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  Normally along the coast, this Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) was a bit off course when spotted in Walton County, Georgia. June 11, 2020. James 1:16-18 The Message “So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course.” As the fall migrations progress, there are often birds that go off course and show up in odd areas where they are not normally observed. Even though they may be a common bird elsewhere, birders often delight in seeing these vagrants and will travel miles and miles to add them to their checklists. These birds may have drifted off course from storms or strong weather patterns, or by following the wrong flock (“abmigration”). Earlier this summer I was delighted when I found a Least Tern flapping in graceful circles over the retention pond behind my office in Walton County, Georgia… about 260 miles from the coast! What a delight to have the first and only eBird sighting for my county! Yes, I could have simply driven four hours east and seen as many Least Terns as I wanted. But this drifter was a delight to be seen so far off course. In our Christian walk, we too can become spiritual “vagrants”. We might neglect Bible reading or prayer, or prolonged absence from in-person church attendance might leave us a tad off course. But when a Christian strays, there is no joy… except with Satan! He’s just waiting to add another drifting Christian to his list. Hebrews 3:12-14 The Message So watch your step, friends. Make sure there’s no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. But thank God we have a Divine Navigator that can direct our feet and put us back on course. His Word casts a beam of light and makes it simple to find the correct course. The Holy Spirit’s guidance is a gift that keeps us from becoming a checkmark on the devil’s eBird list! John 12:46 I have come as a Light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer wander in the darkness.
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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  Juvenile Eastern Black Ratsnake picked up in Walton County, Georgia. A frantic caller to animal control was sure she had a Cottonmouth in her finished basement. As is usual, it was not venomous, but the typical Eastern Ratsnakes we pick up all the time Walton County, Georgia. This juvenile measured a long, slender 26 inches, and was about as big around as my finger. It had a fairly mild temperament and was cooperative enough for a photo session. Walton County, Georgia  Juvenile Eastern Black Ratsnake picked up in Walton County, Georgia.  Dorsal and ventral views of an Eastern Ratsnake.  Juvenile Eastern Black Ratsnake picked up in Walton County, Georgia.  Juvenile Eastern Black Ratsnake picked up in Walton County, Georgia.  Juvenile Eastern Black Ratsnake picked up in 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  Juvenile Little Blue Heron in white plumage standing in the rain. Walton County, Georgia. It’s breezy and chilly… its overcast and drizzling. Do I really want to go for a walk? What’s there going to be to see anyway? But sure enough, that’s when you find something! As I walked up to the upper retention pond, through the yellowing autumn leaves I saw a patch of bright white feathers huddled on a limb over the water. Just the Great Egret, I thought to myself. But as I rounded the corner and looked closer, it was definitely smaller. And as it turned its head I saw that two-toned bill. The greenish legs were the final clue that I was looking at a juvenile Little Blue Heron! While the Little Blue isn’t a rarity, this is only my second sighting in my birding patch in Walton County, Georgia. So still an unexpected find on my morning walk… especially for a cloudy, rainy, colder day! Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.  Juvenile Little Blue Heron in white plumage standing in the rain. Walton County, Georgia.  Juvenile Little Blue Heron in white plumage standing in the rain. 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  Scary close up portrait of an Evening Bat, Nycticeius humeralis, showing sharp canine teeth like vampire fangs. Evening Bats are forest dwelling, not a cave bat. May be nuisance wildlife living in wooden buildings and attics. Rabies is a concern with bats. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia. The month of Halloween is just a few days away, so this was a fitting find. It was captured in a house on an animal control call. I had some fun with my 40mm macro lens and trying to get him to "smile"! There was no bite or exposure so it was released after photographing.  Close up portrait of an Evening Bat, Nycticeius humeralis, clinging to a tree. Evening Bats are forest dwelling, not a cave bat. May be nuisance wildlife living in wooden buildings and attics. Rabies is a concern with bats. Photographed in 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 I was excited to be contacted by Jesse Hildebrand and asked to join the Backyard Bio Project on iNaturalist. The project is "run by Exploring By The Seat of Your Pants encouraging the public, and especially classrooms to get out in nature observing and documenting the amazing wildlife near them!" I was happy to be a part of getting kids outdoors and educated so I wanted to participate as much as I could.  Eastern Gray Squirrel skull held in palm of a hand. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia. Sciurus carolinensis is a tree squirrel native to eastern North America. Tuesday, September 22 - Why explore the same place twice? You never know what you may find. On the very same path I walked twice already this week I found small skull. And with fall migration beginning, you just might spot a unique bird passing through on its long flight to South America. There are many treasures out there waiting to be found! Walton County, Georgia.  Beautiful Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, Agraulis vanillae, with black, orange and white wings. Common in Florida and Georgia, United States. Photographed in summer in Walton County, Georgia.  Beautiful Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, Agraulis vanillae, with black, orange and white wings. Common in Florida and Georgia, United States. Photographed in summer in Walton County, Georgia. Wednesday, September 23 - just a few photos from a short walk today. A Great Egret fishing on the pond appeared to have an injured leg. Its right leg hung limp each time it took off a flew to a different spot. The foot appeared to drag the water as it landed. I spotted it again the following day and the injury was the same. I'm not sure if this is the same Egret that has visited throughout the month and became injured, or if a different individual newly visiting. On Thursday the 24th there was a second Egret along with the injured one. I was also finally able to get my first photo of a White-breasted Nuthatch in Walton County. I've spotted this little bird many, many times in other locations, but it had evaded my Walton list for years now. Not any more! Another exciting find was my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak for Walton as well. September 24, 2020 - Walton County, Georgia For the last few days of September I made another push to put up a few more observations.  Waltonpets Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog and cat rescues and adoptions.  Male Siberian Husky dog with one blue eye outside in pine tree forest on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. ©www.williamwisephoto. Please don't steal the images. Download and use legally at Dreamstime.com. Stock sales support the animal adoption website. In the late 1800’s, men rushed to the Yukon for gold. And what would carry them there were dogs - sled dogs; courageous and gorgeous Huskies and Malamutes. In Call of the Wild, Jack London wrote, “...men, groping in the Arctic darkness, had found a yellow metal, and because steamship and transportation companies were booming the find, thousands of men were rushing into the Northland. These men wanted dogs, and the dogs they wanted were heavy dogs, with strong muscles by which to toil, and furry coats to protect them from the frost.” And to this day, people still love these gorgeous animals, which is why they are so popular when then come into the shelter.  Male Siberian Husky dog with one blue eye outside in pine tree forest on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. ©www.williamwisephoto. Please don't steal the images. Download and use legally at Dreamstime.com. Stock sales support the animal adoption website. “Odin” was a beautiful Husky that I recently had the privilege to photograph. He was picked up stray by an animal control officer on September 9, 2020. Even though he was underweight, he still had that attractive sled dog appeal. Odin’s owner was notified, but never came to claim him. During his twelve day stay in the shelter, Odin received over a dozen adoption applications. And on September 21, he went home with one lucky adopter. I love to photograph the Huskies and Malamutes that come into the animal shelter. Perhaps it is that wild look of their wolf ancestry that makes them appear so strong, independant and majestic. Tall, proud, alert, confident… these traits always come through in the photograph. They make a photographer's job quite easy! Odin was no exception.  Male Siberian Husky dog with one blue eye outside in pine tree forest on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. ©www.williamwisephoto. Please don't steal the images. Download and use legally at Dreamstime.com. Stock sales support the animal adoption website.  Male Siberian Husky dog with one blue eye outside in pine tree forest on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. ©www.williamwisephoto. Please don't steal the images. Download and use legally at Dreamstime.com. Stock sales support the animal adoption website. 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  A large Great Blue Heron wading bird flying with wings flapping over a Walton County, Georgia pond. The great blue heron, Ardea herodias, is a large wading bird found fishing in ponds, lakes and wetlands over most of North America. June 8, 2020 He who appoints the sun to shine by day, 
Rescue Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dogs and cats photography for adoption at the animal control shelter.
Young male red nose American Pitbull Terrier with cropped ears and bandana outside. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption website.
"Petey" was a cute Pitbull dog with cropped ears that was surrendered to the animal shelter by his owner on September 18, 2020. In an amazing turn-around, he was rescued within hours of sending out a rescue aler. He was picked up by Royal Animal Refuge and didn't even need to spend one night in the shelter! He was sponsored by generous pledges to the rescue from Anne, Becky and Jason. Thanks all!
Young male red nose American Pitbull Terrier with cropped ears and bandana outside. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption website.
Young male red nose American Pitbull Terrier with cropped ears and bandana outside. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption website.
Young male red nose American Pitbull Terrier with cropped ears and bandana outside. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet 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 I was excited to be contacted by Jesse Hildebrand and asked to join the Backyard Bio Project on iNaturalist. The project is "run by Exploring By The Seat of Your Pants encouraging the public, and especially classrooms to get out in nature observing and documenting the amazing wildlife near them!" I was happy to be a part of getting kids outdoors and educated so I wanted to participate as much as I could.  Beautiful Viceroy Butterfly, Limenitis archippus, with black, orange and white wings. Found in United States, Canada and Mexico. Photographed in summer in Walton County, Georgia. September 18, 2020. Friday, 9:30 AM - I didn't have a whole lot of time, but in between duties I snuck a quick walk to the retention ponds and small patch of woods behind the animal shelter where I work. A couple of Indigo Buntings were flitting about in a tangle of bushes and a beautiful Viceroy graced a roadside ditch in the parking lot.  Beautiful Viceroy Butterfly, Limenitis archippus, with black, orange and white wings. Found in United States, Canada and Mexico. Photographed in summer in Walton County, Georgia. September 18, 2020. 
Rescue Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dogs and cats photography for adoption at the animal control shelter.
Large Rottweiler dog lying down outside in the grass. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support animal adoption website.
"Rio" was a handsome Rottweiler mix that was surrendered to the animal shelter by his owner on September 14, 2020. He was a little shy at first, but once he got used to us, he became a real sweetheart. His happy video got him some quick attention and he was rescued by MLR Georgia Rescue on September 17, 2020. Anne, Becky, Jason, Nancy, Heidi and Lorraine all made donations to the rescue for saving him!
Black and Tan Male Rottweiler dog with collar, curious head tilt. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support animal adoption website.
Rottweiler mix breed dog with long tail, green collar and leash standing outside. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support animal adoption website.
Rottweiler dog portrait with negative copy space on right.
Handsome Rottweiler dog with sad brown eyes looking up at camera
Rottweiler dog outside on leash sitting down and panting tongue. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support animal adoption website.
 Rescue Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dogs and cats for adoption at the animal control shelter.  Light blue brindle silver female Lab Weimaraner mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support animal adoption website. “Fawn” was an adorably happy and playful girl that came into the animal shelter on September 8, 2020. I’ve heard talk of the new “Silver Lab” designer breed, but not sure if Fawn was one or not. She had some features of a Lab, and perhaps of a bulldog or mastiff. She had a beautiful blue nose and gray coat with a light tan brindle pattern. Truly a unique girl. She was impounded during a week of many dogs coming into the shelter. Although she was posted on lost/found websites and multiple adoption websites and social media outlets, no owner came to claim her. She was rescued by Barkville Dog Rescue on September 15, 2020. She was sponsored by donations to the rescue from Anne, Becky, Jason, Nancy and Lorraine.  Light blue brindle silver female Lab Weimaraner mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support animal adoption website.  Light blue brindle silver female Lab Weimaraner mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support animal adoption website.  Rescue Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dogs and cats for adoption at the animal control shelter.  Happy female black pitbull dog with erect ears and panting tongue outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. ©www.williamwisephoto.com. Stock sales support animal adoption website. I know Pitbulls have gotten a bad reputation in the media, but sweet “Allie” didn’t fit the stereotype at all (as is usually the case with most prejudices). The girl was always calm, quiet and submissive in her kennel. And in the outdoor pens she turned into a real love bug, crawling up into your lap and snuggling your chest! She was picked up stray by an animal control officer on September 8, 2020. I was afraid that being a week of insanely high impounds, this sweet little girl wouldn’t make it because she was a black pitbull; probably the most overlooked breed and color. So she got her Furtography Session the day after she was impounded. Although she had a spay tattoo, she didn’t have a tag or microchip to find her owner, and no owner came to look for her. Thankfully, there was a run on rescue pick-ups following the week of high intake. But was Allie going to get left behind? No! On September 15, 2020, Barkville Dog Rescue came back to the shelter and picked her up. After pulling three other dogs, they couldn’t leave her behind. Allie’s freedom was sponsored by donations to the rescue from Anne, Becky, Jason, nancy, Cynthia, Maria and Lorraine.  Happy female black pitbull dog with erect ears and panting tongue outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. ©www.williamwisephoto.com. Stock sales support animal 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 I was flattered to be contacted directly and asked to join the Backyard Bio Project on iNaturalist. The project is "run by Exploring By The Seat of Your Pants encouraging the public, and especially classrooms to get out in nature observing and documenting the amazing wildlife near them!" I was excited to be a part of getting kids outdoors and educated so I wanted to participate as much as I could.  Dead White-tailed Deer skull laying in pine needles in a dark forest. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia. Odocoileus virginianus are often killed by coyote or hit by vehicles. I managed to sneak in a short morning walk by the ponds behind the animal shelter in Walton County, Georgia. As I entered the small patch of woods, I saw a very thin White-tailed Deer doe in the shadows of the tall trees. And not far from her was the remnants of another deer. Sometimes we are reminded how tough life can be in the wild. We should appreciate our safe homes and constant supply of food.  Dead White-tailed Deer skull laying in pine needles in a dark forest. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia. Odocoileus virginianus are often killed by coyote or hit by vehicles.  Waltonpets Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog photography and cat photography at the Walton County Animal Control Shelter in Monroe, Georgia.  Unneutered male senior tan Bulldog and Mastiff dog mix breed outdoors on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. ©www.williamwisephoto.com. Stock sales support animal adoption website. I’m not always happy to go into the animal shelter and see all the new abandoned pets each day. But it does brighten me up when the dogs are happy to see me! “Boss” was one of those happy dogs. "Boss" was an older male Lab and Bulldog mix breed that was found running the neighborhood a police officer and brought to the animal shelter on September 7, 2020. His personality truly matched his happy appearance. He was always happy to see me come in to the kennel each day and get his morning walk. Not only did he love the staff, but seemed to enjoy other dogs as well. No owner came to look for him, but happily he was saved by Barkville Dog Rescue on September 14, 2020! He was sponsored by donations to the rescue from Nancy, Anne, Jason and Becky. Happy ending for a happy boy!  Unneutered male senior tan Bulldog and Mastiff dog mix breed outdoors on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. ©www.williamwisephoto.com. Stock sales support animal 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 I was flattered to be contacted directly and asked to join the Backyard Bio Project on iNaturalist. The project is "run by Exploring By The Seat of Your Pants encouraging the public, and especially classrooms to get out in nature observing and documenting the amazing wildlife near them!" I was excited to be a part of getting kids outdoors and educated so I wanted to participate as much as I could.  Eastern Gray Squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, with bushy tail hopping on fire wood in the forest in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia USA. Backyard wildlife photography. A busy life often leaves us little time to get away for exploring or camping. But even with a little time, we can still enjoy the little things like our own backyards. My backyard persimmon tree is dropping lots of fruit this year. I need to set out my trail camera as the freshly fallen fruit attracts raccoons, oppossums, deer and foxes.  Persimmon Tree Fruit hanging on a tree Georgia in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia USA. Edible fruit often made into jelly. Very attractive to foraging wildlife like raccoon, fox, opossum and deer.  Persimmon Tree Fruit Georgia in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia USA. Edible fruit often made into jelly. Very attractive to foraging wildlife like raccoon, fox, opossum and deer. |
 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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