 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 Just some random birding and wildlife shots from my backyard in Clarke County, and behind my office in Walton County, Georgia.  A small American Southern Toad being held in the palm of a hand. Found in Clarke County, Georgia. April 2020.
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Waltonpets Furtography Session is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog photography and cat photography at the Walton County Animal Control Shelter in Monroe, Georgia.
"Storm" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that was brought to the animal control shelter as a stray on March 21, 2020. Big male black and white Pitbull Terrier and Mastiff mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
Not only are humans feeling the strain from COVID19, but the animal control shelter pets are being affected too. The last few weeks have been quite challenging as an animal shelter manager and we are doing all we can to keep animals from being euthanized. While the dogs and cats aren’t getting the virus, they are affected by the drop in adoptions and rescues due to the virus.
As the pandemic moved to the United States, and is now growing in my home state of Georgia, many cities have passed shelter-in-place laws. And for safety, the government offices have closed to foot traffic and are by appointment. This has severely limited the amount of people going out and pet adoptions have dropped off by 80%. In addition, many of the non-profit rescues have ceased or limited taking in animals at this time. But meanwhile, our animal control officers are still required to pick up stray dogs, and some owners are still surrendering pets. 
"Storm" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that was brought to the animal control shelter as a stray on March 21, 2020. Big male black and white Pitbull Terrier and Mastiff mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
Even with limited services, I have continued to go in day after day and give my all for these pets in need; doing heartworm tests, photography, videos, internet postings, sending email alerts. We continue to fight for the lives of these shelter pets (great dogs like "Storm" featured in this blog). Many adoption applicants have withdrawn, but a few of the larger non-profit rescues have continued to work through foster homes. Thankfully we have still seen many dogs safely leave our shelter through these dedicated groups.
So, this COVID war is being fought on many fronts beyond the obvious impact on human health. Your local shelter is probably struggling as well. At the very least, do not surrender your pet to a shelter right now unless an absolute emergency. If you can fit a new pet into your life, or wish to foster a pet until the pandemic recedes, contact your local animal shelter and see what can be done. 
"Storm" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that was brought to the animal control shelter as a stray on March 21, 2020. Big male black and white Pitbull Terrier and Mastiff mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
"Storm" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that was brought to the animal control shelter as a stray on March 21, 2020. Big male black and white Pitbull Terrier and Mastiff mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
I want to thank Lee's Birdwatching Adventures for guest posting this blog! Lee's website is about birding from a Christian perspective and has years of articles and content from Lee and other creationists and birders. 
William Wise Photography’s Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9
“And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where… even as the garden of the Lord” Genesis 13:10
All winter, we long for spring and the day we can get back to dressing and keeping our backyard gardens. We feel a strong inward desire to rejuvenate our backyard bird sanctuaries for the return of our beloved hummingbirds and other avian friends. But why is there such an affinity within us for gardens?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird in my backyard garden; Clarke County, Georgia. July, 2014. ©www.williamwisephoto.com.
In the Old Testament book of Genesis, the nomads Abraham and his nephew decide to split up and settle down. In making his choice of a new homeland, Lot looks towards the plains of Jordan and sees a fertile land “like the garden of the Lord” (Genesis 13:10). That same internal “garden longing” in his heart was triggered and leads Lot east.
I believe our love of gardens stems from a longing to return to Eden, that perfect state of beauty and fellowship with our Creator that man enjoyed in the beginning; where man walked with God “in the garden in the cool of the day”. When Adam’s eyes were opened, his first sight was a garden with “every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden.” Our love of gardens stems from a desire to return to Eden, to return to a place that place of paradise that was lost through sin. Even though we see disease, decay and corruption in this world today, one day we will return to paradise. As the story of this present age comes to its final chapter, a new book will be written. One where we will see a new heaven and a new earth brought forth (Isaiah 65:17, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1). Until then, let us enjoy our backyard gardens as a small piece of Eden; as a reminder of the blessed and perfect garden in world yet to come. As you till your soil with your hands, remember in your heart that one day, “thou shalt be with me in paradise.” “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7 
Neutered male happy Boxer American Bulldog mix breed dog wagging tail outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter.
"Tiff" was a happy young Boxer mix dog that I photographed in the animal shelter on March 19, 2020. He was rescued by Pound Puppies N Kittens Rescue on March 25, 2020 and was one step closer to a new home! !
Neutered male happy Boxer American Bulldog mix breed dog wagging tail outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter.
Neutered male happy Boxer American Bulldog mix breed dog wagging tail outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter.
I want to thank Lee's Birdwatching Adventures for guest posting this blog! Lee's website is about birding from a Christian perspective and has years of articles and content from Lee and other creationists and birders. William Wise's Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. -- “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9 Zechariah 1:11 (The Message) They reported their findings to the Angel of God in the birch grove: “We have looked over the whole earth and all is well. Everything’s under control.”  Pink and purple cherry tree blossoms in Walton County Georgia. Photo #20200320_008_DT176301477 © William Wise - Dreamstime.com While Homo sapiens are self-isolating in coronavirus crisis mode, the rest of species on this planet are boldly moving ahead with the vernal equinox as scheduled. As I briefly, and timidly, left the confines of my sterile bunker this morning for a short walk, I was outraged to see so many critters blatantly ignoring the shelter-in-place mandates! In less than an hour I counted 26 different bird species and three turtles breaking curfew… more than 50 individuals! Even the normally reclusive Wood Ducks had the audacity to come into plain view on the open pond. But I’m sure as they flip on the social media and take in the current events, they’ll all retreat into their holes, cavities and nests as we humans have. It would almost appear that the God of creation has everything under control, although we humans feel like things are out of control. Is that even possible?  Female Wood Duck hen on a pond in Walton County, Georgia. Spring breeding season. Walton County, Georgia. USA. March 2020. Aix sponsa. Photo #20200320_005-DT176303301 © William Wise - Dreamstime.com Psalm 11:1 In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? I hope you enjoyed this light-hearted commentary on the current events, and are comforted by the photos of God’s beautiful creation that exists right outside our back doors! Even if you can’t go far, get out and enjoy our Creator’s works right in your little plot of land.  Common Musk Turtle, Sternotherus odoratus, is a small water turtle in the eastern United States. Algae covered carapace. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia. USA. March 2020. Photo #20200320_010 © William Wise - Dreamstime.com  Common Musk Turtle, Sternotherus odoratus, is a small water turtle in the eastern United States. On its back showing small plastron. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia. USA. March 2020. Photo 176303031 © William Wise - Dreamstime.com 
Waltonpets Furtography Session is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog photography and cat photography at the Walton County Animal Control Shelter in Monroe, Georgia.
Big beautiful spayed female Coonhound dog with floppy ears, wagging tail and panting tongue outside with collar and leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
Rose was picked up stray by an animal control officer on March 17, 2020. She was rescued by Best Friends Animal Society on March 20, 2020!
Big beautiful spayed female Coonhound dog with floppy ears, wagging tail and panting tongue outside with collar and leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
Big beautiful spayed female Coonhound dog with floppy ears, wagging tail and panting tongue outside with collar and leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
 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  White-tailed Deer hiding on Billy`s Island in the Okefenokee Swamp behind Spanish Moss, Georgia. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. March 11, 2020. Prior to being set aside as a National Wildlife Refuge, White-tailed Deer were commonly hunted on the open prairies of the Okefenokee Swamp, as described in an excerpt from the 1926 book History of the Okefenokee Swamp: Chase Prairie derives its name from the fact that it was a favorite place to chase down deer that would come out on the space to feed upon the grass and water plants. A number of hunters would gather with dogs around this large Prairie and some would chase the deer from the islands into the Prairie, while others would have boats convenient, and they were so expert with the little narrow boats used in the Swamp that they could propel these boats so swiftly over the water-covered Prairie that a deer would be overtaken before he could cross it.  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  Southern Blue Flag Iris virginica Swamp Iris is a spring wildflower native to the southeastern United States. Light blue to violet flower. Photographed in the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia. In the spring, there are splashes of purple and blue along the canoe trails of the Okefenokee Swamp. I have primarily found it along the Suwannee River Middle Fork (red trail) where the channel is still wide, but taller trees provide some shade. The leaves protrude from the water a few feet and the beautiful purple bloom rises just above them. According to a USDA Plant Guide, the Southern Blue Flag swamp iris, Iris virginica, is perfectly suited to the Okefenokee habitat as it prefers wet, acidic, boggy soils. It is native to the coastal plains from Virginia to Louisiana. The source also states that Seminoles may have used this plant to treat shock following an alligator bite.  Southern Blue Flag Iris virginica Swamp Iris is a spring wildflower native to the southeastern United States. Light blue to violet flower. Photographed in the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia. 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  Huge American Alligator on lily pad peat hammock. Photographed in March 2020 on Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA. The largest alligators are said to have been from 15 to 19 feet long. I don’t think any of those 19-footers were scientifically verified, but an internet search shows Mandy Stokes’ 15’9” alligator holds the current world record. The largest Georgia alligator was killed in 2019 and measured 14’1”.
I haven’t climbed out of my canoe with a tape measure in the Okefenokee Swamp, but have seen some pretty big ones along the banks of Billy’s Lake and especially up The Sill. It is hard to imagine these gargantuan reptiles can weight up to 1,000 pounds! Once they get up to that size, I don’t think they have any fear of predators… other than during hunting season. But if they remain within the boundaries of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, they are protected for life to grow big and fat! 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  Swallow-tailed Kite soaring in blue sky above the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. Elanoides forficatus is a raptor bird of prey in the southeast United States. March 11, 2020. After several trips to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge that ended in a bust, I was really hoping this trek would finally result in a decent Swallow-tailed Kite photograph. But once again, it appeared that I was leaving the Okefenokee Swamp disappointed. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located in Georgia near along the Florida line in the southeastern United States. It is a wonderfully huge wetland that has been protected since the mid-1900s after logging had nearly obliterated the habitat. It is now a refuge for all types of wildlife, including the Swallow-tailed Kite.  Entering National Wilderness Area kayak Canoe trail direction sign Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. May 2020. Swallow-tailed Kites, Elanoides forficatus, are a raptor (bird of prey). They breed in the southeastern United States and according to the eBird illustrated checklist, are found in the Okefenokee from March through August. The Cornell Ornithology website beautifully describes it as, “a graceful, uniquely shaped raptor with long, narrow wings and deeply forked tail.” It favors wet habitats around rivers and ponds and nest in tall pines and cypress, making the Okefenokee Swamp a perfect place to spot them! But once again, another spring excursion ends without a kite photograph. We had even packed up camp, loaded the canoe on the trailer, and were driving the long road out of the refuge when I spotted it! Not far from the boundary of the NWR soared a beautiful kite in the open, blue skies. It was the final photo of our final day on this March 2020 trip to the Okefenokee! iNaturalist observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/47757050 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  Submerged American Alligator eye swimming in dark, mysterious tannin blackwater swamp among green spatterdock lily pads. Billy`s Lake, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 11, 2020. "Sam lay rolled in blankets beside Frodo. `I had a funny dream an hour or two before we stopped, Mr. Frodo,' he said. `Or maybe it wasn't a dream. Funny it was anyway…: I saw a log with eyes!' ‘The log's all right,' said Frodo. `There are many in the River. But leave out the eyes!'" Like floating driftwood with eyes, the alligator is exceptionally camouflaged as it lies submerged in the dark swamp waters. Often lying as still as a stone for hours with only its eyes and nostrils above the surface, unwitting prey may often come within chomping distance unaware of their danger. A sudden sideways slash of the head and a large fish is trapped in those unrelenting jaws. A forward thrust of the tail and a duck or otter may disappear down that previously unseen gullet. A strong thrust may even propel the alligator several feet out of the water to nab the unsuspecting heron from its perch.  American Alligator swimming submerged in dark blackwater cypress swamp with spatterdock lily pads and Spanish Moss. Photographed in March 2020 in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA.  This log happens to be missing an eye! American Alligator missing an eye swimming in blackwater swamp. Photographed in March 2020 on Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA. 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  Florida Red-bellied Cooter Turtle, Pseudemys nelsoni, on spatterdock yellow lily pads. Photographed in March 2020 in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA. The Florida Redbelly Turtle is another common aquatic turtle I’ve spotted on my canoe adventures throughout the Okefenokee Swamp. A close look at Pseudemys nelsoni reveals two cusps on its upper beak which differentiates it from the other turtles in the refuge. The Suwannee River, which runs through the Okefenokee, is the northern border of this turtle’s range. It reportedly lays its eggs in active alligator nests. iNaturalist observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/45351272
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
While many of the alligators quietly slip into the water as you paddly by, some gators can put on quite a show that is full of splashing and drama. The video below is a compilation of photography and some gator splash videos from our March 2020 trek to the Okefenokee Swamp.
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  Large Alligator Portrait laying on a cypress swamp stump showing teeth and scales. Photographed in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 11, 2020. Their status as an apex predator is probably what makes the American Alligator so fascinating and formidable. Apex predators are those at the top of the food chain. They have few, if any, other natural predators. While a big alligator is capable of killing almost any other animal in the Okefenokee Swamp, the truth is they mostly take prey that gives them the least trouble. Since they can’t chew, they mostly take animals that can be swallowed. Yes, they are famed for the “gator roll” method of tearing apart large prey, but that is an big expenditure of energy. Young alligators consume snails, frogs, small fish and insects. The larger gators will take larger prey if an opportunity presents itself. And though it seems strange, alligators may even eat one of their own kind!  Large Alligator Portrait laying on a cypress swamp stump showing teeth and scales. Photographed in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.  Young American Alligator in a dark Cypress Swamp with lily pads and Spanish Moss. Photographed March 11, 2020 on Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA. 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  Coastal Plain Cooter Turtle, Pseudemys concinna ssp. floridana, on spatterdock stem called a `gator tator`. Photographed in March 2020 in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA. While there are reportedly 15 turtles in the Okefenokee Swamp regions, my most commonly photographed species is the Coastal Plain Cooter (Pseudemys concinna ssp. floridana). While abundant in the Okefenokee Swamp, they are found all along the coastal plain (hence the common name) from southeastern Virginia, south into Florida, and west into Alabama.
They can be quite large (up to a 13-inch carapace length) and would be quite conspicuous if they didn’t dive off their basking spots long before your canoe approaches. As we paddle along, if I keep my binoculars trained ahead, I typically see these cooters sliding into the water left and right all along the Okefenokee canoe trails. On our springtime Okefenokee trips, one or two will occasionally remain out in the warm sun long enough for a closer photograph being reluctant to dive back into the cool water. |
 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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