 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  A Wild Turkey hen seen foraging along Highway 177 between Fargo, Georgia and the Stephen C Foster State Park in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife photography on January 21, 2021. No matter how many trips I make to the Okefenokee, my excitement always builds exponentially as I near the refuge border. It is a twenty mile drive from Fargo, Georgia on the western edge of the Okefenokee until you reach the dead-end within the Stephen C Foster State Park campground. This long stretch of Highway 177 can seem quite boring if all you notice are the telephone-pole-straight pines that seem to go on endlessly to your right, left, forward and behind. The tendency can be to “gun it” and get to the swamp more quickly. But if you slow down and take your time, you just might find some critters along this drive (and not splat them into roadkill as well). White-tailed Deer and Wild Turkey often emerge from the dense Saw Palmetto to forage on the roadside grasses. In January 2021, I spotted an American Black Bear crossing the road far ahead, but alas, no photograph. From spring to fall, Highway 177 is a great stretch for “herping”, as the snakes like to crawl out onto the warm pavement in the evenings and overnight.  A White tailed Deer doe seen foraging along Highway 177 between Fargo, Georgia and the Stephen C Foster State Park in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife photography on January 21, 2021.  A Wild Turkey hen seen foraging along Highway 177 between Fargo, Georgia and the Stephen C Foster State Park in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife photography on January 21, 2021.
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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  The Suwanne River Sill Recreation Area of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. The lower half of the canal is paralleled by a long driveway with parking and boat launches. Thursday, January 21, 2021 , 4:00 PM - Upon paddling the upper half of The Sill, I made it back to the boat launch parking lot with a little more daylight left. I decided to walk the long driveway that parallels the lower half.  Rattlebox legume plant have large seed pods. Invasive plant species introduced to the United States from India and are toxic to cattle and domestic livestock. Genus Crotalaria. I’ve been trying to broaden my perception beyond crawling and flying things and tune into the world of stationary productions. Since nearly everything appeared brown and drab on this overcast afternoon, the colors of leaves and mushrooms more easily caught my eye. I’m very weak on vegetable identifications and knowledge, so why not try got get some lessons from iNaturalist! As I walked, I heard the calls of a couple Barred Owls echoing in the forest opposite the canal. I found a few other birds in there, and in the canal as well. 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  Long Brown Water Snake, Nerodia taxispilota, coiled on a Cypress Tree branch in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. A large non-venomous snake with keeled scales. The Suwannee River Sill Recreation Area canoe and kayak trail. January 21, 2021. From naturalist Francis Harper’s journal during his first visit to the Okefenokee Swamp in May 1912:
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 An excerpt from E.A. McIlhenny's 1935 work, The Alligator's Life History:  Black and white monochrome photography of a large American Alligator swimming in the blackwater of the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia USA. Large epidermal scutes line the back. January 21 2021. "The deep booming roar of a twelve foot male alligator is a sound that once heard will never be forgotten. It is not unlike the first boom note of the ostrich, or the deep, slow-throat roar of the lion before he begins the quick short-cough roars; but exceeds in volume both of these sounds. It has much more volume and is deeper in tone than the bellow of the largest of our domestic bulls. I know of no sound, natural or artificial, that causes such a tremendous vibration of the atmosphere as the full-throated roar of a full-grown alligator. Often when near these reptiles as they bellowed, I have felt a very distinct vibration of my diaphragm caused by the trembling of the air by the broken waves of sound thrown out by these great creatures." Page 71 E.A. McIlhenny (1872 – 1949), of the McIlhenny Tabasco Sauce company, was a hunter, explorer and naturalist that established the Avery Island wildlife refuge on his family estate in Louisiana and wrote The Alligator's Life History in 1935. While some of his statements are criticized by modern science, he was one of the most knowledgeable alligator experts in the country at the time. His work contains valuable information and entertaining anecdotes. 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  An Eastern Phoebe tyrant flycatcher bird perched on a rustic canoe kayak trail sign post to Cravens Hammock in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. January 21, 2021. Because it is one of the least scenic areas of the Okefenokee, I don’t typically make trips up “The Sill” when I bring along a companion. The Sill is a long, straight, man-made canal on the western side of the refuge. Its deep channel and ease of access makes it ideal for fishing, but there isn’t much in the way of swamp scenery. But I was solo this trip, and not out to impress anyone with the beauty of the swamp. Also, being cool and cloudy, I knew that if any alligators were to be found out basking in the Okefenokee, they’d be on the high, cut, dry banks of The Sill. So after an early morning 5-hour drive, my canoe hit the waters around 11 AM.  Large black Turkey Vulture soaring in the blue skies over the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. The Suwannee River Sill Recreation Area. Cathartes aura is also called a Turkey Buzzard. It wasn’t as easy without my daughter, the usual canoe captain that steered the trolling motor while I sat up front with my camera. With just me in the back, the bow of the canoe stuck pretty high in the air, and the occasional strong wind gusts frequently spun me off course. But it was near perfect flight conditions for the soaring Turkey Vultures. Even though the cloud cover persisted most of the afternoon, a ray of sunshine occasionally warmed the air and prompted some of the alligators to hit the banks for a bask. They were quite inactive because of the cool temperature, and mostly watched as I paddled by.  Large American Alligator basking on the shore of the Suwannee River Sill Recreation area in Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia USA. January 21 2021.  Large American Alligator basking on the shore of the Suwannee River Sill Recreation area in Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia USA. January 21 2021.  Cravens Hammock canoe kayak trail directional sign in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Georgia. Cravens Hammock has an overnight camping platform along the brown trail.  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  Brown Water Snake, Nerodia taxispilota, coiled on a Cypress Tree branch in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. A large non-venomous snake with keeled scales. The Suwannee River Sill Recreation Area canoe and kayak trail. January 21, 2021. A fascinating description of the snake-laden, dark forests of the Okefenokee Swamp from Cecil Hulse Matchat's 1938 novel, Strange Green Land:
Cecile Matschat’s works published in 1930's are full of colorful stories of the Swampers that lived in the Okefenokee, exciting folklore encounters with bear, boar and cannibal alligators, as well as scientific descriptions of the flora and fauna of the great swamp. They are a worthwhile purchase if you come across used copies of these collectible out-of-print treasures of Okefenokee literature. 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  Large American Alligator basking on the shore of the Suwannee River Sill Recreation area in Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia USA. January 21 2021. With the last hour of daylight, a few alligators were still visible on The Sill.  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  Pine Siskin; Walton County, Georgia. Since the great Pine Siskin Irruption began in late 2020 I had been watching and waiting... and waiting... and waiting... and waiting... A few began to trickle into my birding patach in early January. But today, the spigot opened up wide! I was about to head indoors out of the chilly breeze, for I hadn't spotted to much on this windy January morning. As I stood warming my back in the rising sun, I heard a commotion and saw a big group of birds fly in before my eyes. It was a mixed group of Pine siskins, Eastern Bluebirds, and Chipping Sparrows. About 40 chattering Pine Siskins flew into the tops of a few bare Sweetgum and Water Oaks and began foraging, ripping seeds from the Sweetgum balls. The group of about 30 Chipping Sparrows took to lower branches and sat quietly in the warm sun. The 8 Eastern Bluebirds mingled with the raucous Siskins, but weren't sure what all the commotion was about. After a few minutes the Pink Siskins flew off together, but were replaced by another group of about 30 a short time later. Three Pine Warblers and a few other species mingled in as well.  Waltonpets Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog and cat rescues and adoptions.  Cute four month old male silver tabby and white kitten laying next to cat scratching post. Cat rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support adoption website. Colby was a 5-month-old kitten picked up in a local park by an animal control officer on January 12, 2021. No owner came to claim him and he was rescued by Altered Feral State Rescue!
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  Female Eastern Towhee bird on a cold winter day in Georgia USA. Birding photography January 2020. Pipilo erythrophthalmus is a sparrow bird native to North America. On a Georgia winter morning, this female Eastern Towhee let me approach closely. Friday, January 15, 2021. Walton County, Georgia.  
Waltonpets Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog and cat rescues and adoptions.
Large white and brindle American Bulldog Pitbull Terrier mix dog sitting down outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter pound. Stock sales support adoption website.
"Ollie" was a handsome boy that was picked up stray by an animal control officer on January 7, 2021. Someone had tied a collar and wire so tight around his neck he was almost choking.
I got to spend a week with Ollie in the shelter. Despite being a "yard dog", he had great manners and would even hold it in his kennel. He'd bark longingly each morning when he heard me arrive, waiting to go for a walk. He was a very calm and affectionate fellow.
Since Ollie tested heartworm positive (another problem with chaining your dogs outdoors 24/7), it was getting difficult to find him an adoptive home. But thanks to pledges from Becky, Lorraine, Nancy, Barbara, Alice, and Cindy totalling $630 for his heartworm treatement, he was rescued on January 14, 2021 by Atlanta Lab Rescue! 
Large white and brindle American Bulldog Pitbull Terrier mix dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter pound. Stock sales support adoption website.
Large white and brindle American Bulldog Pitbull Terrier mix dog sitting down outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter pound. Stock sales support adoption website.
Large white and brindle American Bulldog Pitbull Terrier mix dog laying down outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter pound. Stock sales support adoption website.
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 Song Sparrow songbird perched on briers in Walton County, Georgia USA. Birding photography January 2020. Melospiza melodia is a common sparrow native to North America. Autumn fall brown earth tones color background. On a few of my morning walks in my birding patch in Walton County, Georgia, I've managed to photograph several species of sparrows. Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Walton County, Georgia.  Song Sparrow songbird; Walton County, Georgia birding photography. Friday, January 8, 2021.  White-throated Sparrow; Walton County, Geogia. January 12, 2021.  Lincoln's Sparrow; Walton County, Geogia. January 11, 2021.  Field Sparrow; Walton County, Geogia. January 12, 2021.  Swamp Sparrow; Walton County, Geogia. January 4, 2021.  House Sparrow; Walton County, Geogia. January 12, 2021.  Chipping Sparrow; Walton County, Geogia. January 8, 2021. 
Waltonpets Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog and cat rescues and adoptions.
Dutch Shepherd and Terrier mix breed dog with said eyes. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter pound. Stock sales support adoption website.
"Ranger" was turned in to the animal control shelter stray on January 7, 2021. He was a very happy mix breed that was already neutered. No owner came looking for him and he was adopted into a new home on January 11, 2021. His adopter had another dog they had adopted from the shelter 5 years ago that looked so similar to "Ranger" they could be siblings.
Brindle Dutch Shepherd Terrier Whippet mix dog with big ears outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter pound. Stock sales support adoption website.
Brindle Dutch Shepherd Terrier Whippet mix dog with big ears outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter pound. Stock sales support adoption website.
Brindle Dutch Shepherd Terrier Whippet mix dog with big ears outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter pound. Stock sales support adoption website.
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  A Blue Jay checks out the offering I laid out upon the stone in my Clarke County, Georgia backyard. Saturday, January 9, 2021. I try to reserve an hour or two for some backyard birding on the weekends at my home in Clarke County, Georgia. Often it is simply sitting on the back patio with a cup of coffee to enjoy the regular visitors. Occasionally an infrequent visitor pops in. 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  Curious Northern Mockingbird. Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Walton County, Georgia USA. Some random birding walks in my Walton County, Georgia birding patch.  Red male Northern Cardinal bird perched in Sweetgum Tree on cold winter day in Georgia USA. Birding photography January 2020. |
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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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