Statue of Liberty at night. Liberty Island in New York. June 15, 2017

​1 Kings 5:17 And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.

"The general principles, on which the Fathers achieved independence, were the only principles in which that beautiful assembly of young gentlemen could Unite, and these principles only could be intended by them in their Address, or by me in my answer.  And what were these general principles?  I answer, the general principles of Christianity…Now I will avow, that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity, are as eternal and immutable, as the Existence and Attributes of God; and that those principles of Liberty, are as unalterable as human nature and our terrestrial, mundane system." ​John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, June 28th 1813  “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ!”  Patrick Henry

"When we view the blessings with which our country has been favored, those which we now enjoy, and the means which we possess of handing them down unimpaired to our latest posterity, our attention is irresistibly drawn to the source from whence they flow. Let us then, unite in offering our most grateful acknowledgments for these blessings to the Divine Author of All Good." James Monroe, 5th United States President

"While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian." George Washington

"Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support of families.  [Patriotism] is both a moral and religious duty…What did not Moses forsake and suffer for his countrymen! What shining examples of Patriotism do we behold in Joshua, Samuel, Maccabeus, and all the illustrious princes, captains, and prophets amongst the Jews!  St. Paul himself almost wishes himself accursed for his countrymen and kinsmen after the flesh.  Even our Savior Himself gives a sanction to this virtue.  He confined His miracles and gospel at first to His own country."  On Patriotism, October 20, 1773. Benjamin Rush. 

“Heaven has crowned all its other blessings, by giving [America] a fairer opportunity for political happiness, than any other Nation has ever been favored with.”  George Washington, ​Circular Address to the States, June 8th, 1783 

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message

Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus, carrion crow perched on rotten Sweetgum tree snag, blue sky background. Athens, Georgia, USA.

​Saturday, 7:58 AM - Just going for a typical early weekend morning walk around the block in my neighborhood. As I came out the front door and walked down a few houses, I could see the Red-shouldered Hawk on his usual perch at the corner of Hummingbird Way, so I went back in for my camera. ​He remained on his high perch, a Sweetgum snag, and ignored my presence as I stood in the middle of the road to fire a few shots. But as I took one knee to balance the camera on a power box, he took flight. So I took a few photos of a Black Vulture on a nearby snag.

​Partly sunny with high near 88°
Heat index values as high as 97°
40% chance of afternoon thunderstorms
Sunrise 6:26 AM, Sunset 8:48
​Day length: 14 hours 22 minutes
Moon 55% waxing Gibbous