log, Maidencane background, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park
Large Bull American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Fetterbush Picture
Same individual as the gator above. Big Male American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, basking on log, Maidencane background, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park
Juvenile American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
Young American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, basking on Spatterdock peat bed, Maidencane background, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park
American Alligator basking on log, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
American Alligator sunning on log among Spatterdock lily pads, Canoe Kayak Trail in Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park
Large American Alligator sunning in the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia Picture
Large American Alligator sunning on a log in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.
American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
American Alligator peering out from Spatterdock lily pads, Canoe Kayak Trail in Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park
Large American Alligators, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
Big gators basking in sun on Spatterdock Lily Pads, Cypress Tree Knees, Minnies Lake, Okefenokee canoe kayak trail, Okefenokee NWR, Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia
Juvenile American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
Young American Alligator basking in sun, Spatterdock Lily pads, Swamp plants, Okefenokee canoe kayak trail, Okefenokee NWR, Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia
Large American Alligators basking, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
American Alligator sunning on Spatterdock Lily pads, Okefenokee NWR, Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia
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Young alligator laying on log in swamp, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia
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Large American Alligator with open mouth showing teeth, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
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American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, basking on log in spatterdock lily pads yellow flower, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park
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Large American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
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Large gator sunning on black tannin water, Spatterdock lily pads, Canoe Kayak Trail in Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park
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Gator swamp swimming, Spatterdock lily pads, Canoe Kayak Trail in Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park
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Okefenokee Swamp Pileated Woodpeckers

3/4/2017

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Okefenokee Photography by William Wise. A nature photo journal exploration of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, the Land of Trembling Earth, one of the largest blackwater swamps in North America. The alligators, birds, snakes and wildlife of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message
Pileated Woodpecker, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
Pileated Woodpecker, Hylatomus pileatus, large red black and white pecking hammering rotten tree, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia
Billy's Lake - Around 5:00 pm, after getting shots of a beautiful, white, Great Egret, we pulled the canoe onto some spatterdock to observe two Pileated Woodpeckers on the bank. All of the Pileateds I had previously seen stayed fairly high up in the trees. But these two were foraging along the ground; hopping on the many downed trees, ripping and prying apart rotten bark and wood. It was a treat to watch these two large Woodpeckers for about ten minutes. 
Pileated Woodpecker, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
Pileated Woodpecker, Hylatomus pileatus, large red black and white pecking hammering rotten tree, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia
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Gray Catbirds of the Okefenokee Swamp

3/4/2017

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Okefenokee Photography by William Wise. A nature photo journal exploration of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, the Land of Trembling Earth, one of the largest blackwater swamps in North America. The alligators, birds, snakes and wildlife of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message
Gray Catbird, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
Grey Catbird, Dumetella carolinensis, Spatterdock, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia. March 4, 2017.
​One of the most common sounds to break the silence of the Okefenokee Swamp is that of the Gray Catbird. This nasally “meow” is how it gained its name. All About Birds describes it as “a raspy mew that sounds like a cat.” If you listen to an audio clip before heading into the bush, you’ll soon realize that you are surrounded by unseen catbirds by their persistent calling from the tangles and scrub of the Okefenokee.

When you do finally spot one, you’ll notice an all gray bird with a black cap. Less frequently seen is the rich burgundy color beneath its tail. It is about the size of a Mockingbird. In fact, they are in the same family as the Mockingbird – the Mimidae. When the Catbird isn’t busy meowing like a cat, it actually has a pleasant song which can last several minutes. The eBird frequency charts show that the Gray Catbird is more commonly listed from October to May.
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Okefenokee Time Moves Slowly

3/4/2017

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Okefenokee Photography by William Wise. A nature photo journal exploration of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, the Land of Trembling Earth, one of the largest blackwater swamps in North America. The alligators, birds, snakes and wildlife of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message
Anhinga, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
Anhinga perched in a cypress tree on Billy's Lake; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 4, 2017. ©www.williamwisephoto.com.
Saturday, 8:41 PM – I’m sitting on a cot in our spacious tent. What a pleasant feeling after several hours out on the water of Billy’s Lake. Although just a half day, the first day was therapeutic. What a joy as I journaled the events of this first day… 
We arrived in the Refuge just after 1:00 PM. As before, a group of Wild Turkeys foraged along the road into the park, which was fairly full with large RVs occupying the sizeable camping spots. Plenty of retired couples walked the loop or sat on the “patios” of their motor homes. Our campsite consisted of our tent, two canopies lined with camouflage netting, and the park’s fire pit. 

Being limited by a late start, our first excursion would remain on Billy’s Lake, travelling east to Billy’s Island, then turning back toward the western end, and circling back to the campground. Immediately upon entering the lake from the short canal up from the campground, we were confronted by Cormorants, Anhingas, and basking turtles. A pair of Wood Ducks gave a quick, surprise flyby. All looked exactly as we had left it two years ago. In fact, it felt like we had never left. Time moves much more slowly in the Okefenokee.
Double-crested Cormorant, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
Double-crested Cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus, perched over Billy's Lake; Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 4, 2017.
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The Appearance of a snake

3/4/2017

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Okefenokee Photography by William Wise. A nature photo journal exploration of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, the Land of Trembling Earth, one of the largest blackwater swamps in North America. The alligators, birds, snakes and wildlife of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message
Anhinga in Pond Cypress, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture
Anhinga in Pond Cypress, blue sky background, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia.
An excerpt from William Bartram's Travels describing the Anhinga and its habits, published in 1791:
"They delight to sit in little peaceable communities, on the dry limbs of trees, hanging over the still waters, with their wings and tails expanded, I suppose to cool and air themselves, when at the same time they behold their images in the watery mirror: at such times, when we approach them, they drop off the limbs into the water as if dead, and for a minute or two are not to be seen; when on a sudden at a vast distance, their long slender head and neck only appear, and have very much the appearance of a snake, and no other part of them are to be seen when swimming in the water, except some the tip end of their tail. In the heat of the day they are seen in great numbers, sailing very high in the air, over lakes and rivers."  Part II, Chapter V
William Bartram was a botantist, artist, and nature writer that explored the southeastern United States around the time of the American Revolution (1773-1776). He was a scientist, creationist and Christian that gave glory to the Author for all the wonderful works he observed and documented in his book, Travels Through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida. ​
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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Dawson, Another Coonhound impound

3/3/2017

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Pay attention to the background when shooting! Here Dawson has a tree growing out of his head!
Two identical Coonhounds, brought in two days apart, from the same rural area of the county. I suppose that isn’t too strange, except for the fact that the first man said he found his dog ten days earlier, and the lady who brought in “Dawson” found him that day.

“Dawson” was just as photogenic as his brother (I assume they are siblings), but a little less goofy. Such a handsome boy being highlighted by the shine of the sunrise in the background… surely he’ll get noticed too!  (“Bogie” got an adoption application the very day his photos were posted!)
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Coming back into the admin building to edit and post the photos, I realized I ignored one of my photo tips: watch the background. In one shot that I wasn’t paying attention, “Dawson” looked a bit comical with a tree growing out of the top of his head!  
​“Dawson” was photographed for Walton County Animal Control on March 3, 2017 and put on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. Dawson was rescued by Pup & Cat Co. Rescue! His rescue was sponsored with pledged donations from Audrey, Barbara, Courtney and Cindy.
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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Bogie

3/2/2017

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“Bogie” was a very handsome Coonhound surrendered to the shelter on March 1, 2017. The gentleman that brought him in said he found him ten days earlier but didn’t provide any other history. “Bogie” perhaps didn’t seem like the brightest dog in the kennel, but he was quite a people-person… or, quite a people-dog, I should say. He stuck close to my legs while on leash. During his photo shoot, he was a bit preoccupied with looking off into the distance. Not sure if he was looking out for a raccoon to chase, or trying to find that owner he was missing.
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I’m still getting familiar with handling the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens just purchased for the shelter through a small grant. It is a much heavier lens than my old lens, so my holding the camera with one hand and tossing up dog toys with the other isn’t working as well.

It is a used lens, but the final photos are amazing, mainly because of the f/2.8 aperture! Not only does it produce some great quality shots with creamy background, but it also does better in lower light, allowing me even more early morning hours to shoot the dogs. More time is a huge resource when the impounds pick up! 

I can’t wait until I get more proficient with the lens! It will surely help get the pups noticed and into new homes even more quickly than before! Thank you Andrew for the grant, and Barbara for referring us to him! 
"Bogie" was photographed on March 2, 2017 for Walton County Animal Control, Georgia, and placed on the adoption website www.waltonpets.net. Bogie was adopted the following Monday, March 6, 2017!!!
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Reaching the Killdeer...

3/1/2017

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Williamwisephoto Nature Notes is a wildlife, landscape, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is His work." Psalms 111:2
Killdeer plover birding Picture
Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus, a vocal plover common to lawns, beaches, parking lots. On edge of a pond in Walton County, Georgia, USA.
​Wednesday, 11:25 AM - Killdeer (Charadrius vociferous) are pigeon-sized plovers that frequent the parking lot and shelter pond. They frequently circle over the pond or run and hop across the gravel lots.

Being quick little things, they’ve always been outside of my reach. Not anymore! After quite a bit of saving, I have been able to upgrade and purchase a new wildlife lens: the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary. ​Once I get used to handling this much larger, much heavier lens, the quality and closeness of my images should change. I can’t wait to put it to full use in the Okefenokee this weekend! 

​Walton County, Georgia
Killdeer Plover shorebird Picture
Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus, a vocal plover common to lawns, beaches, parking lots. On edge of a pond in Walton County, Georgia, USA.
Killdeer plover birding blog Picture
Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus, a vocal plover common to lawns, beaches, parking lots. On edge of a pond in Walton County, Georgia, USA.
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New Super-telephoto!

2/27/2017

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Williamwisephoto Nature Notes is a wildlife, landscape, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- ​Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.
Brown Thrasher Picture
Brown Thrasher; Walton County, Georgia.
Monday, 12:39 PM - Today is the day! A several-year dream arrives via UPS. I have finally saved enough to purchase a super-telephoto lens! The Sigma 150-600mm is set to arrive. What will be my first shot? Will I be patient and make it something good? Or will I just zoom in on a leaf and fire away?
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It arrived just before lunch. And, of course, I pull it out of the box, push the manuals to the side, and rotate it onto my Nikon D7000. I grab my monopod and head out behind the shelter.

On the pond sit the resident Mallards.  Resist the urge; look for something else. I circle further around back near the firing range. Small birds are flitting about the currently defoliated sumac and Trumpet Creeper vines. Can I get one in focus? Will it sit long enough? And my first shot is… a Brown Thrasher! The Georgia state bird!
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Because of the position of the Thrasher, I actually lifted the monopod off the ground. So not only was I hand holding this much heavier lens, but I was also holding the full weight of the monopod. Yet the optical stabilization worked so well, hardly any camera shake is visible. Can’t wait to really put this beauty into action! Okefenokee this weekend!!!!!
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Walton County, Georgia
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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Fred

2/23/2017

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My favorite photo of "Fred". He fills the frame and has a bold yet inviting stare. All the photos were taken with a 40mm micro lens; f/3.5; 1/160 sec.; ISO 100.
​I love this combination of an orange cat on a blue background… especially when the cat is as cooperative as “Fred”! Fred was a big boy (just over 10 pounds) that was picked up as a stray on Jersey Social Circle Road in rural Walton County, Georgia. He had on a fraying collar, but no tag or microchip to find his owner. At first he paced the edge of the photo table wanting to jump down. I had to spend a minute scratching his ears until the purring began and he relaxed for the photo session.
 
I suppose the photo really pops because orange and blue are complementary colors. One website writes, “Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are considered to be complementary colors. The high contrast of complementary colors creates a vibrant look especially when used at full saturation. This color scheme must be managed well so it is not jarring.”
 
But that is what we want! We want Fred’s photo to be “jarring” so he’ll get noticed and get rescued or adopted!
"Fred" was photographed for Walton County Animal Control on February 23, 2017 and put on the shelter's website, www.waltonpets.net. He was rescued the next day by Pound Puppies N Kittens!
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Waltonpets Furtography Session: Foxy

2/22/2017

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Using a squeaky toy got Foxy to perk up her ears for a few photos.
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Fill flash was used on this shot. You can see the glow on her nose.
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Not a shot I'd typically post on the adoption website, but I like the comical look with her eyes closed.
​“Foxy” was a young, gentle and submissive Labrador and Pitbull mix turned in to the animal shelter late on a Friday afternoon. Even though it is our “job” to accept animals at the shelter, it still irks me after all these years how so many people can just give up their animals. And what irks me more is they dump their dogs at the shelter late on a Friday afternoon!
 
In a “kill shelter”, time is of the essence, and surrendering at 3 PM or later doesn’t give me much time to get photos up on the website. I had to settle for a quick kennel shot of Foxy to post through the weekend.
 
I wasn’t in on Monday; Tuesday was spent catching up on animal control duties; finally Wednesday “Foxy” got her chance at some glamour photos. Thank God intake is still relatively slow and she could be afforded a few more days. Hopefully the improved photos will improve her chances. 
"Foxy" was surrendered by her owner to Walton County Animal Control on February 17, 2017. She was photographed on February 22. Foxy was rescued by Pound Puppies N Kittens Rescue on February 27, 2017!!!
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Just the little things...

2/21/2017

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Tuesday, 5:25 PM – two Wild Turkey crossed the road right in front of my vehicle on Highway 186. It is labeled a ‘highway’, but is just a two lane country road through Good Hope and into High Shoals; neither very large towns. Sitting on the wire over the High Falls bridge at the county line between Walton and Oconee was a Kingfisher. The skies have grown overcast as the day moved on. Later in the evening, I paused while on a walk to watch a bat flying in the street lights.  Sometimes just these little things, these short glimpses of God's creatures, can be uplifting moments. 
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Hard Labor Creek State Park revisit...

2/20/2017

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William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message
Slider Turtle basking on a log in Hard Labor Creek State Park, Georgia Picture
Slider Turtle basking on a log over Lake Rutledge in Hard Labor Creek State Park, Georgia.
​​Monday, February 20, 2017 - In preparation for our upcoming Okefenokee trip, I wanted Amanda to get used to navigating the canoe using our new electric trolling motor. We went for a quick day trip on the waters of Lake Rutledge at Hard Labor Creek State Park. Amanda took to the controls in the back of the canoe while I sat up front with my camera and monopod. I didn’t want to waste any time in the Okefenokee getting used to camera handling and navigation.

Our trip started well. Not far from the boat launch a Great Blue Heron stood near the vacant beach. As we neared, he took flight, allowing me some panning practice with the monopod sitting in the bow of the canoe. I wasn’t completely ready with my manual settings, but still got some fairly sharp shots for 1/400 seconds fully zoomed to 300 mm.
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Double-crested Cormorants on Lake Rutledge; Hard Labor Creek State Park, Georgia
Being a warm day, there were myriads of turtles basking on the logs and snags in the water. Reluctant to dive back into the cold water, some sat longer than others for photos. Being mid-afternoon and the sun at a high angle, the glare was often too harsh on their shells. A polarizing filter would be good in this situation, but I haven’t yet purchased one for the 28-300mm zoom (it isn’t cheap!).

Trolling on, I could see some birds on the water across the lake. Although they were too far away, I could see they were bigger than ducks. My guess was Cormorants… and that guess was confirmed as we rounded a bend. Several sat on a log and were spooked as we came around the corner. ​​As we approached another cove, several ducks took flight with whistling alarm. Wood Ducks!  One pair stayed put, seeming to nervously swim back and forth a few seconds before blasting off the water as well.
The small group of Cormorants that took off earlier must have joined a larger raft of the funny looking waterbirds. We spotted the group near the middle of the water as we followed the shore heading back in the northward direction. They paddled away from our approaching canoe, casting glances over their shoulders as they swam.  Eventually, they all blasted off from the water in a loud cacophony of slaps and splashes. This scene repeated itself several times throughout the afternoon as the Cormorants would blast off the water as fishing boats got too close for comfort. They consistently went from one end of the lake to the other, either by paddling or flying, to stay a comfortable distance from the human invaders looking to enjoy the lake with them. 

​The shores were lined with boulder fields and towering trees, making Hard Labor Creek State Park a pleasant place to hike. The overturned trees made for some interesting, textured, wormy-looking sights along the banks. The snags and stumps along the shore kept Amanda alert and she immediately proved to be an astute navigator. We should have no troubles in the swamp in March.  Along the wet banks of one cove, a loud chorus of frogs drifted across the water. And just ahead, two Kingfishers battled in the sky over a prized fishing spot.
On the northwestern tip of the lake we pressed back into shallow coves where other fishermen couldn’t bring their larger john boats. It was serene and peaceful back there. Other critters also found it a comfortable spot, as we followed two large Great Blue Herons throughout the coves.

Overall, the somewhat cloudy, hazy glare of mid-afternoon sun didn’t produce any good photography. But the main goal was achieved. Amanda was ready for Okefenokee navigation, and I ready for shooting from the canoe!

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Daffodils in bloom...

2/20/2017

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William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation.
1 Kings 6:35 And he carved thereon... open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.
Yellow Daffodil flower, Athens, Georgia Picture
Early spring flowering daffodil daffadowndilly narcissus jonquil in backyard garden, Athens, Georgia
Monday, 8:26 Am - ​Taking a day off work to relax; the girls are off school as well. Sitting under my patio heater at sunrise; a bright orb rising to my left. Lidia spread the new pine straw last week and the yard is looking prepared for the spring growth spurt. A patch of mist hangs over the meadow behind the house. The daffodils are now all in vibrant yellow blooms throughout the yard. The days are noticeably longer now; about 50 minutes longer than just one month ago.
 
There is a loud Red-shouldered Hawk consistently calling off to the southeast in the woods not far from the house. A flock of blackbirds pass through, followed by a group of 30-50 American Robins, the heralds of spring. The Towhee is close by my patio, calling from a perch on the fence… certainly spring approaches! I fill the suet and seed feeders. The first visitor is a clamorous Red-bellied Woodpecker.
 
Amanda and I picked up the boat and trailer from Johnny’s house on Saturday. It is now here and ready for use any time (if we can ever get the time to use it!). We also scrubbed the mildew and spider webs from the canoe getting it ready for a Hard Labor day trip. 

Athens, Georgia
Yellow Daffodil flower, Athens, Georgia Picture
Early spring flowering daffodil daffadowndilly narcissus jonquil in backyard garden, Athens, Georgia
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Busy Backyard Birding

2/18/2017

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Williamwisephoto Nature Notes is a wildlife, landscape, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation.
​Song of Solomon 2:14 O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
Male red Northern Cardinal bird, Athens, Georgia Picture
Red male Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, eating seeds, backyard birding, Athens, Georgia
Saturday, 2:28 to 3:36 PM - Coming home from afternoon outreach, our backyard was alive with a cacophonous group of raucous blackbirds, Cedar Waxwings, and American Robins. Truly, springtime is arriving! ​Seeing all the increased bird activity, I decided to take some time for myself to enjoy the birds at my backyard feeders. 

To increase my chances of capturing some shots, I took down the regular bird feeder and scattered some seed on a nearby rock. I then laid down on my belly under my daughters' trampoline. It didn't take long for the birds to find the seeds on the rock.

Although my family and neighbors may think I'm weird, I laid perfectly still for over an hour firing away. It was a great day for birding, and I didn't even have to travel to any exotic location. In just  over one hour, I saw twenty-two species in, or over, my own backyard!

Athens, Georgia
Song Sparrow bird, Athens, Georgia Picture
Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia, eating sunflower seeds, backyard birding, Athens, Georgia
Eastern Towhee bird eating black oil sunflower seed, Athens, Georgia Picture
The Eastern Towhees have been very vocal and active the past few weeks. Eastern Rufous Towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus, backyard birding, Athens, Georgia
Downy Woodpecker eating at suet feeder, Athens, Georgia Picture
Downy Woodpecker eating at suet feeder, Picoides pubescens, backyard birding, Athens, Georgia
Carolina Chickadee bird, Athens, Georgia Picture
Carolina Chickadee, Poecile carolinensis, eating seeds on rock, backyard birding, Athens, Georgia
Tufted Titmouse bird, Athens, Georgia Picture
Tufted Titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor, eating sunflower seeds on rock, backyard birding, Athens, Georgia
Blue Jay bird, Athens, Georgia Picture
Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata, eating seeds on rock, backyard birding, Athens, Georgia
House Finch bird, Athens, Georgia Picture
Male red and female House Finches eating seeds on rock, Haemorhous mexicanus, backyard birding, Athens, Georgia
Brown Thrasher bird, Athens, Georgia Picture
Brown Thrasher, Toxostoma rufum, backyard birding, Athens, Georgia State Bird
My two-hour backyard birding list: 
  1. Hermit Thrush
  2. Brown Thrasher
  3. Dark-eyed Junco
  4. Pileated Woodpecker
  5. Downy Woodpecker
  6. Red-bellied Woodpecker
  7. Carolina Wren
  8. Northern Cardinal
  9. House Finch
  10. Tufted Titmouse
  11. Carolina Chickadee
  12. Blue Jay
  13. Cedar Waxwing
  14. American Robin
  15. Red-winged Blackbird
  16. Grackle
  17. American Crow
  18. Black Vulture
  19. Eastern Towhee
  20. Chipping Sparrow
  21. Song Sparrow
  22. Yellow-rumped Warbler
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Two Pileated Woodpeckers briefly stopped by.
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Hermit Thrush will be here just a short time.
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The group of Cedar Waxwings that initially drew my attention.
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Yellow-rumped Warblers show up each fall and stick around a few months.
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The Dark-eyed Juncos have been here since winter's arrival.
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Tufted Titmouse, a year-round regular visitor.
Eastern Gray Squirrel, Athens, Georgia Picture
And what birdfeeder isn't complete without a visit from a squirrel!?! Eastern Gray Tree Squirrel eating seed with paws, backyard birding, Athens, Georgia. Sciurus carolinensis is native to the eastern and midwestern United States, and to the southerly portions of the eastern provinces of Canada
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In December 1993 I came to know the Designer and Creator of this wonderful planet and its creatures: Jesus Christ. 
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