 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  Hooded Warbler bird, Setophaga citrina, perched in the forest at Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia USA. Birding photography. Taking advantage of a day off work for Memorial Day, a few friends from church accompanied my wife and I for a day hike at Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia. Being later in the morning, the bird activity wasn't too high, but I could hear several warblers in the woods as we descended the hundreds of stairs into the gorge. I managed only one good shot of a Hooded Warbler. Catching eye-level images of Turkey Vultures soaring within gorge from the rim is always an interesting perspective. I also got a Lifer: a Broad-winged Hawk!  Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura, soaring with wings spread. Birding photography and bird listing at Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia USA.  Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura, soaring with wings spread. Birding photography and bird listing at Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia USA.  Broad-winged Hawk.
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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  Small spiny Eastern Fence Swift Lizard, Sceloporus undulatus, on a rock. Reptile wildlife photography while herping on a hike in Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia, USA. Just a short walk on the nature trails through my parent's Del Webb neighborhood in Greensboro, 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
Large American Alligator profile portrait showing teeth. Herping and wildlife photography walk at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
A spur-of-the-moment decision to go hike Phinizy Swamp Nature Center in Richmond County, Georgia.
Two young Black-bellied Whistling Ducks at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia. Calidris minutilla is a small shorebird peep that forage in wetlands throughout North America.
Red male Northern Cardinal songbird perched in the reeds. Birding eBird listing and wildlife photography walk at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
Adult female Pied Billed Grebe bird feeding chicks a crayfish in the wetland cell at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia. Podilymbus podiceps is also known as Podilymbus podiceps and is a small water bird found in freshwater wetlands, lakes and ponds throughout North America.
Female Red-winged Blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus, perched in the grass and reeds. Birding eBird listing and wildlife photography walk at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
Green Carolina Anole Lizard at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia. Reptile herping photography.
Little Blue Heron, Egretta caerulea, standing on a fence at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia. Resident breeder of coastal states and migrates to southeastern United States. Birding and wildlife photography.
Two young Black-bellied Whistling Ducks at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia. Dendrocygna autumnalis is found in the southeastern United States in freshwater ponds, lakes, and marshes and wetland habitats.
Profile portrait of a juvenile Black-bellied Whistling Tree Duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis. Birding photography at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
Profile portrait of a juvenile Black-bellied Whistling Tree Duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis. Birding photography at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
Profile portrait of a juvenile Black-bellied Whistling Tree Duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis. Birding photography at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia.
Pair of juvenile Black-bellied Whistling Tree Ducks at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia birding and wildlife photography
Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly, Papilio polyxenes, at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia birding and wildlife photography.
Snowy Egret, Egretta thula, a white heron, fishing in the pond. Birding and wildlife photography at Phinizy Swamp Nature Center, Richmond County, Augusta, Georgia USA.
Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis, at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia birding and wildlife photography.
Red male adult Northern Cardinal perched on a wooden rail at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia. Birding and wildlife photography
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
Plain Bellied Watersnake coiled in Walton County, Georgia USA. Nerodia erythrogaster is a non venomous snake found in wetland habitats in the southeast United States. Herping reptile photography in Georgia.
Plain-bellied Watersnake removed out of a garage on an animal control call in Walton County, Georgia. It was approximately 2.5 to 3 feet long and surprisingly calm during a photo session before release nearby.
Plain Bellied Watersnake coiled in Walton County, Georgia USA. Nerodia erythrogaster is a non venomous snake found in wetland habitats in the southeast United States. Herping reptile photography in Georgia.
Plain Bellied Watersnake coiled in Walton County, Georgia USA. Nerodia erythrogaster is a non venomous snake found in wetland habitats in the southeast United States. Herping reptile photography in Georgia.
Plain Bellied Watersnake coiled and flicking its forked tongue. Nerodia erythrogaster is a non venomous snake found in wetland habitats in the southeast United States. Herping reptile photography in Walton County, Georgia USA
Plain Bellied Watersnake held up to show orange belly. Nerodia erythrogaster is a non venomous snake found in wetland habitats in the southeast United States. Herping reptile photography in Walton County, Georgia USA
Plain Bellied Watersnake coiled on a log. Nerodia erythrogaster is a non venomous snake found in wetland habitats in the southeast United States. Herping reptile photography in Walton County, Georgia USA
Plain Bellied Watersnake coiled on a log. Nerodia erythrogaster is a non venomous snake found in wetland habitats in the southeast United States. Herping reptile 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  Male Red-winged Blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus, calling in the reeds at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve, McHenry County, Illinois USA birding photography. Whenever I make a trip back to Illinois to visit family, I have to make a visit to the Exner Marsh Nature Preserve. This nice little refuge is just down the street from my brother's house in Huntley, IL. I wasn't expecting too much on this cool, overcast morning, but ended up coming away with 8 new Illinois birds and a Lifer: a Yellow-throated Vireo!  Female Red-winged Blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus, calling in the reeds at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve, McHenry County, Illinois  Large adult Canada Goose, Branta canadensis, in the reeds at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve, McHenry County, Illinois USA  Canada Goose, Branta canadensis, sitting on her nest in the reeds at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve, McHenry County, Illinois  Swamp Sparrow, Melospiza georgiana, at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve, McHenry County, Illinois USA birding photography. Wetlands habitat wildlife refuge.  Three baby Canada Geese, Branta canadensis in the reeds at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve, McHenry County, Illinois USA  Common Yellowthroat at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve, Illinois USA  Canada Geese, Branta canadensis at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve, McHenry County, Illinois USA  Canada Geese, Branta canadensis in foggy swamp at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve, McHenry County, Illinois USA  Song Sparrow bird at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve, Illinois 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 In May I drove from my home state of Georgia to Illinois, and then to Missouri. Of course, I couldn't resist a bit of birding in the hotel parking lots. White House, Tennessee - May 4, 2022St. Louis, Missiouri - May 7, 2022
Animal Shelter Furtography is my collection of pet photography from the humane society animal shelter to find new homes dogs and cats needing rescue or adoption. The photographs are posted on several national pet adoption websites.
"Cupcake" was a sweet female Belgian Shepherd Malinois mix dog that was picked up stray by an animal control officer on April 11, 2022. She was a well-behaved girl that would sit and lay down on command, making her pet adoption photography session much easier.
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
Eastern Black Racer Snake, Coluber constrictor, being held in a hand flicking tongue. A nonvenomous snake found in the United States. Herping reptile photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. March 30, 2022.
Picked up out of a house on an animal control call today. Homeowner tried to stomp it but it got away under some furniture. About 3' long; end of tail missing. Walton County, Georgia.
Sunny with a high near 80; low 60. 
Eastern Black Racer Snake, Coluber constrictor, being held in a hand flicking tongue. A nonvenomous snake found in the United States. Herping reptile photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. March 30, 2022.
Eastern Black Racer Snake, Coluber constrictor, coiled in the grass flicking tongue. A nonvenomous snake found in the United States. Herping reptile photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. March 30, 2022.
Eastern Black Racer Snake, Coluber constrictor, coiled in the grass flicking tongue. A nonvenomous snake found in the United States. Herping reptile photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. March 30, 2022.
Eastern Black Racer Snake, Coluber constrictor, coiled in the grass flicking tongue. A nonvenomous snake found in the United States. Herping reptile photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. March 30, 2022.
Animal Shelter Furtography is my collection of pet photography from the humane society animal shelter to find new homes dogs and cats needing rescue or adoption. The photographs are posted on several national pet adoption websites.
Black and tan female German Shepherd police K9 dog outside on leash. Humane Society animal shelter pet rescue dog adoption photography.
"Luna" was a German Shepherd surrendered to the animal control shelter by her owner on March 24, 2022. We did a dog adoption photography session together on March 30, 2022 and she was rescued the next day!
Black and tan female German Shepherd police K9 dog outside on leash. Humane Society animal shelter pet rescue dog adoption photography.
Black and tan female German Shepherd police K9 dog outside on leash. Humane Society animal shelter pet rescue dog adoption photography.
 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. -- "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 last leg of our three-day Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge paddling adventure was back down the Suwannee Canal (orange trail) from the canal run junction to the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area where our vehicle was parked. CANAL RUN JUNCTION TO MILE 8SUWANNEE CANAL MILE 8 TO 7 SUWANNEE CANAL, MILE 7 TO 6SUWANNEE CANAL, MILE 6 TO 5SUWANNEE CANAL, MILE 5 TO 4 American Alligator peering from swamp grass in the Okefenokee Swamp. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Reptile herping photography March 12, 2022 along the Suwannee Canal canoe trail between mile markers 4 and 5. SUWANNEE CANAL, MILE 4 TO 3 American Alligator submerged peering from swamp water in the Okefenokee Swamp. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Reptile herping photography March 12, 2022 along the Suwannee Canal canoe trail between mile markers 3 and 4. SUWANNEE CANAL, MILE 3 TO ZERO Cedar Hammock canoe kayak trail directional sign in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 12, 2022 paddling canoe along the Suwannee Canal.  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. -- "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  Canoe trail directional sign pointing to the Canal Run Shelter for overnight camping by permit. Along the Suwannee Canal orange trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. March 12, 2022. Paddling and camping the Okefenokee Swamp is truly a wilderness experience. Everything you will need must be brought with you... and it all must fit it in the confines of a canoe and without capsizing it! Gear must be kept to a minimum. Of course, we have the essentials - oars and lifejackets are a must, and I never neglect my small Rx pouch of bandaids, allergy medicine, ibuprofen and a bee sting pen (which my daughter actually needed on our last paddle). Yes, there are toilets at the overnight platforms, and sometimes there is toilet paper, but I strongly recommend bringing some extra TP along with you! All of our snacks and meals must be able to be kept at air temperature, as there is no refrigerator on the canoe! An assortment of protein bars, trail mix, crackers and squirtable "cheese", peanut butter, bananas and a few other items fill our food bag. We bring a small propane stove to prepare our freeze-dried eggs and coffee for breakfast, and heat our camping meal each evening. Never forget trash bags to bring out all your refuse.  Three days of gear and food narrowed down to fit into one large waterproof box and a few small bags. On Floyd's Island, March 12, 2022. Clothing is kept to a minimum (but nobody else is out there to catch our odor anyway!). Although I bring a toothbrush and deodorant, I gladly leave behind my razor. Needless to say, one can look like a true "Swamp Thing" when emerging from the Okefenokee after a few days.
The camping platforms are spacious, but you may have difficulty fitting several large tents on them. We bring a smaller 7' by 7' tent and our sleeping bags and tiny camping pillows. The only "unnecessary" comforts brought along are the canoe chairs and the thin camping pads to be used under our sleeping bags. Since photography is one of the primary purposes of my Okefenokee adventures, I have to keep room for that equipment. But that breakdown is an entirely separate blog. Even with the limited gear, the canoe can sit pretty low in the water. 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. -- "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  Spanish Moss blowing in the wind in a tall Cypress Tree in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Photographed along the Suwannee Canal canoe trail near Chase Prairie. Our final day came all too quickly. Thankfully the storms passed in the pre-dawn hours and the clouds dissipated as the sun rose. A cold front had passed through and the temperatures dropped and the wind increased as we paddled. The first leg of the journey back to civilization was along the short Blue Trail, just over two miles, that heads south from Floyd's Island until it meets with the Suwannee Canal (orange trail) that heads back to the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area where our vehicle was parked. After struggling out of the narrower trail just south of Floyd's Island, the blue trail comes into the open along the edge of Chase Prairie. The sun reflected across this beautiful prairie illuminating the bouquets of Golden Club and White Water Lily. I had to stop a few times to catch photos of the beautiful Southern Blue Flag Iris blooms. The alligators were also out enjoying the warmth of the rising sun, which hadn't shined for the last few days.  American Alligator peering from swamp grass and Golden Club on Chase Prairie in the Okefenokee Swamp. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Reptile herping photography March 12, 2022 along the Suwannee Canal canoe trail near Chase Prairie between Floyd`s Island and the Canal Run Shelter Junction.  Purple Southern Blue Flag Iris flower, Iris virginica, blooming on Chase Prairie. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 12, 2022 between Floyd`s Island and the Canal Run Shelter canoe trail junction.  Bouquet of flowers of Golden Club Neverwet plant reflection in blackwater swamp. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 12, 2022 paddling canoe along the Suwannee Canal. 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. -- "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 second day of our three-day overnight canoe paddle through the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge started with occasional rain and drizzle on Chase Prairie. We left Round Top shelter paddling towards Floyd's Island along the purple trail.  Canoe kayak trail directional marker sign for Suwannee Canal and the Round Top Shelter. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA.  American Alligator on Chase Prairie surrounded by Golden Club plants. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. March 11, 2022.  White Ibis, Eudocimus albus, on Chase Prairie surrounded by Golden Club plants. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. March 11, 2022.  White Ibis, Eudocimus albus, on Chase Prairie surrounded by Golden Club plants. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. March 11, 2022.  Snowy Egret, Egretta thula, on Chase Prairie surrounded by Golden Club and Pipewort plants. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. March 11, 2022.  Snowy Egret, Egretta thula, on Chase Prairie surrounded by Golden Club and Pipewort plants. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. March 11, 2022. 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. -- "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  Canoe kayak trail directional marker sign for Floyd`s Island and Bluff Lake. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. March 11, 2022. After a rainy paddle across Chase Prairie on day two of our Okefenokee excursion, we crossed the intersection toward Bluff Lake and headed toward Floyd's Island, where we would be spending our second night. After leaving the prairie, the channel closed in around us with a wall of shrubs and thickets on the left and right, and overhead stood a moderately tall forest of cypress, pine and bay. The waterway became so shallow, our oars often hit the peat in the blackwater, while the bottom of the canoe scraped over debris and fallen vegetation. The Green Trail was certainly green. Fresh spring growth on the trees and shrubs was made an even glossier green by the light rain. The thick floating carpets of sphagnum moss had a vibrant, viridescent glow. Emerald White Water Lily pads and Water Shield floated by on either side of our canoe. Here was a lush, green, living swampland! 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. -- "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  Floyd's Island Cabin; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 11-12, 2022 Just past 2 PM on the second day of our Okefenokee Swamp paddling adventure, we arrived at the bank of Floyd's Island. After setting up camp on the patio (it was bit too musty to sleep inside), we walked the island hoping to find some reptiles. But, alas, it was a bit too cool and rainy. However, we did find many other natural details of interest to post to iNaturalist.   Red-bellied Woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus, on a dead branch. Birding photography on Floyd`s Island in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. March 12, 2022.  Historic Daniel Hebard Hunting Cabin Floyd`s Island in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. March 11, 2022. Build in the early 1900s it is on the list of National Register of Historic Places. |
 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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