 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  Wood Stork, Mycteria americana, along the Suwannee River in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. One of my goals is to photograph as many different species as I can within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. When threats come against the sanctity of the Okefenokee, such as the current nearby mining efforts, I want my photographs to be a part in showing how many different species rely upon the Refuge.
So through all of my explorations to the Okefenokee, I have kept a species checklist and I’m always hoping to grab a new critter observation on each trip. But even after more than ten trips, some of the “easy” birds still evade my lens. Birds I commonly see everywhere else, such as Canada Geese and Blue Jays, just don’t show up when I’m within Refuge boundaries (although I hear those pesky Jays calling, they don’t come close enough for a photograph). The Wood Stork, a signature bird of the swamp, had also become a nemesis bird for me within the Okefenokee boundaries. I’ve paddle miles and miles of canoe trails; I’ve taken several guided boat tours, I’ve what the trails and drove the wildlife drives, but no Wood Storks! But this was my trip! Before I even launched my canoe from the parking area of the Suwannee River Sill Recreation area, a Wood Stork sat regally perched atop a tall Cypress. All those excursions deep into the Okefenokee in years past only to find my first Wood Stork within the Refuge near a parking lot! I also caught a second Stork photograph a little bit up the Suwannee River towards Mixon’s Hammock. I finally got my Stork! Now where are those Jays! Lol
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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  American Alligator laying on bank of Suwannee River Sill in the Okefenokee Swamp. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. October 25, 2022. ©www.williamwisephoto.com My friends at church ask how I could dare to paddle the Okefenokee - especially alone! - with so many "monstrous alligators" lurking about. In my machismo, I'd love to feed the impressions of danger and dread by those not familiar with gators; fantasies conjured by dramatic YouTube videos and sensational news stories. But the truth is, those alligators don't really pose that big a threat! Thousands upon thousands of alligators live at peace alongside people. The American Alligator can be found in ten states. Kent A. Vliet writes, "In fact, the alligator's range includes four of the top ten most populous states in the United States." Yes, they do congregate in our wildlife refuges and parks, but they can also be found without incident in neighborhood water retention ponds, roadside ditches and at times seem to be quite fond of golf courses! For those who live within the range of the alligator, they aren't the sharp-toothed predators lurking in the dark waters always ready to kill. They are simply another part of the landscape and get about as much notice as a local park Mallard. So while I'd love to tell folks some heart-pounding stories of my adventures through the Okefenokee Swamp while being assailed by fierce crocodilians, that just has never been the case. Most of the time, if they are brave enough to even stay in sight, they simply watch me drift by as I watch them. But that doesn't make a good story! Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. October 25, 2022.  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  Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata, moorhen bird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. A waterbird found in ponds, lakes and marshes in the Americas. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird. I decided to spend eBird's October Big at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park in Augusta, Georgia. Not far from my vehicle, a spectacle played out overhead and a surprise appeared at my feet. I had just walked to the first wetland cell and an Osprey successfully dove for a fish. Almost immediately, a Bald Eagle materialized, swooping and diving after the Osprey's meal. Simultaneously while attempting to record this aerial battle, a Least Bittern flushed from the reeds near my feet. Being a life bird, I had to go after the bittern as well! I never saw how the eagle-osprey scene played out, but I did get some good shots of all. All this within the first 20 minutes. I knew it would be a good day! By the end of my 6 hour visit, I had logged 52 bird species, a dozen or more alligators, a Greensnake and a Ribbonsnake. Great day!  Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata, moorhen bird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. A waterbird found in ponds, lakes and marshes in the Americas. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird.  Large Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias, long-legged wading bird like a stork or crane. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.  Palm Warbler bird, Setophaga palmarum, during fall migration. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.  Tricolored Heron, Egretta tricolor, Louisiana Heron long-legged wading bird. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.  Adult Black bellied Whistling duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis, and several duckling babies. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.  Black bellied Whistling duck babies, Dendrocygna autumnalis. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA.  Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata, moorhen bird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. A waterbird found in ponds, lakes and marshes in the Americas. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird.  Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata, moorhen bird at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. A waterbird found in ponds, lakes and marshes in the Americas. Birding photography on October Big Day for ebird. 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  Large American Alligator laying the water at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. Herping reptile photography.  Large American Alligator laying the water at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. Herping reptile photography.  Rough Green Snake, Opheodrys aestivus, slithering on the ground at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. Nonvenomous North American colubrid herping reptile photography. Also called a grass snake.  Rough Green Snake, Opheodrys aestivus, slithering on the ground at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia USA. Nonvenomous North American colubrid herping reptile photography. Also called a grass snake. 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  Tyrant flycatcher Eastern Wood Pewee, Contopus virens, bird perched on a branch during fall migration. Walton County, Georgia USA; October 4, 2022. Other than a few birding trips, I haven't concentrated on backyard birding for the last few months. Late summer can be a bit unproductive, and way too hot, for birding to be enjoyable. But the mornings have cooled down and the fall migration has begun! 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  Large female Joro Spider in a web preying upon a second Joro Spider, Trichonephila clavata. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia. Joro Spiders are an invasive, non-native species from Asia that were introduced in Georgia. The Joro Spiders have begun to hatch and once again invade Georgia. Their large, strong, sticky three-dimensional webs have been going up on every power line, bush and tree throughout northeast Georgia over the last few weeks. First arriving in 2018, this invasive species has continued to spread throughout Georgia. iNaturalist spottings have now spread to Tennessee and the Carolinas. The single observations posted this year in outlying states will no doubt continue to spread over the next few years, unless something happens to control this invader. 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  The Great Salt Lake After a full week in the mountains of Park City, Utah, it was time to head back home to Georgia. On our way to the airport, we decided to stop in Salt Lake City; for how could we come to Utah and not see the Great Salt Lake? I suppose it is my fault for never studying the Great Salt Lake, or even looking at photos before, but I must admit that I was a bit let down. It certainly wasn't the most attractive landscape I've looked upon. Perhaps it was just the time I was visiting, but the water was low, stagnant and smelled pretty bad. Besides gulls, the only other abundant wildlife were thousands upon thousands of brine flies. Maybe I'm not being fair, and maybe I'll be back again on a better day, but I'm quite glad we chose Park City over Salt Lake City for our weeklong vacation!  Tons of Brine Flies, Ephydra hians and Ephydra cinerea, line shallow pool of bacteria and algae in the Great Salt Lake, Utah.
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
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, Callospermophilus lateralis, on Snowbird. Snowbird ski resort mountain in summer, Salt Lake County, Utah USA. Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.
At the suggestion of a fellow iNaturalist user, we made the drive over to Snowbird during our weeklong vacation to Park City, Utah. It was well worth the trip! Snowbird is located in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. It is a famous ski resort and summer retreat. The mountain views, from the valleys and the peaks, were superb.
As I’m not always one for heights, my nerves were a bit on edge as we sat waiting for the aerial tram to pick us up. But watching the trip up the mountainside through the glass bottom car was exhilarating. The ride was quite smooth and my fears were unfounded. 
Mountain landscape of rocks, spruce and peaks of Snowbird ski resort mountain in summer, Salt Lake County, Utah USA. Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Upon Hidden Peak, the chilled wind and distant vistas had us all in awe. I captured a few shots of the Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels, Callospermophilus lateralis, that were scurrying around the observation building courtyard looking for fallen concession scraps and handouts. We also walked through the 600 foot Peruvian Tunnel to view the historical displays.
The long, slow chair ride down the Peruvian Lift was enough to turn my stomach a few times! Kept in your seat by only a thin metal bar, the heights were dizzying. At one point over a particularly high drop, the lift stopped, sending our chair bobbing and swaying while my wife gripped my arm. In all, Snowbird was definitely a highlight of our Utah vacation. 
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, Callospermophilus lateralis, on Snowbird. Snowbird ski resort mountain in summer, Salt Lake County, Utah USA. Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, Callospermophilus lateralis, on Snowbird. Snowbird ski resort mountain in summer, Salt Lake County, Utah USA. Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains.
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-capped Chickadee perched on Park City Mountain hiking trails; Summit County, Utah. July 26, 2022. For one week in July we took a family vacation to Park City, Utah. Each morning I was able to get out early and do some birding and hiking on the trails below the Town Lift on Park City mountain. On a few afternoons we spent the day riding the chair lifts. Tuesday, July 26, 2022- Partly sunny, with a high near 79.  Uinta Ground Squirrel, Urocitellus armatus, scurrying through the rocks on Park City Mountain hiking trails, Summit County, Utah. July 26, 2022. Wednesday, July 27, 2022- Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Northwest wind around 9 mph.  Looking down on Park City from the mountain trails. Thursday, July 28, 2022- Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.  Red-tailed Hawk pursuing a Golden Eagle. The eagle was a lifer for me!  Black-billed Magpie bird, Pica hudsonia, perched on a branch. Park City, Summit County, Utah USA birding and nature photography, July 28, 2022. Friday, July 29, 2022 - Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Scattered showers after noon.  Steller`s Jay bird perched on a branch. Birding photography in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA. Cyanocitta stelleri is native to western North America also known as the long-crested jay, mountain jay, and pine jay.  American Red Squirrel, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, on a branch. Wildlife photography in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA. Wasatch mountains.  Steller`s Jay bird perched on a branch. Birding photography in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA. Cyanocitta stelleri is native to western North America also known as the long-crested jay, mountain jay, and pine jay.  Western red-shafted flicker bird. Colaptes auratus cafer resides in western North America. Birding photography in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA.  Dark-eyed Junco bird, Junco hyemalis, perched on a branch. Birding photography in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA.  Small Chipping Sparrow bird perched on a branch. Birding photography in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA. Spizella passerina is a common songbird throughout North America. Saturday, July 30- Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.  Female Mallard duck hen with beak tucked in feathers. Birding photography at Deer Valley Ponds in Park City, Summit County, Utah USA.  Japanese Iris purple wildflower, Park City, Utah Sunday, July 31, 2022Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.  Tiny cute Western Chipmunk on a branch found while hiking mountain trails. Wildlife photography in Park City, Utah USA  Steller`s Jay bird calling while perched on a branch. Birding photography hiking mountain trails. Cyanocitta stelleri is native to western North America. Wildlife photography in Park City, Utah USA  Uinta Ground Squirrel, Urocitellus armatus, hiding in the mountain rocks. Park City, Utah mountains in summer.  Yellow-bellied Marmot, Marmota flaviventris, also known as the rock chuck. Native to mountainous regions of southwestern Canada and western United States. Wildlife photography in Park City, Utah 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  Cottontail Rabbit foraging in the grass meadow by yellow wildflowers. Wildlife and nature photography at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve in McHenry County, Illinois, USA. A short walk at the Exner Marsh Nature Preserve while visiting family in Huntley, Illinois. Exner Marsh Nature Preserve; McHenry County, Illinois.  Dragonfly close up photography. Wildlife and nature photography at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve in McHenry County, Illinois, USA.  Juvenile American Robin bird, Turdus migratorius, perched on a wire fence. Wildlife and birding photography at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve in McHenry County, Illinois, USA.  Bright blue Indigo Bunting, Passerina cyanea, song bird perched on a branch. Wildlife and birding photography at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve in McHenry County, Illinois, USA.  Juvenile American Robin bird, Turdus migratorius, perched on a wire fence. Wildlife and birding photography at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve in McHenry County, Illinois, USA.  Cottontail Rabbit foraging in the grass meadow by yellow wildflowers. Wildlife and nature photography at Exner Marsh Nature Preserve in McHenry County, Illinois, 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  Small juvenile Common Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina, shell. Aquatic turtle found in North America, photographed in Walton County, Georgia, USA. I found this small Common Snapping Turtle cutting across the grass headed toward the large water retention pond near my office in Walton County, Georgia. Even though it was a small juvenile, it was just as feisty as the large ones! - Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 104.  Small juvenile Common Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina, shell. Aquatic turtle found in North America, photographed in Walton County, Georgia, USA.  Small juvenile Common Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina, in palm of hand. Aquatic turtle found in North America, photographed in Walton County, Georgia, USA.  Small juvenile Common Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina, shell. Aquatic turtle found in North America, photographed in Walton 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
Large Green American Bullfrog at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Tucson, Arizona USA
A very hot afternoon birding walk at the Sweetwater Wetlands Park in Tucson, Arizona.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park; Tucson, Arizona. June 24, 2022 
Female Mallard hen on a log in the water treatment pond at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Tucson Arizona 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 Some random birding around my hotel during a stay in Tucson, Arizona for Bible Conference. 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  Mt Lemmon, Arizona A short day-hike upon Mount Lemmon in Arizona. Five birds were lifers for me: Spotted Towhee, Yellow-eyed Junco, Stellar's Jay, Acorn Woodpecker and Broad-tailed Hummingbird.
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 in Tucson, Arizona for our annual Bible Conference and made an early morning drive through Saguaro National Park (East). I found and photographed my first Pyrrhuloxia. The Cactus Forest Loop Drive was so beautiful, I returned the following morning for an 8 mile run!
Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain), Pima County, Arizona. 
Life Bird! The pyrrhuloxia or desert cardinal is a medium-sized North American song bird found in the American southwest and northern Mexico.
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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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