 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  American Alligator at the Maul Hammock Shelter; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. April 19, 2024. From the journals of naturalist Francis Harper, 1929: a conversation with Swamper Ezekiel Henderson… “I was fishing one time in Billies with my old uncle. I was doing the rowing and he was doing the fishing. The ’gators made such a racket I didn’t know what it was. And he told me it was the gators amuddying Big Bonnet Lake by Billy‘s lake. He told me to paddle easy and not hit the boat with the paddle, so we’d slip up on ’em and not disturb ’em and see ’em fishing. We got around a little clump of bushes in plain of Big Bonnet Lake, and they must have been somewhere between one and two thousand of the gators. Bonnet Lake was about four or five acres big. And them gators would rise and jump their length and go down. The bottom of Bonnet Lake is a soft mud. And it was easy to muddy. And they all muddy at the same time, and then stop at the same time and go to fishing just a few breaths. There was jumping and sloshing. They’d go down to the bottom and dig up the mud and scatter it with their tails. And then they’d go to fishing again. I remember one tremendous big alligator that rose up in the water with a trout in his mouth, about 12 or 14 pounds. Had him crossways in his mouth. And he just moved up to the bank and jammed against the bank until he got him headfirst in his mouth, and then swallowed him. That was the first time I was ever there when there was so many gators. And I’ve seen the gators so thick, it look like if you’d been out of the boat and if the gators had held your weight, you could walk all over the lake on gator heads.”
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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. -- "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  Common Ribbon Snake; Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, GA. April 19, 2024. ©williamwisephoto.com In April 2024, my daughter and I embarked on another 3-day paddling excursion across the Okefenokee Swamp from Kingfisher Landing to Stephen C Foster. While there are open views of the beautiful swamp prairies, many of the waterways constrict down to narrow channels walled by tangled vegetation. In such thick, muddled mess of vegetation, you can paddle miles without seeing anything but leaves and grasses. On one particular stretch, I just had "that feeling", and began to scan the twisted briars along the run. I have no idea how my daughter and I spotted this pencil-thin, juvenile Ribbon Snake in the tangled vegetation. But what a find! Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. April 19, 2024. Paddling from Kingfisher Landing to Maul Hammock overnight shelter. 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  Pig Frog (Lithobates grylio) on a Yellow Bonnet Lily pad near the Maul Hammock shelter; Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. April 19, 2024 ©williamwisephoto.com Pig Frogs are the big Lithobates of the Okefenokee Swamp. Although they may not be readily seen among the floating green lily pads of the blackwater swamp, they are definitely heard! Its name derives not from its looks, but from that deep, guttural call. Growing up to a beefy 5 inches long, I can imagine that these amphibians are a regular part of an alligator’s diet. But when not being preyed upon, the Pig Frog is an active predator itself, being an opportunistic feeder that will swallow anything from crawfish, dragonflies, insects, and small fish to other frogs! Lithobates grylio is found in the Southeastern United States, from South Carolina to Texas. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. April 19, 2024. Paddling from Kingfisher Landing to Maul Hammock overnight shelter.  Sunset at Maul Hammock overnight canoe kayak shelter in the Okefenokee Swamp. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, USA. April 2024 Just after 6 PM, my daughter and I reached the Maul Hammock overnight shelter in the Okefenokee Swamp. As we paddled up to the wood plank platform in the middle of a small lake cut into the green field of Spatterdock lily pads, a medium-sized alligator lay just to the left. It watched without moving as we unloaded all of our gear and set up camp for the night. Maul Hammock lies on the northern side of the Swamp. Because it is a 12 mile paddle from the eastern Kingfisher Landing entrance, and a two-day paddle from the western Stephen C Foster entrance, Maul Hammock is quite remote. A permit is also required to paddle past Big Water or Double Lakes, therefore no other paddlers are usually encountered when heading to Maul Hammock. After pitching our small tent and enjoying a “college student” meal of canned ravioli, my daughter and I were treated to a beautiful sunset.  All the comforts of home! Privy at the Maul Hammock shelter; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, 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
White-eyed Vireo, Vireo griseus, songbird singing, eastern United States. Birding photography at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. March 29, 2024.
Phinzy Swamp Nature Park in Augusta (Richmond County) Georgia, is probably the closest coastal/swamp-like habitat I can get to on a day trip. I like making a few trips per year to get my fix on alligators and wading birds that I can't photograph where I live in the Piedmont, and can't get away because of work. There are always plenty of photo opportunities in just a few short hours and a few short miles of walking at Phinizy Swamp!
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park; Richmond County, Georgia. March 29, 2024. 
White-eyed Vireo, Vireo griseus, songbird, eastern United States. Birding photography at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.
Pied-billed Grebe in the marsh water. Podilymbus podiceps is a small water bird found in North and South America. Birding photography at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.
Male Red Winged Black Bird sitting in Groundsel Tree bush in the marsh. Birding photography at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.
Close up of vertically elliptical pupil of American Alligator eye. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.
Close up of American Alligator laying in marsh grass. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.
Little Blue Heron in pond and pennywort at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.
Western Cattle Egret at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Georgia. Western Cattle Egret bird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.
Little Blue Heron perched on a fence at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.
Five baby juvenile American Alligator laying in marsh grass and pennywort. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond 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  Black and White Warbler, Mniotilta varia, song bird on fence post in the forest. Athens Clarke County, Georgia USA backyard birding photography. Enjoying an afternoon of backyard birding, I could hear a Black-and-White Warbler singing in the tangle of vines and downed wood. I brought out my small portable speaker to see if I could get it to make an appearance. Sure enough, the playback worked! He popped up for a few seconds to explore the little speaker, even fluffing up his feathers in agitation at the supposed intruder. I got my photos and then let it be. (Frequent use playback is not recommended, particularly in breeding season.) A very striking bird in the muted earth tones of my small patch of woods. Athens-Clarke County, Georgia USA  Black and White Warbler, Mniotilta varia, song bird on fence post in the forest. Athens Clarke County, Georgia USA backyard birding photography.  Black and White Warbler, Mniotilta varia, song bird on fence post in the forest. Athens Clarke County, Georgia USA backyard birding 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  Brown Headed Nuthatch bird, Sitta pusilla, on rotten fence post carry a seed in its beak. Athens Clarke County, Georgia USA backyard birding photography. Found in forests in Southeastern United States. Since it is typically a hobby that I fit in when I have spare time, my enjoyment of my backyard birds dropped off quite a bit the last year. When I looked at my eBird stats, I found that I skipped entire months in 2023. While I hate to schedule time for my hobbies, I decided to be a bit more intentional in 2024 and bird at least once a month in my backyard. Surely I can do that! On this particular Saturday afternoon, I relaxed in a chair near the back of my yard and watched at a pair of Brown-headed Nuthatches flickered back and forth, climbing up and down the tree trunks and limbs. Athens-Clarke County, Georgia USA  Brown Headed Nuthatch bird, Sitta pusilla, on Black Cherry tree limb. Athens Clarke County, Georgia USA backyard birding photography. Found in forests in Southeastern United States.  Brown Headed Nuthatch bird, Sitta pusilla, on rotten fence post carry a seed in its beak. Athens Clarke County, Georgia USA backyard birding photography. Found in forests in Southeastern United States. 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 Some random days for spring birding photography in Walton and Clarke Counties, Georgia.  Walton County, Georgia; March 18, 2024. Eastern Phoebe, Sayornis phoebe, bird perched on a tree branch. Spring birding photography, Walton County, Georgia, USA. Forest and woods resident of the Eastern United States of America. Common tyrant flycatcher bird found in the eastern United States of America.  Tufted Titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor, songbird perched on a branch singing in spring with pine tree pollen cones in background. Spring birding photography, Walton County, Georgia, USA. Forest and woods resident of the Eastern United States of America.  Tufted Titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor, songbird perched on a branch singing in spring with pine tree pollen cones in background. Spring birding photography, Walton County, Georgia, USA. Forest and woods resident of the Eastern United States of America.  Eastern Phoebe, Sayornis phoebe, bird perched on a tree branch. Spring birding photography, Walton County, Georgia, USA. Forest and woods resident of the Eastern United States of America. Common tyrant flycatcher bird found in the eastern United States of America.  Eastern Phoebe, Sayornis phoebe, bird perched on a tree branch. Spring birding photography, Walton County, Georgia, USA. Forest and woods resident of the Eastern United States of America. Common tyrant flycatcher bird found in the eastern United States of America.  Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus, songbird perched on a tree stump. Spring birding photography, Walton County, Georgia, USA. Forest and woods resident of the Eastern United States of America.  Mourning Dove, Zenaida macroura, perched on a branch. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. Friday, March 22, 2024 It's hard to believe she is grown up and engaged! What a privilege to do their engagement photography.   Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia, songbird singing at sunrise in the spring. Birding wildlife avian photography in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia USA. New world sparrow native to North America and Mexico. Backyard birding in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia. Wedding photography for a friend from church...   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.  "Fabio" was a senior Pitbull Terrier dog that was picked up stray by an animal control officer on June 2, 2023. He had a microchip, but his owner never came and claimed him. He was rescued from the animal shelter on June 22, 2023!   Two large American Alligator laying in dark blackwater in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Neverwet Golden Club and Yellow Bonnet Lily pads. April 16, 2023; Suwannee River Middle Fork canoe trail. Most of the big alligators concentrate on the larger, open lakes within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Some of the smaller ones may take up residence along the more shallow and constricted runs through the swamp. This pair of large alligators was lurking just off the main canoe trail along the Suwannee River Middle Fork, just a few hundreds yards up from Billy’s Lake. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Sunday, April 16, 2023. Other alligators along Billy's Lake: 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  Southern Blue Flag Iris flower and cypress stump in Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. Iris virginica is native to the United States and grows in wet areas such as marshes, swamps, river bottoms, ponds, and shallow water. I have to admit, my lure to the Great Okefenokee Swamp is the alligators and snakes. But for those seeking a less hostile beauty, this National Wildlife Refuge holds treasures for the botanist and flower hunter. At certain times of the year, the blue/purple Southern Blue Flag irises stand tall above the bright Yellow Bonnet Lilies. Vibrant multi-colored spikes of Golden Club protrude from the dark waters. Tiny bells of Lyonia hang gracefully along the canoe trails. And the quintessential American White Water Lilies shine brightly in the prairies and cypress houses. Not to mention the many other species of vegetation and flora. 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  Large American Alligator laying basking on a log along Minnie's Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. April 16, 2023. As we paddle near Minnie’s Lake in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the canoe run widens, the Cypress trees overhead part revealing blue sky, and the big gators are seen on various basking spots around the lake. I believe they’ll spend all afternoon and evening lounging in the springtime warmth. This one was quite comfortable, but began to tense up for a quick dive into the blackwater swamp if we came too close. But alas, we paddled on and let it enjoy the sun. Location: Suwannee Middle Fork (red canoe trail) near Minnie’s Lake N30.86050° W82.32346° |
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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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