Waltonpets Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog and cat rescues and adoptions.
Chip was picked up stray by an animal control officer. Although his owner was notified, he never came and claimed him. Chip was adopted into a new home on December 28, 2020!
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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 Although technically not part of an organized Christmas bird count, I nonetheless braved the chilly wind on Christmas afternoon to take a short walk around my parents' Del Webb neighborhood off Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia. Sunny, with a high near 37. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. 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 Another bright morning, perfect for a short birding walk. Walton County, 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
Tuesday, 4:53 PM - Leaving my office in Walton County, Georgia, a Red-tailed Hawk was feasting upon an Eastern Gray Squirrel by the roadside. I pulled my truck closer and watched it tear apart its gruesome feast. And like a Christmas gift to me, it flew up to the top of a nearby utility pole and finished its meal in the golden glow of the setting sun, allowing some beautiful photography and video.
Walton County, 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 A short birding walk in Walton County, Georgia on a chilly winter morning. There were sparrows galore: dozens of Chipping Sparrows, several Song Sparrows, a couple White-throated Sparrows, and one that struck me as a little different. I wasn't sure if I was looking at a juvenile Song Sparrow or, with fingers crossed, a Lincoln's Sparrow. But after posting to iNaturalist, the Lincoln's was confirmed and I added a new bird to my life list. Walton County, Georgia
Waltonpets Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog and cat rescues and adoptions.
"Coal" was picked up stray by an animal control officer on December 14, 2020. He was adopted on December 21, 2020!
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 “I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders.” Psalms 9:1, The Message The discipline of writing about and describing the wonders of creation is nothing new. The Bible tells us that in his four-thousand and five proverbs and songs (that’s a lot of blogging!), King Solomon “spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish.” While I’m no Solomon, I have been journaling and blogging for several years now. I confess that I don’t journal every day, and I’ve certainly gone through some dry spells. But even if there are gaps, it has proved to be an invaluable habit. While the whole process can seem introspective, and even self-centered, I see it as a form of worship. Green Anole lizard in brown color while basking on a rock on a cold day. Anolis carolinensis is a small arboreal lizard native to the southeastern United States and is sometimes called a chameleon because it can change from green to brown. Reptile photography December 13, 2020 near Lake Oconee in Greene County, Georgia, USA. How often did King David refer to the natural wonders around him as he wrote Psalms in praise to the God of heaven? “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained…” A view towards the mountains of Israel caused David’s heart to leap in praise, and his pen to write poems and songs of worship. “My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” Psalm 45 Even the simplest blog post and photograph can glorify the Creator. Pointing out the wonders of His creation exalts our God as the creator and sustainer of all things. Recognizing and delighting in the works of His hands, rather than in some other pursuit, is giving praise where praise is due. It is not a replacement for the lifting of hands in the congregation, but can certainly produce a fuller, more vibrant life of worship. Greene County, Georgia. While visiting my parents in Greensboro, Georgia to watch the UGA football game, it warmed up to a pleasant and sunny 65 degrees. I had to take a short walk during halftime. Green Anole lizard in brown color while basking on a rock on a cold day. Anolis carolinensis is a small arboreal lizard native to the southeastern United States and is sometimes called a chameleon because it can change from green to brown. Reptile photography December 13, 2020 near Lake Oconee in Greene County, Georgia, USA. 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 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.” 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 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 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.
“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. 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 “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. 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 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 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! 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 |
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