 William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. Psalm 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,  The Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) is a very small perching bird found throughout North America. Recently returned to Monroe, Walton County, GA with the fall migrations. The kinglet is migratory, and its range extends from northwest Canada and Alaska south to Mexico.  Outdoor stray cat catching birds in Walton County, Georgia. Third eyelid is visible indicating illness such as feline immunodeficiency virus FIV or Feline leukemia virus FeLV. Feral or unowned cats are responsible for an estimated 69% of all cat-killed birds in the U.S. Wednesday - As I was out for a brief wildlife photography walk this morning, I found I was not the only one interested in capturing some little birdies! Sure, my goal is to capture them on camera, but her goal is to capture them in her mouth! A female feral cat was stalking the tiny Ruby-crowned Kinglets that had recently arrived in Georgia upon the winds of fall migration. Being a lover of all animals, my opinion on feral cats goes back and forth. They are here because of us. By no fault of their own, they now must scratch out a living almost like any other wildlife species. So should we be trapping and euthanizing them just because they are “non-native”? Don’t they have a right to life too? On the other hand, many studies have shown the amount of damage that stray and owned free-roaming cats can have upon populations of birds and reptiles. I hate it when I see cats staked out to ambush birds at feeders. But isn’t that just nature; survival of the fittest? Or do we have an obligation to protect native wildlife from the threats of introduced species? And what about the life of a feral cat? It isn’t really an easy existence. This one in particular looks a bit ill. Her third eyelid is showing, which is sometimes an indicator of illnesses such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or Feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Are we really doing them a service with our trap-neuter-release programs? Like many other issues, there are so many sides to the feral cat issue. I suppose your conclusion will be decided by your feeling toward cats, your position on wildlife conservation… and many might not even care at all. I suppose there will never be a correct answer... but it's food for thought. Walton County, Georgia  Another feral cat photographed Monday, November 5, 2018. This one looks like a pregnant female.  Monday, November 5, 2018 at 9:22 AM. Spotted a Golden-crowned Kinglet on the flooded beaver wetlands this morning. Walton County, GA.  Monday, November 5, 2018 at 9:22 AM. Spotted a Golden-crowned Kinglet on the flooded beaver wetlands this morning. Walton County, GA.
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 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  Monday, October 29, 2018 at 9:18 AM. A gorgeous waning gibbous moon still hangs in the sky this monring. Walton County, GA. Monday, October 29, 2018 - a beautiful, bright and breezy day for birding walks! The sun has brief opportunities to warm my back between the gusts of cooler air. A Belted Kingfisher makes impressive swoops and dives on the current over the main pond. Before leaving for the day, I had the priviledge of watching a Downy Woodpecker clear out an old nest cavity in a low snag over the duckweed bog. I watched for about ten to fifteen minutes. The little Downy was too occupied to care about my presence. Sunny, with a high near 70.  Monday, October 29, 2018 at 9:26 AM. A Carolina Wren sings from the thickets. Walton County, GA.  Monday, October 29, 2018 at 4:16 PM. A pretty "cranberry dipped" male House Finch.  Monday, October 29, 2018 at 4:16 PM. The calls of a pair of Eastern Towhees travels through the afternoon air. Walton County, GA.  Monday, October 29, 2018 at 4:16 PM. The calls of a pair of Eastern Towhees travels through the afternoon air. Walton County, GA.  Monday, October 29, 2018 at 4:28 PM. A Downy Woodpecker re-excavates an old nest cavity. Walton County, GA.  Monday, October 29, 2018 at 4:28 PM. A Downy Woodpecker re-excavates an old nest cavity. Walton County, GA Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Today: Sunny, with a high near 71.  Tuesday, October 20, 2019 at 8:57 AM. Every day this week a pair of Belted Kingfishers fly back and forth amongst the ponds. Walton County, Georgia.  Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 9:15 AM - a bright Pine Warbler matches the fall colors of late October. Walton County, Georgia.  Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 9:15 AM - a bright Pine Warbler matches the fall colors of late October. Walton County, Georgia.  Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 9:24 AM - although quite abundant throughout the summer, this is the first American Goldfinch I've seen in several weeks. Walton County, Georgia.  Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 9:24 AM - although quite abundant throughout the summer, this is the first American Goldfinch I've seen in several weeks. Walton County, Georgia. Wednesday, October 31 - dozens and more of Yellow-rumped Warblers have returned. The thickets in front of the animal shelter are full of their flitting! Also being to see larger and larger flocks of Common Grackles coming together. House Finches, Song Sparrows and Chipping Sparrows galore too! Today: mostly sunny, with a high near 76.  Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 9:42 AM. Tufted Titmouse; Walton County, Georgia Thursday, November 1 - six Wood Ducks flushed off the water on the secluded northern end of the upper pond. They were in the air and gone before I could even think about raising my camera. Cloudy, with a high near 74.  Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 10:52 AM. Northern Cardinal. Walton County, Georgia. Friday, November 2 - It’s a warm but overcast and rainy morning. Trying for a bird walk between rain showers. But is soon as I go out, it starts to drizzle again. By lunch time the rain has moved on and the temp begins to drop. Today: Cloudy, with a high near 64. Showers likely before noon, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 5pm,  Friday, November 2, 2018 at 12:20 PM. Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Walton County, Georgia.  Friday, November 2, 2018 at 9:31 AM. The Downy Woodpecker I watched excavating a nest cavity on Monday this week was still the hole! Walton County, Georgia  William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, 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.  The blue-headed vireo (Vireo solitarius) is a Neotropical migrating song bird found in North and Central America. This was my first photo of a Blue-headed Vireo in Clarke County, GA. Saturday, 8:43 AM - one of my favorite fall migrants arrived in my backyard over the weekend. The White-throated Sparrow should stay on until spring. Clarke County, Georgia   William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made...  Timber Rattlesnake coiled up to strike camouflaged in forest leaves. The timber rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake or banded rattlesnake Crotalus horridus, is a species of venomous pit viper endemic to the eastern United States. Was crossing a road in Greensboro Georgia on October 27, 2018. Saturday, 1:37 PM - The “adder’s fork” is not only a potent ingredient in the witch’s brew, but a scary sight for most people any day of the year! Perhaps our over-the-top herpeto-phobia originated with that subtle whispering and fruity temptation dangled before our mother in Paradise. Or maybe it is just the thought of that stealthy, silent, venom-laced strike from the grass that makes the heart skip a beat. But for the reptile enthusiast, the hairs raise on the back of the neck in excitement rather than fear when encountering those elusive adders. I had the privilege of a "canebrake confrontation"... a beautiful (yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!), three-foot Timber Rattlesnake near Greensboro, Georgia USA. It was slowly crossing the road on a chilly afternoon. Much to my parent’s chagrin (for this robust rattler was near the entrance of their neighborhood), instead of repeatedly running him over, I helped him out of the road and snapped a few shots before coaxing him off safely into the woods. (There’s another lesson: always have your camera with you and ready!) Greene County, Georgia USA      William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. Matthew 5:36 Don't even swear, 'By my head!' for you can't turn one hair white or black.  Friday, 5:23 PM - Passing through Watkinsville on my way home from work, just across from the Jittery Joe’s coffee shop, I saw this Eastern Gray Squirrel. He was just hopping along like nothing special. But I immediately took note of his color. He was much more blonde looking than they typical Eastern Gray Squirrels. Therefore, being a possible leucistic squirrel, it was worth a photograph! Leucism is defined as a condition in which there is partial loss of pigmentation in an animal resulting in white, pale, or patchy coloration of the skin, hair, feathers, scales or cuticle, but not the eyes. It differs from albinism in which there is no dark pigment at all, the animal appears pure white, and even the eyes appear red. Leucisitic animals may have some dark pigments and the eyes are the normal color. I don't know if this little one was a true leucistic, but definitely appears more blonde than the typical Eastern Gray Squirrel. Comparing photographs, it is obvious that he is missing the black hairs on the tail and head. Oconee County, Georgia USA   Typically colored Eastern Gray Squirrel. Walton County, GA. October 5, 2018.  William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, 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.  Friday, 4:12 PM - I wasn’t expecting to see many birds at all on this cold and rainy day, much less a Life Bird! Up by the “duckweed bog” that has been flooded out by busy beavers, two sparrows called out from the tangle of brambles. Song Sparrow and Chipping Sparrow… so I thought. Instead of dismissing and deleting the files, I took a closer look when back at my computer. Turns out my “Chipping Sparrow” was actually a Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) recently returned to town with the fall migrations. Walton County, GA   William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, 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.  Common Yellowthroat. Monday, October 22, 2018 at 9:22 AM. Walton County, GA.  Tennessee Warbler. Monday, October 22, 2018 at 10:37 AM. Walton County, GA.  Palm Warbler. Monday, October 22, 2018 at 10:34 AM. Walton County, GA.  Yellow-rumped Warbler. Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 9:11 AM. Walton County, GA.  Tennessee Warbler. Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 12:29 PM. Walton County, GA  Yellow-rumped Warbler. Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 12:29 PM. Walton County, GA  William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. Psalsm 111:2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work.  Song Sparrow. Monday, October 22, 2018 at 4:43 PM. Walton County, GA.  House Wren. Monday, October 22, 2018 at 4:44 PM. Walton County, GA.  Indigo Bunting. Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 9:17 AM. Walton County, GA.  My first Cooper's Hawk photographed in Walton County, GA. Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 4:31 PM.  Chipping Sparrow. Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 9:34 AM. Walton County, GA.  The Ruby-crowned Kinglets made their fall migration appearance this week! Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 10:17 AM. Walton County, GA  Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 12:29 PM. Walton County, GA.  Much larger flocks of House Finches have been present this week. Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 10:20 AM. Walton County, GA.  House Wren. Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 10:20 AM.  Song Sparrow; Friday, October 26, 2018 at 4:09 PM. Walton County, GA.  William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. Isaiah 41:18 I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground.  River otter basking on a tree stump in a beaver wetlands habitat in Monroe, Walton County, GA. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. Oh the joys of getting off the beaten path for a photo adventure! While most of us would love to get away to exotic destinations, the reality is that unless we are independently wealthy, we are simply stuck in our jobs day after day. However, our photography need not stagnate. There are often hidden gems right in our own backyards; gems that are often overlooked because of the “sin of familiarity.” I’m privileged to work in a fairly rural town and two have three large retention ponds and a small patch of woods not far out my office back door. And even though it is all very familiar to me, I still take at least one walk per day to see what is there. And sometimes I find a surprise! A few years ago, beavers returned to the area and began damming up the small creeks between the retention ponds. Their diligent efforts have made quite a wetlands habitat out of the area. The result? River Otters! I have gone out morning after morning and had never seen them before. But this morning was like a Christmas morning surprise! Don’t get caught in the trap of keeping the camera packed away while you dream for a day off to have an adventure. Find what is close by, and even though you’ve walked there a hundred times before, go again. You never know what you might find! Walton County, Georgia     Need stock photos? Download from my gallery on www.dreamstime.com. Funds support waltonpets adoption photography. Tuesday, November 6, 2018 - I spotted one of the River Otters again swimming on a different beaver pond. It was munching on a Leopard Frog. It looks like it's left eye is damaged or has a cataract.       William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. Psalms 104:24 -- O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions;  An American Kestrel perched on a telephone wire over Barnett Shoals Rd; Athens, GA. Friday, 4:58 PM - it was a casual ride home from work but I nearly wrecked my truck pulling a fast u-turn on Barnett Shoals Road to capture a beautiful rust and blue Kestrel near the horse pasture on Barnett Shoals Road. I just wish the backdrop weren't a blown out overcast sky. But he got nervous and flew off as I tried to preposition my vehicle. Clarke County, GA  An American Kestrel taking off from a telephone wire over Barnett Shoals Rd; Athens, GA.  William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. Matthew 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  A Cape May Warbler bird perched on a branch during October fall migration in Monroe, Walton County, GA. The Cape May warbler (Setophaga tigrina) is a species of New World warbler. It breeds in northern North America. Tuesday, 8:46 AM - Sitting at 99 species for Walton County for the past few days had me wondering all weekend, what would be my 100th Walton bird? Will it be something exciting? Will it also be a life bird? Oh, the excitement of a birder! (lol) The arrival of autumn has brought cooler mornings and later sunrise. But it has also brought warblers! After finishing my morning duties, I took a quick walk to the upper retention pond. After nailing decent shots of a Northern Flicker and a Pileated Woodpecker, I was about to head back, but I had “that feeling.” Just a moment longer, I told myself. On a sudden, a small yellow bird appeared (until I learn them, that is my first general description for all warblers). Having no idea which warbler he was, I fired away and identified anyway. When the Merlin app kept spitting back “Cape May Warbler”, I was excited. An email to an expert confirmed my prize. So, something fairly rare became not only my 100th Walton species, but another life bird as well. Walton County, GA  Cape May Warbler; Walton County, GA  Cape May Warbler; Walton County, GA  William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. 1 Chronicles 16:33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the Lord, because he cometh to judge the earth.  Friday, October 12 - Fall has brought the return of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker to the small patch of woods behind my office. My first photograph of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Walton County, GA. Two appeared this morning near the upper retention pond reveling in the cooler air.  Friday, October 12 - A cute little Downy Woodpecker peers over a rotten snag in the woods behind the upper pond during my lunch break on Friday afternoon. Walton County, GA.  Friday, October 12 - a Red-Bellied Woodpecker flaking off the bark of a Loblolly limb during a lunchtime birding break. Walton County, GA.  Tuesday, October 16 - while the Pileated Woodpeckers are frequently heard echoing over the ponds, a decent photo is a privilege. Walton County, GA.  Tuesday, October 16 - fall migration has brought back the higher numbers of Northern Flickers. The "yells" of two or three at a time can now be heard in the woods on a short birding walk. Walton County, GA.  September 19, 2018 - three Red-headed Woodpeckers passed over head; Walton County, GA.  Wednesday, November 21, 2018 - I was finally able to spot the last of the Walton Woodpeckers. The Hairy Woodpecker's bill is obviously longer than the Downy'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 photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. Monday, 6:47 PM - two gorgeous "signs in the heavens" shown out brilliantly and simulaneously in the Athens sky just after a short thunderstorm.  First quarter moon at dusk in Athens, Georgia, USA  Bright rainbow over Athens, Georgia, USA A double arch supernumerary rainbow of ROYGBIV colors after a thunderstorm at dusk in Athens, Georgia USA. Genesis 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. Ecclesiastes 12:1-2 "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth... While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain"  William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. Acts 4:24 -- "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them," Monday, October 15 - Gray overcast morning. Slight breeze over the pond. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. A few showers just before sunset and a brilliant double rainbow completely arched the eastern sky.  Monday, October 15, 2018 9:30 AM - Large groups of twenty or more Canada Geese have been returning to the main retention pond each morning. Walton County, GA.  Monday, October 15, 2018 - a beautiful Red-shouldered Hawk sits perched upon a snag in the neighborhood green space across from my home. Clarke County, GA. Wednesday, October 17 Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.  Yellow-billed Cuckoo in the thickets just outside my office back door. Walton County, GA.  Fall migration has brought back the Tennessee Warblers to Walton County, GA.  House Wren - not a life bird for me, but a photo first for Walton County, GA.  Two members of the mimidae family sit side-by-side; Brown Thrasher and Northern Mockingbird. Walton County, GA.  A Pine Warbler appropriately trilling from a pine tree; Walton County, GA. Thursday, October 18, 2018 While on an evening walk (7:40 PM), I heard a Barred Owl call twice from in the woods next to my neighborhood. Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.  Another early appearance of the Yellow-rumped Warblers; Walton County, GA.  Another early appearance of the Yellow-rumped Warblers; Walton County, GA. Friday, October 19 A chilly 55 degrees at sunrise. Once again, a large gaggle of geese gathered on the main retention pond for about 30 minutes. Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 72.  The Canada Geese have been gathering each morning on the main shelter pond. Walton County, GA.  The Canada Geese have been gathering each morning on the main shelter pond. Walton County, GA.  The Canada Geese have been gathering each morning on the main shelter pond. Walton County, GA.  A Chipping Sparrow illuminated by the golden rays of sunrise. Walton County, GA.  After about 30 minutes of swimming and dabbling, the Canada Geese took flight and left the main pond. Walton County, GA.  Another Tennessee Warbler seen on a short birding walk before leaving the shelter for the day; Walton County, GA.  What a picture of fall! Reds and golds of the turning leaves create a fall backdrop for the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker woodpecker. Walton County, GA.  The typical five or six Chipping Sparrows in my backyard (Clarke County, GA) has now grown to over fifteen visitors at a time.  The call of the Northern Flicker, not a typical sound throughout the summer, now rings from several spots across the meadow and surrounding woods. At least three individuals are frequenting my backyard area. Clarke County, GA.  William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. Genesis 1:24-25 - And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. Saturday, October 13 - I thought all the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds had migrated on, but one stopped briefly at the feeder this evening.  Sunday after church - it is still warm enough for our patio Anoles to be scurrying about. But I suppose soon they'll be retreating for the winter. Need stock photos? Download from my gallery on www.dreamstime.com. Funds support waltonpets adoption photography.  Sunday, October 14 - fall migrations are underway and yet another Yellow-rumped Warbler visited my backyard this weekend.  Friday, October 12, 6:28 PM - a brief showing of a Black-and white Warbler during evening backyard birding.  Friday, October 12, 2018, 6:33 PM - the first Yellow-rumped Warbler of the fall season. Clarke County, GA.  Sunday, October 14, 7:41 AM - I caught a Virgiia Opossum eating the leftovers from under the birds' table at my backyard feeders. He agilely climbed a sweetgum tree, startled at my presence.  Sunday monring - several groups of Jays flew over and through my backyard, one stopping for a drink at the bird bath.  A Sunday morning spotting of an Eastern Meadowlark high in a backyard pine tree. My first Clarke County photo. |
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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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