 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  A Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) appears to play hide-and-seek in a nest cavity. March 31, 2017; Walton County, Georgia. ©www.williamwisephoto.com. Have you ever shouted to God, “COME OUT, COME OUT WHEREVER YOU ARE!”? Ezekiel 39:29 “Neither will I hide my face any more from them…” Birding can sometimes feel like a game of hide-and-seek. The birds have the “hide” part down pat! They are masters of camouflage and stealth, and seem to know the cleverest places to hide. So the birders must play the “seek” side of the game. We maximize our chances of finding particular bird species by learning where they live – their range and habitat within the range – and going where the birds are! There are times it seems like God is playing hide-and-seek with us. Our theology says God is omnipresent, but our feelings say He has hidden Himself and is nowhere to be found. Like Martha and Mary when their brother Lazarus passed away, we blame God for being absent when crisis and need hits — “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” (John 11:21). But have you thought that maybe God isn’t hiding; and perhaps the problem is with our seeking? Jesus was quite willing to commune with those who desired His company. When two disciples asked, “Where dwellest thou?” Jesus offered the open invitation of come and see (John 1:38). Since the Bible promises us that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6), perhaps our seeking isn’t as diligent as we thought. God is not hiding. He can be seen in the design, order and complexity of nature around us… especially the birds! And just like searching for a bird in its range and habitat, we maximize our chances by seeking God in the right places. Where does God “hide”? Maybe He is “hidden” in that Bible on your bookshelf? Or perhaps He can be found in that church down the road? One thing is certain: if you are honest and diligent, He will be found! Deuteronomy 30:11-14 “For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do 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  Dry brown Cattail Plants, Typha, in the Peter Exner Conservation Nature Preserve in McHenry, Illinois. Exner Marsh is a wildlife nature preserve for birds, ducks, sandhill crane and other animals. It's a bit of a chilly morning compared to what I'm used to in Georgia. But if there's a natural area nearby, I'm there! On a Thanksgiving visit to Illinois, I made another trip to the Exner Nature Preserve while others prepared the afternoon Thanksgiving meal. The Exner Marsh is a small nature preserve in Huntley, Illinois (McHenry County). There are some very well-maintained trails along the waters of this 113 acre marsh habitat dominated by cattails and bulrush. My biggest surprise was an immature male Common Yellowthroat which, according to eBird, should have migrated out by now. McHenry County, Illinois
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. 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  Bright yellow female American Goldfinch perched on pine sapling. Spinus tristis is a North American songbird. Photographed June 17, 2020 in Walton County, Georgia USA on morning birding photography hike. 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season…” People have asked me, “How are you able to photograph so many different animals?” A big part of the equation is taking and making opportunities. This success principle holds true in many areas: financial investors watch the markets to take advantage of opportune seasons to invest, while ingenious entrepreneurs create a market where none existed before. Taking an opportunity, or making one, can bring success.
There are times that wildlife photography opportunities present themselves; say, a Red-tailed Hawk swooping down on a roadside squirrel, or a Gray Fox cutting through your backyard. You have to be always ready to take those opportunities when presented. But most of the time, birds don’t swoop in and pose when we set up a tripod and camera. We must make opportunities by travelling to areas that maximize our chances of wildlife viewing, such as birding hotspots, parks and wildlife refuges. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul passes along this same strategy for success to the young pastor Timothy. William Barclay’s translation of 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Urge it upon people whether you can take an opportunity or have to make an opportunity.” Paul isn’t speaking about wildlife photography or financial investments, but about eternal investments: souls! There are times that opportunities to witness present themselves, such as in a long line at Walmart. Other strategies include making evangelistic opportunities such as outdoor concerts and testimony services, or mini neighborhood healing crusades. So, a greater question than “how do I photograph more birds?”, is “how do I win more souls?”! Hobbies and recreation are fine – and I’d say they are even essential to mental health – but do I spend as much time seeking to bring people for Christ as I do on photography? Or do I squander my evangelistic opportunities on other pursuits? Just some food for thought. As for me, I will pursue and enjoy both! 
Waltonpets Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog and cat rescues and adoptions.
Blue nose female pit bull terrier dog named Chevy with yellow and red heart bandana outside in autumn. Pet adoption animal rescue photography for humane society shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption website.
“Chevy” was a young, female American Pitbull Terrier that was surrendered to the animal shelter by her owner. With a beautiful blue coat, she was absolutely gorgeous, so no worries there. But she was a young, high-energy dog that grew up in a home without other pets. In her excitement, she didn’t know how to properly interact with other canines and it bordered on animal aggression. A dog-aggressive Pitbull always spells doom in an open intake “pound” where dogs need to be adopted or rescued quickly.
Although play time would be limited with other dogs, she certainly loved to play with people! I had to show that in her images. I first tried to soften her look by putting on a colorful bandana. It is also helpful in pet photography to get shots that show a happy panting tongue instead of a solid stare.
And thankfully, Chevy liked playing fetch. It wasn’t easy to capture a play photo that wasn't blurry, but eventually one image came along. I kept one hand on the camera and with the other kept tossing her the rope toy. The playful image was enough to get her noticed and after about a week she was rescued from the animal shelter. 
Blue nose female pit bull terrier dog named Chevy with yellow and red heart bandana outside in autumn. Pet adoption animal rescue photography for humane society shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption website.
Blue nose female pit bull terrier dog named Chevy with yellow and red heart bandana outside in autumn. Pet adoption animal rescue photography for humane society shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption website.
Blue nose female pit bull terrier dog named Chevy with yellow and red heart bandana outside in autumn. Pet adoption animal rescue photography for humane society shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption website.
Blue nose female pit bull terrier dog named Chevy with yellow and red heart bandana outside in autumn. Pet adoption animal rescue photography for humane society shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption website.
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  Hawk catching prey at Panola Mountain State Park, Georgia. November 3, 2014 ©www.williamwisephoto.com “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Who isn’t enraptured by raptors? With their first-rate flight, outstanding optics and on-target talons, they grab our attention and seize our fascination. The ability to swiftly and silently swoop down and snatch up prey unawares – like a thief in the night – is where this group of Birds of Prey receives their name. A raptor is defined as a carnivorous bird that has large, sharp talons used to seize prey. It comes from the Latin word rapio, meaning to snatch, grab, carry off or abduct. The speed at which these hawks, eagles, kites, owls and falcons can clutch an unsuspecting victim is what makes them so impressive.  Red-tailed Hawk talon characteristic of Raptors. Walton County, Georgia. August 2017 ©www.williamwisephoto.com This same word is also used in the 4th century Latin Vulgate translation of 1 Thessalonians 4:17. In this scripture, the Apostle Paul describes the Lord as “catching up” the saints from off the earth to meet with Him in the air. It is from here that we receive the doctrine of The Rapture.
As the age of man upon earth nears midnight, Jesus Christ Himself will snatch His people away from impeding Tribulation, as swiftly and unexpectedly as a raptor descending upon its prey. But we won’t be carried off for lunch like a fish in an Osprey’s claws, we’ll be carried away to supper… the Marriage Supper of the Lamb! Revelation 19 describes a heavenly wedding reception where we, the church, are clothed in beautiful, clean bridal garments to worship the Bridegroom for eternity. Seats on this Last Days flight called the Rapture are booking now. You can’t purchase this ticket online through Travelpediocity, but it is available for free through the blood and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Wherefore comfort one another with these words! 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  Fall red foliage of the Winged Sumac plant. Rhus copallinum also called shining sumac, dwarf sumac or flameleaf sumac. Botany plant nature photography in Walton County, Georgia 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  Large green and yellow Melanoplus Grasshopper in the grass. Considered an insect pest to agriculture. The Red-legged Grasshopper of this genus is the most common grasshoppers found in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. With an estimated 10 quintillion (10,000,000,000,000,000,000) species of insects on the planet, there are just too many to learn in too little time. I'll therefore just post them on iNaturalist and hope someone with more knowledge than me can help!  Large striped horsefly on a white wildflower in Georgia.  Large green and yellow Melanoplus Grasshopper in the grass. Considered an insect pest to agriculture. The Red-legged Grasshopper of this genus is the most common grasshoppers found in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.  Large green and yellow Melanoplus Grasshopper in the grass. Considered an insect pest to agriculture. The Red-legged Grasshopper of this genus is the most common grasshoppers found in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 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  Feathery white flowers of the Groundsel Tree, Baccharis halimifolia, also known as eastern baccharis, groundsel bush, sea myrtle, saltbush, consumption weed, cotton-seed tree. Native to eastern North America. Botany plant nature photography in Walton County, Georgia USA.  Green textured leaves of the Groundsel Tree, Baccharis halimifolia, also known as eastern baccharis, groundsel bush, sea myrtle, saltbush, consumption weed, cotton-seed tree. Native to eastern North America. Botany plant nature photography in Walton County, Georgia USA.  Feathery white flowers of the Groundsel Tree, Baccharis halimifolia, also known as eastern baccharis, groundsel bush, sea myrtle, saltbush, consumption weed, cotton-seed tree. Native to eastern North America. Botany plant nature photography in Walton County, Georgia 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  November started of well with a Lifer and Walton County first, a Purple Finch. November 4, 2020. 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  Migrating Cape May Warbler photographed October 12, 2020 in Clarke County, Georgia. ©www.williamwisephoto.com “We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace.” 1 Chronicles 29:15 Like a golden beam of sunshine that briefly pierces an autumn cloud cover, a Cape May Warbler made a brief but dazzling appearance in my backyard this month. Just as quickly as I was able to fire off three shots, she was off, not to be seen again. She didn’t stop to feed. She didn’t gather any nesting material. She didn’t have a bath or a drink. She was just passing through. Just as these migrating birds only briefly stop during their long travels to and from their breeding grounds, I am reminded of the Christian’s journey here in this world. Although we may be busy putting down roots and making ourselves comfortable, the Bible describes the Christian as a pilgrim, as a sojourner just passing through. We are not permanent residents of this world, but headed for another. Our destination is not a seasonal wintering ground in South America, but a permanent, eternal home in heaven. Like the warblers that quickly pass through our yards each spring and fall, the Christian is to have a mind of temporary residency as we pass through this life oriented towards eternity. Let us enjoy the wonders of this world, but also keep a mind on eternity! Colossians 3:1-3 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”  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  Methane gas under decomposed organic peat causes peat blowups, forming mud peat batteries where herbs and grasses grow. Peat batteries form hammocks of trees, or houses, shown on the horizon in this photograph. Neverwet, maidencane and other plants and wildflowers grow on peat islands. Indian name Okefenokee means trembling earth, because of these peat islands. Canoe paddling trail through the National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA. Abstract from a report made to Dr. George Little, State Geologist of Georgia, by C.A. Locke, Engineer in charge, Charleston Corps of Engineers. December 1875.
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  Okefenokee Swamp Hooded Pitcher Plants on Chesser Prairie. Sarracenia minor okefenokeensis is a carnivorous plant native to North America in Georgia, Florida and North Carolina. Green and red tubes with domed lids. Canoe paddling trail through the National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA.  Okefenokee Hooded Pitcher Plant Flower  Groups of tall Okefenokee Hooded Pitcher Plants on Chesser Prairie
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  Barred Owl perched on a cypress limb. Strix varia, also known as Hoot Owl, is a large raptor owl that can be heard and seen day and night in the Okefenokee Swamp. Birding wildlife photography in the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. 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  Reflection of a beautiful American White Water Lily flower in tanin blackwater of Chesser Prairie in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA. Nymphaea odorata, also known as fragrant waterlily, beaver root, fragrant white water lily, and sweet-scented water lily. Some of the wildflowers and plants photographed while paddling Chesser Prairie in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. 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  Okefenokee Swamp prairie ecosystem. Landscape panorama of Chesser Prairie. Blue sky and clouds over Neverwet Golden Club plants, cypress trees, Spanish Moss and water lily pads. Canoe paddling trail through the National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA. Excerpt from the 1875 Okefenokee Exploration by The Atlanta Constitution:
In 1875, The Atlanta Constitution published the dramatic headline: “We now announce to our readers, and the people of Georgia, that we are fitting up an expedition for a complete and thorough exploration of Okefinokee. The full details of the plan and expedition will be published soon – if they come out alive.” Over the next months, the paper released many exciting stories from the Okefenokee Swamp. |
 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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