  Wednesday, 10:26 AM – Into the kitty studio! It is raining outside, and most of the shelter dogs are caught up on photos anyway, so “Bailey” got behind the bright lights for her Hollywood debut! Okay, perhaps that is a bit dramatic. But she is a gorgeous cat and deserving of a home. “Bailey” was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control Shelter in Monroe, Georgia on February 28, 2018 and put on the shelter’s website www.waltonpets.net for adoption or rescue. She was rescued on March 7, 2018 by Altered Feral State!  
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  Tuesday, 2:10 PM. Recently, the manager of a local mobile home park began setting traps and brought cat after cat into the Walton County Animal Control shelter in Monroe, GA. Some of the cats were quite friendly and got homes fairly quickly. Others, like “Oliver”, being outdoor tom cats needed a little more time to come around. I had set up the nice blue photo backdrop in the shelter. But still being a little unused to the indoors, “Oliver” played a bit of hide-and-seek in the sink during his photo session! The backdrop and lights weren’t even used! Hey, you gotta work with what you’ve got!     “Oliver” was trapped by a citizen brought in to the Walton County Animal Control shelter on February 21, 2018. His photo session was February 27, 2018 and he was displayed for adoption or rescue on the shelter’s website, www.waltonpets.net. He was rescued on March 2, 2018 by Pound Puppies N Kittens Rescue. His rescue was made possible with a pledged donation to the rescue from Catherine and Jim!  William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work." Psalms 111  Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia, perched in tree with budding leaves in spring. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia USA on February 27, 2018. Song sparrows are common songbirds throughout the United States. Males sing often, perching around eye level on exposed branches. Tuesday, 1:49 PM - Just a short stroll up by the pond behind the animal shelter. I used my iPhone to play a Song Sparrow call. And sure enough, a Song Sparrow popped up out of the tall grass! Over in the pond, the American Coot that showed up at the beginning of the month is still here fishing. Walton County, Georgia  A black American Coot, Fulica americana, on the shore of a blue water lake in Georgia in late winter, early spring. Coots are duck like waterfowl common on lakes and ponds throughout the United States. They are closer relatives of the crane or rail than ducks. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia on February 27, 2018.  Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia, perched in tree with budding leaves in spring. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia USA on February 27, 2018. Song sparrows are common songbirds throughout the United States. Males sing often, perching around eye level on exposed branches.   Monday, 1:24 PM - What a good boy! So handsome and so loving too! And sat for the camera! “Ollie” was turned in stray to the Walton County Animal Control shelter in Monroe, Georgia on February 22, 2018. This good looking boy had a red collar, but no tag or microchip to find his owner. (Oh, the heartaches that could be saved by a small, cheap piece of engraved metal attached to a collar!). Maybe I was stretching things, but to me there looked to be some Pointer somewhere back in his blood line. I love the pointers, Weimaraners, Vizslas, etc. So perhaps that was the source of my affinity for Ollie. But more likely it was his easy going attitude with people and other dogs. He just put off that happy presence that made you want to smile. The way his entire butt got in on the tail wagging was probably another factor! Having sat through the weekend without any owner coming forward, it was Ollie’s turn for an outdoor photography session. Boy did he make it easy. Just a few short minutes turned out several usable shots. It is so much easier with cooperative subjects! Ollie was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter on February 26, 2018 and put on the adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. He was adopted the very next day! Thanks Kayla for opening your heart and home!        Psalms 68:6 "God makes homes for those who are abandoned; He makes free those who are bound with chains."  Little “Bella” was surrendered to the Walton County Animal Control shelter on February 23, 2018 by an older couple who could no longer care for her because of their health. She was a cute and quiet girl, kind of in “shell shock” after leaving her home that she’d been used to her entire life. Unfortunately, she tested heartworm positive, so some glamour shots and email alerts for pledges would be a needed thing. Having never been away from her owner’s home, and never been on leash before, the photo session was a little “traumatic” for the sweet little girl. But she got settled and was still able to put on a happy face. "Bella" was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter in Monroe, Georgia on February 26, 2018 and placed on the shelter's website, www.waltonpets.net for adoption or rescue. She was rescued on March 2, 2018 by Paws and Stars rescue and sponsored by donations to the rescue from Anne, Lane, Jane and Lee!     William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation.  American Robin fluffed up post-preening. Photographed February 26, 2018 at Cedar Shoals High School, Athens, Georgia, waiting for my daughter to finish soccer practice. The hardships freezing winter temperatures drives down the output of many nature and wildlife photographers. While the prospect of capturing a beautiful, snow-laden winter landscape may be motivating, the cold toes and hands often keep us indoors. But thankfully seasons change and the signs of spring are beginning to arrive. Genesis 1:14 "…and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years..."  American Robin, Walton County, Georgia. While the quoted verse is spoken in regards to astronomy, it is also quite fitting ornithologically. Sure, the warmer temperatures, the longer daylight hours, the glowing gold Daffodils and the white bursting forth of the Bradford Pears should be signal enough that spring is springing, but the increasing number of worm-hunting Robins is a confirmation. All signal that the time of springtime photography approaches! The American Robin is the stereotypical bird of spring. Although the Robins do not completely disappear for the winter here in the southeastern United States, there is a definite upsurge in the spring. On a few recent mornings I've come outside the animal shelter for dog photography and the lawn is covered in Robins; twenty, thirty, forty, fifty at a time; heads cocked downwards as they hop around.  American Robin hopping across the lawn of the animal shelter, February 22, 2018. Walton County, Georgia. It is hard to not become stereotypical when describing the Robin, but that is what they are: stereotypical! There is a reason every narrative describes "Robin Redbreast" in the same manner – the early bird, the sign of spring, the cheery vocalist – because that is what she is! It is hard to not become stereotypical when describing the Robin, but that is what they are: stereotypical! There is a reason every narrative describes "Robin Redbreast" in the same manner – the early bird, the sign of spring, the cheery vocalist – because that is what she is! So instead of trying to write a new narrative, I simply quote the experts: “The quintessential early bird, American Robins are common sights on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery song, and early appearance at the end of winter.” www.allaboutbirds.org  American Robin fluffed up post-preening. Photographed February 26, 2018 at Cedar Shoals High School, Athens, Georgia  Tuesday, 5:07 PM – Now this is a dog we rarely see come through the animal shelter. But several times per week on my drive home from work I see these two cuties enjoying their owner’s front porch in Watkinsville, Georgia. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog sounds and looks like a designer dog. I searched several breeders' websites and the prices weren’t listed... that means they are expensive! My hope is that they are so popular, even their photos will make some stock photo sales and contribute toward buying a new shelter camera!    Psalms 68:6 "God makes homes for those who are abandoned; He makes free those who are bound with chains."  Tuesday, 9:30 AM - Well, I have never seen one like this come through the shelter before! Breed? Possibly a mix of any of these breeds: Bouvier des Flandres, Old English Sheepdog, Caucasian Shepherd dog, Newfoundland, Russian Terrier, Russian Newfoundland, Moscow Water Dog, Moscow Diver, Moscow Retriever, Moskovsky Vodolaz, Moscow Vodolaz, Moscow River Dog, Vodolaz, Tchiorny Terrier. Your guess is probably better than mine! “Bishop” was impounded by a Walton County Animal Control officer on February 9, 2018. He had reportedly been abandoned by his owner, but animal control tracked her down to a hotel. I guess she was down on her luck and unable to claim “Bishop” from the shelter before his hold expired and he was found a new home. Being such a unique dog, I had to get some shots of him before he left the shelter. He was photographed on February 20, 2018.       Psalms 68:6 "God makes homes for those who are abandoned; He makes free those who are bound with chains."  “Richie” was a short-legged mixed breed that was turned in to the Walton County Animal Control shelter by a citizen on February 19, 2018. His compact size and short legs made him quite adorable. Richie’s short-legged self was really a cute boy. But like some people who are camera shy or don’t photograph well, he too didn’t takewell to his photo session. Richie was a challenge to photograph since he wasn’t at all leash broken. After a loooong slooooow walk out of the shelter, all the while coaxing him along so he wouldn’t choke himself, Richie just sat in the grass and said “Enough!” But the good news, after his strolls too and from the shelter, he quickly realized that it was a much more pleasant process if he were to cooperate with the leash. He was walking at a near perfect heel on the way back in! Richie was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter on February 20, 2018 and placed on the shelter’s adoption website www.waltonpets.net. Richie was adopted on February 22, 2018.  Psalms 68:6 "God makes homes for those who are abandoned; He makes free those who are bound with chains."  Tuesday, 9:49 AM – “Chet” was a stray Beagle picked up by an animal control officer on February 16, 2018. Wandering Beagles isn’t to uncommon an occurrence in rural Walton County. Some may get distracted and fail to return to their owner’s while out hunting, or others may leave the yard when they smell something afar off! This stumpy, plump bellied boy was as cute and personable as all the Beagles that come through the shelter. Unfortunately, he tested heartworm positive. Although it wouldn’t make it impossible, it would be a bit more difficult to get him re-homed. Other than the baying which some may tend to do, Beagles are awesome house pets! They are just the right size for an apartment or small home. And they always have a great personality that fits in along with families and kids. “Chet” was a little reluctant to walk on leash inside the shelter, but was much more accustomed to the outdoors. He struck some great “rabbit dog” poses for me. After a few minutes, he decided he really needed a back rub. Since I hadn’t obliged, he simple rolled over on his back and twisted back and forth for several minutes. Ahhh, the simple pleasures in life! “Chet” was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter in Monroe, Georgia on February 20, 2018 and put on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. He was rescued on February 24, 2018 by Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue! His rescue was made possible with donations to the rescue from Alice, Blan, Anne and Elizabeth.        Psalms 68:6 "God makes homes for those who are abandoned; He makes free those who are bound with chains."  Mugging - to stare at someone in a menacing or threatening way. “That dude's mugging, I think he wants to fight.” - Urban Dictionary Tuesday, 10:28 AM – Dewey was muggin’! He was a cute and playful puppy that immediately turned on a tough guy look each time I’d lift my lens. He wouldn’t even look at the camera! But as soon as I put it down, all happy tail wagging! Dewey was turned in stray to the Walton County Animal Control shelter by a citizen on February 20, 2018. He was found on Highway 20… not a safe place for a little guy to be roaming! Because I was on a roll and my other duties were caught up, he got a photo session on his very first day in the shelter. “Dewey” was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter in Monroe, Georgia on February 20, 2018 and placed on the shelter’s adoption website, www.waltonpets.net, to find him a new home. Dewey was rescued on February 23 by Leica's Saving Paws Rescue! His rescue was sponsored by generous donations to the rescue from Lane, Anne & Hilary!       Psalms 68:6 "God makes homes for those who are abandoned; He makes free those who are bound with chains."  Tuesday, 10:43 AM – “Lula” was a gentle and calm German Shepherd that was turned in to the Walton County Animal Control shelter by a citizen on February 19, 2018. She was microchipped to someone in another city, but the phone number on file wasn’t current. This older girl was heartworm positive and had a few minor health issues, but probably only needed some flea treatment and better nutrition. She may not have been the best bred German Shepherd, but really, what does it matter? Even without papers she’d be a wonderful companion! She was a sweet girl and deserving of a new home if her owner was not located. “Lula” was photographed for Walton County Animal Control in Monroe, Georgia on February 20, 2018 and placed on the shelter’s adoption website www.waltonpets.net. She was rescued on February 24 by Atlanta Canine Adoption Project!       William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. Psalm 78:27 He rained down birds as thick as dust, clouds of them like sands along the shore! Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count was the first online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time. Now, more than 160,000 people of all ages and walks of life worldwide join the four-day count each February to create an annual snapshot of the distribution and abundance of birds. For at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, February 16-19, 2018, simply tally the numbers and kinds of birds you see. Scientists use information from the Great Backyard Bird Count, along with observations from other citizen-science projects, such as the Christmas Bird Count, Project FeederWatch, and eBird, to get the “big picture” about what is happening to bird populations. http://gbbc.birdcount.org/about/ DAY 1 - Friday, February 16, 2018Patchy morning fog, 30% chance of showers, high 74° This was my first time participating in the GBBC. Wandering the grounds, parking lots and buildings around the animal shelter on breaks throughout the day, I was able to list twenty one species on day 1! https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42837801  "Drink-your-tea!" - - Eastern Towhee songbird singing on brotographed on four days of birding in Clarke and Walton County during the February 2018 Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society. Species checklists are entered on ebird during the event.  Song Sparrow in budding Bradford Pear Tree - - I was pleasantly surprised by this shot. Especially since I was just birding and not trying for good shots. I just lifted the camera and shot yet another typical Song Sparrow and moved on. But when I got back to edit, this one really stood out. The dark warm browns and the buds on the Bradford Pear really looked great. I even love the sharp detail of the spider webs if you look closely. And the rusty leaf stands out like a red arrow pointing to the subject. Just goes to show: point and shoot. You never know what turns out!  Red male Northern Cardinal songbird in briars. Photographed on four days of birding in Clarke and Walton County during the February 2018 Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society. Species checklists are entered on ebird during the event.  Eastern Phoebe Flycatcher bird on branch, Georgia, USA  Hybrid mixed mallard drake and hen domestic ducks. Photographed on four days of birding in Clarke and Walton County during the February 2018 Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society. Species checklists are entered on ebird during the event.  Eastern Towhee songbird singing on branch, Georgia, USA  Northern Mockingbird bird on branch, Georgia, USA  Carolina Wren bird on branch singing, Georgia, USA  Carolina Wren songbird. Photographed on four days of birding in Clarke and Walton County during the February 2018 Great Backyard Bird Count DAY 2 - Saturday, February 17, 2018  Sandhill Crane - quite a thrill (yes, I guess I'm now a bird nerd!) to see 9 cranes flying in V-formation over my house! Overcast, high 65° I spent the entire morning from 8:45 to 11:15 AM on my back patio. Within the first hour or so, I had marked down all the usual birds in my backyard and go up to 19 species. But I like round numbers, so I stayed out just a little longer. I had to be at the church at noon, so at 11:15 I was going to wrap it up when I heard a strange croak overhead. Then a group of giant birds flying in V-formation cruised right over my house heading west north-west. Not geese. Too big to be Cormorants. I suspected Sandhill Cranes although I didn’t know they migrated in a V-formation. I’d seen them in Illinois and I’d seen them in Florida. This was my first experience finding one in Georgia… especially right above my very own backyard! I made a second e-bird list while on outreach with my church in the College Circle subdivision. I also spotted a few other species while on a 10 mile run later in the day. Twenty five species for the day! https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42877982 https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42883285 https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42891476  Red male Northern Cardinal songbird in briars. Photographed on four days of birding in Clarke and Walton County during the February 2018 Great Backyard Bird Count  Female Northern Cardinal  Male Northren Cardinal  Whoops, that's not a bird! -- The eastern chipmunk Tamias striatus is a chipmunk species found in eastern North America. Photographed in Athens, Georgia. DAY 3 - Sunday, February 18, 2018  "Going Dutch" - a White-breasted Nuthatch and a Downy Woodpecker share a suet meal at my backyard feeder. Increasing clouds, high 66° Instead of staying confined to the prayer room before the Sunday morning service, I paced on the sidewalk out front to pray… and to tally another ebird list! Finally spotted a Red-shouldered Hawk mixed in with dozens and dozens of circling vultures. In the afternoon, a long nap interrupted my plan to go birding at Sandy Creek Park. I didn’t expect to see anything different from yesterday sitting on my back porch, but almost immediately found a White-breasted Nuthatch eating suet along with a Downy Woodpecker! I started a new list and took a walk around the block. While on the backside of Hummingbird Trail, I heard the distinct call of a Barred Owl from the woods. https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42920460 https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42923446 https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42943276 DAY 4 – Monday, February 19, 2018  A Red-shouldered Hawk hunts for rodents over the open field of the Walton County Sherrif's Department firing range. No poaching this hawk! Morning drizzle and fog, mostly cloudy, high 71° I wasn’t expecting to get too much birding in today. I planned to go in to work for two hours, mainly to get the payroll done, and then had to leave for errands in Atlanta with my wife. Before leaving work, I took a quick walk around the ponds and grounds. I was able to add two Killdeer to the tally, bringing my total tally to 39 species. Again, I like round numbers, and wanted one more. Where was the Great Blue Heron or the Kingfisher that regularly visit the pond? But on my way home, I got my desire and spotted an American Kestrel on a telephone wire on Barnett Shoals Road in Oconee County. Forty birds in four days! https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42973803 https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42975830  An Eastern Phoebe huddles up on the drizzle and rain.  My four-day species count:
 Psalms 68:6 "God makes homes for those who are abandoned; He makes free those who are bound with chains."  Thursday, 2:48 PM - “Buzz” was a big ol’ bulldog turned in to Walton County Animal Control by a citizen on February 13, 2018. A woman said he had showed up at her house that morning lookin’ for lovin’. “Buzz” got dubbed “The Butterball Bulldog” by the cross-posters, and for obvious reasons. He was a loving fellow with a great personality. But still, it is always a little more difficult to get the bully breeds into new homes and rescues. I tethered “Buzz” to a utility pole on a right-of-way next to the animal shelter. I had to be careful about the background to not have the pole and wires in the picture. After a few minutes of pacing, he realized he wasn’t going anywhere and plopped his big booty down for some great shots and close ups. Buzz was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter in Monroe, Georgia on February 15, 2018. He was rescued on February 23 by Pound Puppies N Kittens Rescue and was sponsored with pledges from Anne, Alice, Lane, Cindy & Kay!       Psalms 68:6 "God makes homes for those who are abandoned; He makes free those who are bound with chains."  Thursday, 2:24 PM - “Cleo” was a gorgeous Rottie girl that was picked up by an animal control officer on February 12, 2018. The people that had her said she was found three days earlier but had no luck locating her owner. Cleo could definitely use a little weight on her bones, but was very tall for a Rottweiler. I was pleasantly surprised with her photo session. Her true beauty really showed through! Within just hours of posting her improved photos, Cleo got 3 adoption applications and 1 rescue inquiry. That's the way it is supposed to work!!! Cleo was photographed for the Walton County Animal Control shelter in Monroe, Georgia on February 15, 2018 and put on the adoption website, www.waltonpets.net. She was adopted into a new home on February 17, 2018!        |
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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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