 William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders 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 Great Blue Heron bathing and preening and catching fish in a lake in Walton County, Georgia. Tuesday, 7:00 AM - I headed into Walton County an hour earlier this morning. Am I that dedicated to my job? Actually, I am. But is wasn’t for work that I came in early. The sun is up earlier now and I could get in an hour of birding and wildlife photography before clocking in. And it was a productive morning! I believe I hit my Walton all-time birding high: 43 taxa! Not only did I get a rather high bird count, but spotted a few other critters as well. A Beaver was swimming the upper pond and a Northern Watersnake was cutting across the main retention pond. In the secluded wetlands area south of the jail I spotted a Green Heron skulking in the shadows; my first spotting for this spring season. While pursuing the heron, a Louisiana Waterthrush sang repeatedly overhead. What a great morning!  A North American beaver (Castor canadensis) as finishing a morning's activity on the upper pond near my office. He gave a loud tail slap on the water's surface before swimming off; Walton County, Georgia. Tuesday, April 30, 2019.  A Northern Watersnake cuts rapidly through the surface water of the retention pond behind my office. As it approached shore, it disappeared under the bank beneath my feet. Walton County, Georgia. Tuesday, April 30, 2019.  Large Great Blue Heron bathing and preening in a lake in Walton County, Georgia.
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 Thursday, April 25 - I was privileged to be allowed by my teenage daughter (with the promise, of course, that I wouldn’t embarrass her by being a “bird nerd”) to accompany her on a field trip to the Whitehall Forest. Having spent many, many hours of field study in this same forest in the 90’s, I was excited to return. I hope the experience not only sparked some bird-nerdiness in my daughter, but may have also planted a seed to study at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources like her father.  A Hooded Warbler, Setophaga citrina, is measured and photographed during the banding process. A BIRD IN THE HAND...“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”… especially when teaching high school students about ecology and conservation. Two groups of Ms. Carly Chandler’s AP Environmental students from Cedar Shoals High School in Athens, Georgia participated in a bird banding field trip in April, 2019. Bird banding is the attachment of uniquely numbered metal bands to the leg of a wild bird to help scientists study the migratory movements, population dynamics and life histories of birds. The excited group of students not only saw first-hand how the birds were caught and removed from mist nets in the Whitehall Experimental Forest, but also participated in the band recording process.  Bird ringing or bird banding is the attachment of a small, individually numbered metal tag to the leg of a wild bird to enable individual identification, track migration movements of the bird and its life history.  Carolina Wren being banded by Dr. Richard Chandler of UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. During the trip, the students met with Dr. Richard Chandler, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management from the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Dr. Chandler demonstrated safe handling techniques and offered several students the opportunity to hold and release a few of the captured and banded birds.  Kentucky Warbler - a life bird for me! In addition some common Georgia birds like the Brown Thrasher and Carolina Wren, the groups caught two brightly colored warblers, a Kentucky Warbler and a Hooded Warbler, that recently arrived during the spring migration. Dr. Chandler explained how habitat destruction, either here in their North American breeding grounds, or in their southern over-wintering territories could greatly affect the overall health and numbers of migratory bird populations. “The field trip was an amazing experience”, said Cedar Shoals student Amanda Wise. “It was a very insightful trip that taught us about the biodiversity of birds and how big of a world we are in. It is definitely not every day that you can catch, hold and band a bird!”  Northern Cardinal  A fiesty Northern Cardinal expresses his displeasure in being caught and handled by biting Dr. Chandler on the finger!  A Louisiana Waterthrush in a "photographer's hold".  Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa)  Georgia's state bird, the Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) receiving an identification band.   Purple Martin bird perched on Walton County jail’s barbed wire fence. Purple Martin, Progne subis, is the largest North American swallow. April 22, 2019; Walton County, Georgia. Week 17 of 2019. April 22-28. Monday, April 22, 2019 - After the storms of last week and the return of chilly nights, today has turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day. Lots of bird activity near the retention ponds on my morning bird walk. Too bad I had to cut it short an get to work at 8 AM! One day (twenty years from now) I can retire and photograph birds all day long!!!!  American Robin perched on a branch out front the animal shelter parking lot just before leaving work; Walton County, Georgia. Tuesday, April 23, 2019. Late Monday evening I heard my first Summer Tanager of spring in my backyard. I was able to coax him into view with a little playback. He and a female hung around all week and I was able to get some photographs on Saturday evening.  A fiesty Brown-headed Nuthatch is checking me out as I bird on Tuesday evening in my backyard in Athens, GA. April 23, 2019. Clarke County, GA. The brown-headed nuthatch, Sitta pusilla, is a small songbird found in pine forests throughout the Southeastern United States.  Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - Surprise! The goslings have finally hatched! Mother goose has been diligently sittin on her nest for the last several weeks. But this morning, right outside the back door of my office was the Canada Goose pair and six fresh goslings.  Spotted Sandpiper on the beach of Lake Chapman in Sandy Creek Park, Athens; Clarke County, GA. April 27, 2019.  Just some random birding to relieve stress and enjoy some nice spring days. Public Works Retention Pond, (33.7726,-83.6976), Walton County, Georgia.  Red Bellied Woodpecker, Athens, GA. Melanerpes carolinus is a medium-sized woodpecker of the family Picidae. It breeds mainly in the eastern United States. April 18, 2019.  Eastern Grey Squirrel climbing a Sweetgum tree in a forest habitat in southeast United States, Monroe, GA. April 17, 2019.  Red Bellied Woodpecker, Athens, GA. Melanerpes carolinus is a medium-sized woodpecker of the family Picidae. It breeds mainly in the eastern United States. April 18, 2019.  Williamwisephoto Nature Notes is a wildlife, landscape, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. -- Isaiah 43:19 "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"  Common Grackle; Walton County, Georgia. April 12, 2019. The common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula, is a large icterid which is found in large numbers through much of North America. I had the pleasure of adding several Life Birds this week! My first trip was to an eBird hotspot on Braswell Church Road to find some recently spotted Yellowlegs and Sandpipiers.  Life Bird: Pectoral Sandpiper seen at the Braswell Church Road cattle ponds on April 8, 2019.  Life bird: Greater Yellowlegs seen at the Braswell Church Road cattle ponds on April 8, 2019 On my Friday afternoon lunch break I happened to come across another lifer: a Louisiana Waterthrush. I heard it calling and knew it was something different than I'd heard before. After a few minutes, it alighted above me and i got a quick photo (though poorly backlit).  Life Bird: Louisiana Waterthrush life bird singing high up in a tree in Walton County. April 12, 2019.  Young Red-shouldered Hawk. Walton County, GA; April 9, 2019.  Red-bellied Woodpecker; Walton County, GA; April 9, 2019.  Pied-billed Grebe. Though not rare, this is an odd time for me to see this species on this particular pond. Walton County, Georgia. April 12, 2019.  Common Grackle; Walton County, Georgia. April 12, 2019. The common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula, is a large icterid which is found in large numbers through much of North America.  William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. -- Genesis 1:20 Then God said, “Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.”  American Bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus or Rana catesbeiana, found in a small koi pond in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia. It inhabits large water bodies, such as swamps, ponds, and lakes, where it is usually found along the water`s edge. Native to southern and eastern parts of the United States and Canada. The weather is warming and the days are getting longer. I can finally start enjoying Sunday sit-downs on my back patio! It is time to clean the dead leaves and algae from my backyard koi pond, not to mention the incredible amounts of pine pollen that clog the filters each spring. As I start the process, I found a large visitor has returned. I have no idea where it over-winters, but it is already back and living the good life! This native American Bullfrog is quite common here in Georgia and throughout North America. It should be no big surprise to find it in my koi pond since one source states, "Bullfrogs can also be found in manmade habitats such as pools, koi ponds, canals, ditches and culverts." Each summer it spends its days sitting on the decorative stones only to make a quick and dramatic splash into the water each time we come out onto the back patio. Of course, I am never one to pass up a good nature photography opportunity. So as I am able to net this large amphibian while cleaning the pond, I took it to the side for a quick photo session in a more natural setting.   Giant Bullfrog held in open palm hand   William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. -- Genesis 1:20 Then God said, “Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.”  Williamwisephoto Nature Notes is a wildlife, landscape, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. -- Jeremiah 8:7 "Even the stork that flies across the sky knows the time of her migration, as do the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane. They all return at the proper time each year."  Just this week the trees became alive with the distince calls of the White-eyed Vireos that have returned to the area. Friday, April 5, 2019. I had two opportunities for some lunchbreak birding this week to note some of the comings and goings of the spring migration.  A Hermit Thrush shot from below. Probably one of the last photos I'll get before they leave for the season. Tuesday, April 2, 2019.  Belted Kingfisher; Walton County, Georgia. Tuesday, April 2, 2019.  The Chipping Sparrows are more or less around all year. Friday, April 5, 2019.  William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, landscape, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. -- Psalms 104:27 (NET) "All of your creatures wait for you to provide them with food on a regular basis. You give food to them and they receive it; you open your hand and they are filled with food."  Because of their frequent interactions with humans, Raccoons, Procyon lotor, are frequently the target of nuisance wildlife pest control companies and animal control trapping. The proverb “There is no such thing as a free lunch” just isn’t true… especially if you’re an opportunistic raccoon without a picky palate!
I can’t really fault him for it, but this roving raccoon left a big mess of overturned trash cans near my office for three nights in a row. So, we but some irresistible delicacies in a humane trap and successfully moved him down the road a bit. I wouldn’t mind his visits if he’d clean up after himself! 
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
Adventurers to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in the southeastern United States can apply for permits to overnight at several locations such as Mixon's Hammock, Floyd's Island, and Canal Run. But even if opting to return to a base camp at the Stephen C Foster State Park campground each evening, there are still plenty of canoe trails to fill each day with adventure. There are several options once you hit the water:
Kayaking through Spanish moss, lily pads and Bald Cypress trees in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park. March 13, 2019.
Part 3: Where to Paddle
Billy’s Lake
If you are just looking for a morning or afternoon of cruising the open waters for birding and spotting gators, you can spend several hours and never need get more than 4 miles from “home”. As soon as you paddle up the channel from Stephen C Foster State Park’s boat launch you come upon Billy’s Lake. This is one of the largest lakes in the Okefenokee and is about 3.5 miles long. The lake is lined with lily pads, floating beds of peat and hummocks, and burned or fallen logs often topped with basking alligators of all ages and lengths. The shores of Billy’s Lake are also lined with the towering and grand Bald Cypress tree (Taxodium distichum) decorated with Spanish Moss swaying in the breeze. As comorants and herons perch overhead or dive below, there is no end to the photographic opportunities. 
An Eastern Grey Squirrel on the Trembling Earth nature trail in the Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia. Okfenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
A submerged American Alligator with eyes and snout above water on Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park. March 14, 2019.
If you go out in the morning, turn right out of the Stephen C Foster channel and paddle hard and fast to the east. After a few miles, turn your canoe around and slowly cruise westward along the lake’s shore with the sun over your shoulder. If going out in the evening, do the exact opposite. Facing the wrong direction produces a blinding glare; facing the correct direction with the sun over your shoulder is golden photography!
Explore Billy’s Lake at sunrise and sunset, but when the harsh mid-day light is overhead, head up the shadowed narrow trails of the Okefenokee… 
Canoe trail map directional signs in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park. Suwannee River. Minnie`s Lake, Floyds Island, Big Water trail, Canal Run trail. Mile markers.
The Red Trail
Getting off Billy’s Lake and up the middle fork of the Suwannee River (the red trail) gives you a real taste of “swamp”. Here the canoe trail narrows, the Spanish Moss laden Cypress Trees block the sky overhead and the brush closes in on the sides. Your trek twists and turns about the textured cypress knees and other organic debris along the path. Red-shouldered Hawks scream unseen overhead and Wood Ducks squeal as they take off at your approach. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a pod of baby alligators in one of these more secluded spots! 
A juvenile American Alligator on the middle fork of the Suwannee River in the Okefenokee swamp National Wildlife Refuge. March 14, 2019.
Even with a trolling motor going most of the day, we never reached the northern end of the day-use trail! There is plenty of waterway to fill the day without applying for an overnight permit. As you travel northward, the trail opens up to other lakes and prairies. Minnie’s Lake always hosts a large gathering of gargantuan gators.
We paddle the first several hours of the day northward to Big Water lake. There we each lunch, photograph the gators and Little Blue Herons, and then head back south for “home” at Stephen C Foster State Park. 
Eastward to Billy’s Island
Typically on our first or last day, when we only have a few hours, we travel east on Billy’s Lake to Billy’s Island. There is a boat dock there and you can get out and explore. We haven’t ventured far on the island, but friends have found Easton Diamondbacks, baby gators and other things. It is a good place to get out of the canoe, stretch your legs and do a little birding. 
American Alligator laying on a log in the bog on Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park. March 15, 2019.
Westward toward “The Sill”
On one of our trips we paddled west from Billy’s Lake and into the River Narrows. As the name implies, this was some tricky canoe navigation! But passing through the narrows, we came out onto a beautiful prairie. You can see evidences of the old logging days, including burned out stumps and the posts of an abandoned railroad track. Paddling “The Sill” wasn’t as attractive as other areas of the swamp. Being a man-made canal, it is wide, flat and straight without much scenery surrounding it. However, further up the canal we did find some of the biggest alligators we have seen on our trips. Unless we have several days to explore, I don’t plan another trip up The Sill. If your time is limited, paddling up the red trail to Minnie’s Lake and Big Water are the way to go! Again, I’m no Okefenokee expert, so I’d love to hear what others have to say; especially those of you who have overnighted in the swamp! 
Florida River Cooter slider turtle on lily pads in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge near Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park. The Coastal plain cooter, Pseudemys concinna floridana, or Florida cooter is a large freshwater turtle found in the southeastern coastal plain of the United States, from Virginia southward through Florida.
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 The Okefenokee Swamp is a gorgeous National Wildlife Refuge in the southeastern United States. The majority of its 438,000 acres lies within the state of Georgia. This refuge is a nature photographer’s delight. I'm not an Okefenokee expert, but I have visited the swamp four times and have developed a good system that worked for me. I want to share these experiences to help others maximize a delightful photo adventure.  Large American Alligator basking on a log in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park. March 13, 2019. PART 2: WHEN TO OKEFENOKEEI suppose you can do the Okefenokee anytime of the year, but our trips have always been in March during my daughter’s spring break. I haven’t been there at other times (other than one day trip in January), but I know about South Georgia summers and think spring might offer a more comfortable atmosphere. The cooler late winter/early spring temperatures mean several things. One of the best things about a March visit is fewer insects! There is nothing that can put a damper on things like flies that can bite through clothes, seemingly repellent-resistant mosquitoes, and relentless gnats that always congregate near your nostrils and eyes. On our last visit in March, I only had to put on repellent in the evenings at the campground. There was little need during the day while out on the swamp.  A juvenile American Alligator on Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park. Basking on a log in the sun near lily pads. Late winter/early spring also means cool water and cool nights. Why is that good for photography? Well, as the sun climbs, the daytime temperatures begin to hit the 80’s. Those cold-blooded alligators are more than anxious to climb out of the cool water and bask in the golden rays. If you hit the lighting right, there are ample opportunities to shoot all sizes of gators laying about on the peat mats, lily pads and fallen Cypress stumps. And spring temperatures are much nicer that baking in an open canoe in August in Georgia! I don’t know when Stephen C Foster State Park’s peak season may be, but we’ve always enjoyed fewer folks and plenty of open campground spots during our March visits; especially if your stay is mid-week. Again, I haven’t stayed at Stephen C Foster in any other month, but March really has worked well for us. Perhaps others can chime in about their favorite times to Okefenokee by leaving a comment below.  Large American Alligator basking on a log in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park. March 13, 2019.  Large American Alligator basking on a log in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park.  Giant American Alligator basking on peat matt floating in the swamp bog. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Billy`s Lake in Stephen C Foster State Park, 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
The Okefenokee Swamp is a gigantic and gorgeous National Wildlife Refuge in the southeastern United States. The majority of its 438,000 acres lies within the state of Georgia, but a portion stretches southward into Florida. This refuge is a nature and wildlife photographer’s delight, being full of the natural beauties of fauna and flora. I have visited the swamp four times and have developed a good system to maximize a delightful photo adventure.
Macro photography of a Squirrel Tree Frog, Hyla squirella, climbing a tree in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park campground. Shot with 40mm macro lens. The squirrel tree frog Hyla squirella is a small species of tree frog found in the southeastern United States, from Texas to Virginia. This little frog was found under our cooler when we struck camp to leave on March 16, 2019.
pART 1: WHERE TO STAY
There are a few entrances and boat launches within the Okefenokee, but I have always used the Stephen C Foster State Park as my base of operations while paddling the swamp. Normally I prefer backcountry and wilderness treks, but if photography is your main goal, there is an advantage to “taking it easy” and staying in a campground.
The northern parula, Setophaga americana, is a small warbler. It breeds in eastern North America. Okefenokee swamp National Wildlife Refuge between Minnie Lake and Big Water.
ELECTRICITY!
One of the main advantages is electricity! Camera batteries die. And it seems that the newer the camera, the more quickly they die. Why? Bluetooth connections, brighter LED screens, better metering and autofocus systems… all these place a drain on the batteries. On an extended trip, your canoe might sink due to all the extra batteries you’d have to bring along! But each of the Stephen C Foster State Park’s 66 campsites have an electrical outlet. There is no need to drag along a generator or tax your vehicle’s battery when power is needed.
Returning to camp each evening, those tired cells of lithium life can be refueled! I always bring a fifty-foot extension cord and a multi-outlet surge protector. We run that cord from the RV electrical hookup right into our tent. Not only are the camera batteries recharged, but so is the cell phone. I also bring along my laptop so I can stay ahead of the workflow game and begin downloading and culling each day’s photos before even getting home. 
Giant American Alligator basking on peat matt floating in the swamp near lily pads, cypress trees and Spanish Moss. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Billy`s Lake in Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia.
COMFORT!
I fully understand that the entire point of camping is to “rough it”. And while I still love the primitive, wilderness camping adventures, I must admit that not only does staying in the Stephen C Foster campground help recharge my camera batteries each night, but sleeping on a cot in my comfortable tent also helps revive my aging body with a better night’s sleep!
The Stephen C Foster campground also has several “comfort stations” with clean showers, restrooms and washer/dryer within each campground loop. You’ll be ready and fresh each morning for a full day’s photography of the gorgeous Okefenokee Swamp! And if you really want comfort, there are nice cabins at the park as well. 
Canoe trail maker sign in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. "Home" is pointing to Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park.
SECURITY!
While staying at Stephen C Foster State Park, I’ve never had an issue with my campground being plundered while gone all day paddling the swamp. Yes, there is an unwritten code of ethics and a sense of community amongst like-minded campers, but having a campground host ever present and regular patrols from certified law enforcement park rangers helps too!
The sole entrance to the park is also gated and closed each evening. While I don’t want to temp anyone by leaving expensive camping or camera gear lying around, I have never returned to camp at night to find my propane stove or folding chairs missing. 
A Raccoon climbing a tree on a foggy morning in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.
A Raccoon walking on the Trembling Earth nature trail boardwalk in the Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
Come back for more Okefenokee Swamp How-To Photographer's Guides!
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  Young American Alligator in a roadside ditch in Stephen C Foster State Park showing its teeth. Okfenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Excerpt from E.A. McIlhenny's 1935 book, The Alligator's Life History:
E.A. McIlhenny (1872 – 1949), of the McIlhenny Tabasco Sauce company, was a hunter, explorer and naturalist that established the Avery Island wildlife refuge on his family estate in Louisiana and wrote The Alligator's Life History in 1935. While some of his statements are criticized by modern science, he was one of the most knowledgeable alligator experts in the country at the time. His work contains valuable information and entertaining anecdotes. 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  Squirrel on a branch in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park. Excerpt from Francis Harper's Mammals of the Okefinokee Swamp, published March 1927:
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
Video of American Alligator with a GoPro Hero5 action camera on a selfie stick in Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia. Okfenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This gator lives in the boat launch canoe area near the campground. Her name is Sophie.
There she lay; just ten feet from the edge of the dock. How could I resist? A big alligator right there within reach of my action camera. I hit record and lay upon my belly, stretching my arm to full length, the camera is only inches from her snout. No doubt this would be some great, close-up gator footage! Then it happened. SNAP!!! Either she was really ticked off, or thought my camera was a free handout of food. No more camera.
Seems like a stupid idea to harass an alligator? Yes, it is. Perhaps my story is a bit of dramatization and the camera wasn’t actually eaten. But what if it were true? That was an expensive bite! Or what if it were your hand, rather than your camera that gets chomped by a big gator? But how many photographers push the limits trying to get that photo or video that will go viral? It does well to keep a clear mind and some common sense when in the field.
Wild animals are wild! Even if they seem to be laying nearby just begging for a photograph, wild animalsare not tame pets. Just search the internet for tourist deaths on safari and you’ll see nobody is exempt: a billionaire trampled by an elephant… a grandmother killed by a hippopotamus… These “accidents” don’t only take place with “dumb tourists.” A few years ago, a professional graphic effects creator filming a documentary in South Africa was killed as she rolled down her windows to capture close-up footage of a lioness... a bit too close up!
Video of American Alligator with a GoPro Hero5 action camera in Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia. Okfenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This gator lives in the boat launch canoe area near the campground. Her name is Sophie.
As photographers, we can become totally absorbed in our craft and forget about our own safety. Or, we might compromise our own safety to push the limits to get that viral footage. But in the end it isn’t worth it if you lose your life or lose a limb. So keep your mind focused on your surroundings and use some common sense!
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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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