 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  American Alligator eyes, Alligator mississippiensis, submerged swimming in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. Kingfisher Landing canoe trail launch. While we are inspired by an alligator basking in full glory on the bank of a canal or atop a fallen cypress, the more common sight throughout the Okefenokee Swamp, especially in hotter months, is pairs of eyes protruding just above the surface of the slow Okefenokee currents. The American Alligator is perfectly designed for life in the swamp. The eyes, positioned on high atop the head, allow the alligator to see even while the rest of its body is totally submerged in the dark swamp waters. Also, the positioning of the eyes on the side of the head give it a wide field of view to scan for potential threats and prey. Multiple eyelids, including an opaque “third eyelid” called a nictitating membrane, protect the alligator’s eyes during eating and navigating through the swamp habitat. Paddling between Kingfisher Landing and Double Lakes; Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.
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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  Close up photography of an American Alligator head in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA. November. The tall tales told throughout the generations have made the American Alligator out to be a fearsome beast ready to spring out of a dark bog and drag you under to a watery grave. Granted, they are apex predators- and large ones at that! But after paddling nearby hundreds and hundreds of alligators, I have yet to be assailed by a gator. Their most common reaction to human presence is to head for water and submerge. On occasion, some alligators will be quite tolerant of a close approach. This is particularly true in fall and early spring when the night air is chilly and the sun shines the following morning. No cold-blooded reptile can resist a good bask in the sun when the opportunity presents itself. Once they find a warm perch, they are quite hesitant to jump back into those cold waters. This presents an opportunity for some close up, detailed photographs. Focus in on individual scales, or perhaps a foot or claw. Shoot the epidermal ridges, or the details in the eye. Get close and zoom in.  Close up photography of an American Alligator foot and scales in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA. November 12, 2021. But with that being said, don’t be stupid. The alligators laying around in the sun in parks and refuges aren’t tame animals. As with any animal, there is an invisible diameter around the critter that they don’t want you to enter. Push your luck, and you just might end up a part of a gator story or news article! Paddling between Kingfisher Landing and Double Lakes; Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.  Fellow iNaturalist photographer Dan LaVorgna gets some closeup shots of a basking gator reluctant to plunge in the cool water. Red trail from Kingfisher Landing in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.  A close iPhone photo of a basking gator reluctant to plunge in the cool water. Red trail from Kingfisher Landing in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. 
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
My usual Okefenokee campground was full, so I stayed for the first time at the Laura S Walker State Park near Waycross...
Laura S Walker State Park near Waycross, Georgia USA and the Okefenokee Swamp. The park features hiking trails, camping and hiking.
Okefenokee Eastern Base-Camp
The eastern edge of the Okefenokee Swamp has two entrances, as opposed to the single entrance on the western side. But unlike the western entrance, which has the beautiful and convenient Stephen C Foster State Park, the eastern entrances have no overnight camping within the refuge boundaries. But a nearby alternative is available, and still within close proximity to the two eastern Okefenokee entrances, the northern Okefenokee Swamp Park.
The Laura S Walker State Park is located northwest of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. From there, it is just a 10 mile drive to the private Okefenokee Swamp Park. It is a mere 30-minute drive (21 miles) to the Kingfisher Landing canoe launch into the Refuge, or 45 minutes to the main visitor entrance at the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, where much of the refuge’s visitor activities take place. 
Large American Alligator laying in the water at Laura S Walker State Park near Waycross, Georgia USA and the Okefenokee Swamp. The park features hiking trails, camping and hiking. Fall colors photographed in November.
The Laura S Walker State Park is run by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. As with all the wonderful state parks in Georgia, this small park is clean, secure, affordable and picturesque. There are 44 available camping spaces, complete with electric, water and a nearby comfort stations. The campground loop was fairly small, and there wasn’t much screening between sites, but it doesn’t have an ‘overcrowded’ feeling. Instead, the small village of RV’s and tents felt much more like and extended family reunion, as all the campers were cordial willing to wave or chat.
Tiny brown Eastern Fence Swift Lizard, Sceloporus undulatus, in the pine needles at Laura S Walker State Park near Waycross, Georgia USA and the Okefenokee Swamp. The park features hiking trails, camping and hiking.
There is a small lake which can be partially explored by trail and boardwalk along the Lake Trail (1.2 miles), or completely circumnavigated if one is willing to walk a portion along the roadway and dams. There are also about 2.5 miles of trails across the road from the park. These trails give hikers a perfect, on-foot, taste of the swamp and upland habitat found throughout the swampy southeast, where much of this habitat can normally only be explored by canoe or kayak.
Furry Eastern Gray Squirrel clinging to a pine tree in the forest to hide from a predator at Laura S Walker State Park near Waycross, Georgia USA and the Okefenokee Swamp. The park features hiking trails, camping and hiking.
In all, the Laura S Walker State Park is a great base camp for excursions into the eastern entrances to the Okefenokee Swamp. It is also a fitting tribute to its namesake, a local teacher, writer and conservationist from the nearby town of Waycross.
Laura S Walker State Park hiking trails. 
Swim at your own risk be aware alligator warning sign at Laura S Walker State Park near Waycross, Georgia USA and the Okefenokee Swamp. The park features hiking trails, camping and hiking.
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  Ruddy Turnstone bird on Hilton Head Island Beach, South Carolina. Arenaria interpres is a small wading sandpiper plover bird found in coastal regions. Hilton Head Island is a coastal island on the Atlantic Ocean, USA. A morning walk along the beach on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  Bald Eagle on Hilton Head Island Beach, South Carolina.  Ring Billed Gull bird foraging in the sand on Hilton Head Island Beach, South Carolina. Larus delawarensis is a medium-sized gull. Hilton Head Island is a coastal island on the Atlantic Ocean, USA.  Ring Billed Gull bird foraging in the surf on Hilton Head Island Beach, South Carolina. Larus delawarensis is a medium-sized gull. Hilton Head Island is a coastal island on the Atlantic Ocean, 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  Anhinga darter bird perched in marsh reeds on Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Pinckney Island is part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex near Hilton Head Island. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Beaufort County, South Carolina.  Common Gallinule bird in marsh reeds on Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Gallinula galeata is a small waterfowl wading bird found in wetlands in the Americas. Pinckney Island is part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex near Hilton Head Island.  Female Norther Cardinal birding photography at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Pinckney Island is part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex near Hilton Head Island.  Northern Mockingbird birding photography at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Pinckney Island is part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex near Hilton Head Island.  Anhinga darter bird perched in marsh reeds on Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Pinckney Island is part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex near Hilton Head Island. American Alligators on Osprey Pond in Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina10/25/2021 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  Juvenile American Alligator swimming in Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Pinckney Island is part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex near Hilton Head Island. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful spot for some easy wildlife photography. It is a roughly 4,000 acre nature preserve located along coastal South Carolina, USA. The refuge is very well maintained and has an extensive gravel roadway, excellent for casual hiking and birding. Sitting at the entrance bridge to Hilton Head Island, a popular beach island resort area, the Pinckney Island NWR sees many visitors. The many visitors usually stay along the gravel roadway, and don’t venture too far past the first main pond, Ibis Pond, and the butterfly gardens located there. But a bonus awaits the explorer that pushes on past the first mile. While one will spot many beautiful wading birds along that first stretch, some of the more seclusive animals may be harder to see. The further back you go on the island, the fewer people you’ll pass, and the more wildlife you’ll encounter. My adventure this morning took me back to Osprey Pond and even further to the Nini Chapin Pond. It was here I found the alligators! There were several adults and about 9 juveniles on Osprey Pond. And hidden on the Nini Chapin pond was a pod of about 15 tiny alligators born this summer. Each were about 9 inches long, were brightly colored with their yellow stripes, and let out that cute little chirp characteristic of baby alligators. In my excitement, I didn’t quite notice that their chirping had brought their guardian mother over to check me out. Thankfully, as I kept my distance, so did she! Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Beaufort County, South Carolina. 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  Two Juvenile hatchling baby American Alligators swimming in Nini Chapin Pond at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Pinckney Island is part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex near Hilton Head Island. What a pleasant surprise! As I circled the Nini Chapin Pond on the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, a couple of scurrying, brightly-banded baby gators caught my attention. And then, to my right, a few more! And on the left, about 5 more under a bush! These tiny things were certainly this year's hatchings, being about 8 to 10 inches long. After letting out a few of those cute chirps, their diligent mother came over to check me out... and keep me safely back from her babies. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Beaufort County, South Carolina. 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  Nini Chapin Pond sign at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Pinckney Island is part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex near Hilton Head Island. Bringing my bike to Pinckney Island NWR, I was able to cover more ground on my morning trip. I rode up to the Nini Chapin Pond and left my bike to explore on foot. The pond was lined with wading birds, alligators and other critters! Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Beaufort County, South Carolina.  Anhinga darter bird perched with wings spread in marsh reeds on Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Pinckney Island is part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex near Hilton Head Island.  Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly, Orthemis ferruginea, at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Pinckney Island is part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex near Hilton Head Island.  Snowy Egret, Egretta thula, small wading bird on Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Pinckney Island is part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex near Hilton Head Island.  Snowy Egret perched over green algae filled pond marsh swamp on Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina. Egretta thula is a small white wading bird heron. Birding photography in wildlife refuge preserve in Beaufort County.  Gulf fritillary or passion butterfly, Dione vanillae, at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. Pinckney Island is part of the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex near Hilton Head Island.
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
Banded Watersnake coiled in the grass on Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina. Reptile photography in wildlife refuge preserve in Beaufort County. Nerodia fasciata is an aquatic, nonvenomous, colubrid snake native to the Southeastern United States.
While pushing my way through some tall grass and Dog Fennel lining the Nini Chapin Pond on Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, I looked down at my feet and saw the back end of a snake in the grass. Since the first snake I encountered quickly slithered off, I didn't want to miss this one! It was a thick, dark-colored snake with roughly keeled scales. Was it a Cottonmouth? Taking a few more seconds to assess, I figured it was a non-venomous Watersnake.
I put my foot on the snake to keep it from shooting through the grass into the pond. And reaching down, I grabbed the back half to throw it up on the shorter grass above the bank. Success! It immediately took a defensive posture and posed for some photography and videos. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Beaufort County, South Carolina. 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  Baby Carolina Green Anole lizard being held in fingers. Macro wildlife photography showing details of labial scales, tiny claws and eye. Anolis carolinensis is native to the southeastern United States of America. The fall nights have gotten much cooler and this tiny Green Anole lizard crawled underneath the front door to spend a warmer evening indoors. When the sun warmed the sky later that afternoon, I released him to sun on a leaf in a patch of briers.  Baby Carolina Green Anole lizard being held in fingers. Macro wildlife photography showing details of labial scales, tiny claws and eye. Anolis carolinensis is native to the southeastern United States of America. 
Waltonpets Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog and cat rescues and adoptions.
Young brindle and white male American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on a leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
"Boone" was a happy young brindle Pitbull Terrier mix breed dog that was picked up stray by an animal control officer on October 12, 2021. No owner came to look for him and he was rescued by Bossy Paws Rescue on October 20, 2021. His rescue was sponsored by pledged donations to the rescue from Anne, Lorraine, Sonia, Nancy, Becky, Jason, Dana, Adela and Joyce.
Young brindle and white male American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on a leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
Young brindle and white male American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on a leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
Young brindle and white male American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on a leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
Young brindle and white male American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on a 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  Unicoi Helen Bottoms Loop Trail sign at Unicoi State Park. Unicoi State Park, White County, Helen, Georgia USA. Unicoi State Park is located in North Georgia near Anna Ruby Falls. An afternoon of hiking the trails at Unicoi State Park in White County, Georgia. Botanical observations for iNaturalist. Unicoi State Park, White County, Georgia. 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  Blue-headed Vireo bird perched on a branch along hiking trail in Unicoi State Park, White County, Helen, Georgia USA. Vireo solitarius is a Neotropical migrating song bird found in North and Central America. Unicoi State Park is located in North Georgia near Anna Ruby Falls. A birding hike along the Lake Trail, and the Unicoi/Helen Bottoms Trail at Unicoi State Park in White County, Helen, Georgia. Unicoi State Park, White County, Georgia. 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  Invasive arachnid species from Asia, Joro Spider, found in Unicoi State Park, White County, Helen, Georgia USA. Some other critters and observations found while on a day hike at Unicoi State Park in White County, Georgia. Unicoi State Park, White County, Georgia.  Frog Pond Nature Trail sign at Unicoi State Park. Unicoi State Park, White County, Helen, Georgia USA. Unicoi State Park is located in North Georgia near Anna Ruby Falls. 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 |
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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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