 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  Canoe trail directional sign pointing to the Canal Run Shelter for overnight camping by permit. Along the Suwannee Canal orange trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. March 12, 2022. It’s time for a fall trip to my favorite destination: the Okefenokee Swamp! It’s been a long, busy summer so I’m happy to get away for a few days of absolute peace. I’ll be making a solo trip and hitting a few of the canoe trails that I haven’t covered yet.  Okefenokee locations I've explored are in red. Yellow arrows point to the canoe trails for the upcoming trip. I plan to leave around 4 AM and make the drive down to arrive at the Stephen C Foster State Park and launch by 10 AM. I have a wilderness permit reserved for the Canal Run platorm the first night. I’ll be able to hit a section of the orange trail I haven’t yet explored (between Floyd's Island and the Suwannee Canal). After a night in the swamp, I’ll paddle back to Stephen C Foster State Park, load up and drive around the swamp to the eastern entrance at the Suwannee Canal Recreation area where I have a cabin rented at Okefenokee Pastimes for two nights. I’ll spend the next two days paddling an out-and-back down the pink trail to Monkey lake and then the green trail from Kingfisher Landing to Bluff Lake and back.  A map of my photographed observations as of March 2022. My current species count (see https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/www-okefenokee-photography-by-william-wise) within the refuge stands at 266. It will be difficult to increase that count too much, but I’ll certainly be able to reach over 2,000 photographed observations within the great Okefenokee on this trip. Looking forward to it!
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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  Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata, moorhen bird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. A waterbird found in ponds, lakes and marshes in the Americas. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird. I decided to spend eBird's October Big at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park in Augusta, Georgia. Not far from my vehicle, a spectacle played out overhead and a surprise appeared at my feet. I had just walked to the first wetland cell and an Osprey successfully dove for a fish. Almost immediately, a Bald Eagle materialized, swooping and diving after the Osprey's meal. Simultaneously while attempting to record this aerial battle, a Least Bittern flushed from the reeds near my feet. Being a life bird, I had to go after the bittern as well! I never saw how the eagle-osprey scene played out, but I did get some good shots of all. All this within the first 20 minutes. I knew it would be a good day! By the end of my 6 hour visit, I had logged 52 bird species, a dozen or more alligators, a Greensnake and a Ribbonsnake. Great day!  Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata, moorhen bird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. A waterbird found in ponds, lakes and marshes in the Americas. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird.  Large Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias, long-legged wading bird like a stork or crane. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.  Palm Warbler bird, Setophaga palmarum, during fall migration. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.  Tricolored Heron, Egretta tricolor, Louisiana Heron long-legged wading bird. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.  Adult Black bellied Whistling duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis, and several duckling babies. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.  Black bellied Whistling duck babies, Dendrocygna autumnalis. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.  Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata, moorhen bird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. A waterbird found in ponds, lakes and marshes in the Americas. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird.  Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata, moorhen bird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. A waterbird found in ponds, lakes and marshes in the Americas. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird. 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  Large American Alligator laying the water at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. Herping reptile photography.  Large American Alligator laying the water at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. Herping reptile photography.  Rough Green Snake, Opheodrys aestivus, slithering on the ground at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. Nonvenomous North American colubrid herping reptile photography. Also called a grass snake.  Rough Green Snake, Opheodrys aestivus, slithering on the ground at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. Nonvenomous North American colubrid herping reptile photography. Also called a grass snake. 
Animal Shelter Furtography is my collection of pet photography from the humane society animal shelter to find new homes dogs and cats needing rescue or adoption. The photographs are posted on several national pet adoption websites.
Blue gray Pitbull puppy on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Canine photography.
"Maple" was a playful blue Pitbull puppy that was brought to the animal shelter as a stray. I had the pleasure of doing her adoption photography session on September 28, 2022 and she was saved by a rescue on October 5, 2022!
Blue gray Pitbull puppy on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Canine photography.
Blue gray Pitbull puppy on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Canine photography.
Blue gray Pitbull puppy on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Canine photography.
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  Tyrant flycatcher Eastern Wood Pewee, Contopus virens, bird perched on a branch during fall migration. Walton County, Georgia USA; October 4, 2022. Other than a few birding trips, I haven't concentrated on backyard birding for the last few months. Late summer can be a bit unproductive, and way too hot, for birding to be enjoyable. But the mornings have cooled down and the fall migration has begun! 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  Large female Joro Spider in a web preying upon a second Joro Spider, Trichonephila clavata. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia. Joro Spiders are an invasive, non-native species from Asia that were introduced in Georgia. The Joro Spiders have begun to hatch and once again invade Georgia. Their large, strong, sticky three-dimensional webs have been going up on every power line, bush and tree throughout northeast Georgia over the last few weeks. First arriving in 2018, this invasive species has continued to spread throughout Georgia. iNaturalist spottings have now spread to Tennessee and the Carolinas. The single observations posted this year in outlying states will no doubt continue to spread over the next few years, unless something happens to control this invader. 
Animal Shelter Furtography is my collection of pet photography from the humane society animal shelter to find new homes dogs and cats needing rescue or adoption. The photographs are posted on several national pet adoption websites.
Male merle Bluetick Coonhound and German Short-haired Pointer mix breed dog canine outside on leash. Large floppy ears. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales help support pet adoption website fees.
"Duke" was a handsome male Bluetick Coonhound mix that was picked up by an animal control officer on September 13, 2022. "Duke" and I had a Pet Rescue Furtography session on September 15, 2022. Coonhounds are always so photogenic and make my job much easier. No owner came to look for him and he was rescued by Atlanta Lab Rescue on September 20, 2022!
Male merle Bluetick Coonhound and German Short-haired Pointer mix breed dog canine outside on leash. Large floppy ears. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales help support pet adoption website fees.
Male merle Bluetick Coonhound and German Short-haired Pointer mix breed dog canine outside on leash. Large floppy ears. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales help support pet adoption website fees.
Animal Shelter Furtography is my collection of pet photography from the humane society animal shelter to find new homes dogs and cats needing rescue or adoption. The photographs are posted on several national pet adoption websites.
Tan female Hound and Beagle mix breed dog canine outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales help support pet adoption website fees.
"Skipper" was a sweet female Beagle and hound mix that was surrendered to the animal shelter by her owner on September 14, 2022. I did her Furtography session on September 15 and she was rescued by MACS Friends the next day!
Tan female Hound and Beagle mix breed dog canine outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales help support pet adoption website fees.
Tan female Hound and Beagle mix breed dog canine outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales help support pet adoption website fees.
 Animal Shelter Furtography is my collection of pet photography from the humane society animal shelter to find new homes dogs and cats needing rescue or adoption. The photographs are posted on several national pet adoption websites.  Male dark brindle Mastiff and American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. "Bruiser" was surrendered to the animal shelter by his owner on August 29, 2022. After seeing that no rescues or adopters wanted him, they felt bad and came back to get him on September 21, 2022  Male dark brindle Mastiff and American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. 
Animal Shelter Furtography is my collection of pet photography from the humane society animal shelter to find new homes dogs and cats needing rescue or adoption. The photographs are posted on several national pet adoption websites.
Large male tan and white American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
"Elmer" was a big male Pitbull Terrier dog that was picked up stray by an animal control officer on August 1, 2022. We had an outdoor pet adoption photography session on August 3 and he was rescued on August 12, 2022!
Large male tan and white American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
Large male tan and white American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
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  The Great Salt Lake After a full week in the mountains of Park City, Utah, it was time to head back home to Georgia. On our way to the airport, we decided to stop in Salt Lake City; for how could we come to Utah and not see the Great Salt Lake? I suppose it is my fault for never studying the Great Salt Lake, or even looking at photos before, but I must admit that I was a bit let down. It certainly wasn't the most attractive landscape I've looked upon. Perhaps it was just the time I was visiting, but the water was low, stagnant and smelled pretty bad. Besides gulls, the only other abundant wildlife were thousands upon thousands of brine flies. Maybe I'm not being fair, and maybe I'll be back again on a better day, but I'm quite glad we chose Park City over Salt Lake City for our weeklong vacation!  Tons of Brine Flies, Ephydra hians and Ephydra cinerea, line shallow pool of bacteria and algae in the Great Salt Lake, Utah. 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  During our family vacation to Utah, we took the short trip on the historic Heber Valley Railroad. As we passed through Deer Creek Reservoir, I pretty much hung out the window with my camera! There were several species by the water that I didn't observe up in Park City. Shooting from the Historic Heber Valley Railroad.
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
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, Callospermophilus lateralis, on Snowbird. Snowbird ski resort mountain in summer, Salt Lake County, Utah USA. Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.
At the suggestion of a fellow iNaturalist user, we made the drive over to Snowbird during our weeklong vacation to Park City, Utah. It was well worth the trip! Snowbird is located in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. It is a famous ski resort and summer retreat. The mountain views, from the valleys and the peaks, were superb.
As I’m not always one for heights, my nerves were a bit on edge as we sat waiting for the aerial tram to pick us up. But watching the trip up the mountainside through the glass bottom car was exhilarating. The ride was quite smooth and my fears were unfounded. 
Mountain landscape of rocks, spruce and peaks of Snowbird ski resort mountain in summer, Salt Lake County, Utah USA. Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Upon Hidden Peak, the chilled wind and distant vistas had us all in awe. I captured a few shots of the Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels, Callospermophilus lateralis, that were scurrying around the observation building courtyard looking for fallen concession scraps and handouts. We also walked through the 600 foot Peruvian Tunnel to view the historical displays.
The long, slow chair ride down the Peruvian Lift was enough to turn my stomach a few times! Kept in your seat by only a thin metal bar, the heights were dizzying. At one point over a particularly high drop, the lift stopped, sending our chair bobbing and swaying while my wife gripped my arm. In all, Snowbird was definitely a highlight of our Utah vacation. 
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, Callospermophilus lateralis, on Snowbird. Snowbird ski resort mountain in summer, Salt Lake County, Utah USA. Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, Callospermophilus lateralis, on Snowbird. Snowbird ski resort mountain in summer, Salt Lake County, Utah USA. Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.
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  Black-capped Chickadee perched on Park City Mountain hiking trails; Summit County, Utah. July 26, 2022. For one week in July we took a family vacation to Park City, Utah. Each morning I was able to get out early and do some birding and hiking on the trails below the Town Lift on Park City mountain. On a few afternoons we spent the day riding the chair lifts. Tuesday, July 26, 2022- Partly sunny, with a high near 79.  Uinta Ground Squirrel, Urocitellus armatus, scurrying through the rocks on Park City Mountain hiking trails, Summit County, Utah. July 26, 2022. Wednesday, July 27, 2022- Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Northwest wind around 9 mph.  Looking down on Park City from the mountain trails. Thursday, July 28, 2022- Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.  Red-tailed Hawk pursuing a Golden Eagle. The eagle was a lifer for me!  Black-billed Magpie bird, Pica hudsonia, perched on a branch. Park City, Summit County, Utah USA birding and nature photography, July 28, 2022. Friday, July 29, 2022 - Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Scattered showers after noon.  Steller`s Jay bird perched on a branch. Birding photography in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA. Cyanocitta stelleri is native to western North America also known as the long-crested jay, mountain jay, and pine jay.  American Red Squirrel, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, on a branch. Wildlife photography in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA. Wasatch mountains.  Steller`s Jay bird perched on a branch. Birding photography in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA. Cyanocitta stelleri is native to western North America also known as the long-crested jay, mountain jay, and pine jay.  Western red-shafted flicker bird. Colaptes auratus cafer resides in western North America. Birding photography in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA.  Dark-eyed Junco bird, Junco hyemalis, perched on a branch. Birding photography in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA.  Small Chipping Sparrow bird perched on a branch. Birding photography in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA. Spizella passerina is a common songbird throughout North America. Saturday, July 30- Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.  Female Mallard duck hen with beak tucked in feathers. Birding photography at Deer Valley Ponds in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA.  Japanese Iris purple wildflower, Park City, Utah Sunday, July 31, 2022Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.  Tiny cute Western Chipmunk on a branch found while hiking mountain trails. Wildlife photography in Park City, Utah USA  Steller`s Jay bird calling while perched on a branch. Birding photography hiking mountain trails. Cyanocitta stelleri is native to western North America. Wildlife photography in Park City, Utah USA  Uinta Ground Squirrel, Urocitellus armatus, hiding in the mountain rocks. Park City, Utah mountains in summer.  Yellow-bellied Marmot, Marmota flaviventris, also known as the rock chuck. Native to mountainous regions of southwestern Canada and western United States. Wildlife photography in Park City, Utah USA 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  Cottontail Rabbit foraging in the grass meadow by yellow wildflowers. Wildlife and nature photography at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve in McHenry County, Illinois, USA. A short walk at the Exner Marsh Nature Preserve while visiting family in Huntley, Illinois. Exner Marsh Nature Preserve; McHenry County, Illinois.  Dragonfly close up photography. Wildlife and nature photography at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve in McHenry County, Illinois, USA.  Juvenile American Robin bird, Turdus migratorius, perched on a wire fence. Wildlife and birding photography at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve in McHenry County, Illinois, USA.  Bright blue Indigo Bunting, Passerina cyanea, song bird perched on a branch. Wildlife and birding photography at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve in McHenry County, Illinois, USA.  Juvenile American Robin bird, Turdus migratorius, perched on a wire fence. Wildlife and birding photography at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve in McHenry County, Illinois, USA.  Cottontail Rabbit foraging in the grass meadow by yellow wildflowers. Wildlife and nature photography at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve in McHenry County, Illinois, USA. |
 All content is ©williamwisephoto.com. Please don't steal images. My images are available at dreamstime.com. Stock sales go into the shelter photography program.
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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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Donations help support the animal shelter adoption photography equipment and adoption website hosting and domain fees. Thanks for your support!
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