 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.  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  American Alligator; Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. April 15, 2023 along the Suwannee River (brown canoe trail). ©www.williamwisephoto.com It never fails: whenever I show someone a close-up photo of an alligator that I shot while paddling the Okefenokee Swamp, they say, “Isn’t that dangerous to be so close?” But I’ve paddled the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge many times and haven’t come close to any type of incident. Most of the wildlife in the refuge want nothing to do with people and keep their distance. However, I do have to say that it may appear a bit disconcerting as you paddle for the first time and have alligators “charge” your kayak. The gators typically spend their day on the banks or on top of logs sunning themselves. As they see a canoe approaching they often enter the water and swim towards you. But they are not “charging” the boat! They feel vulnerable when exposed on the high ground, and are simply taking to the cover and safety of deeper water. So it may look like they are "charging" at your boat. But relax, they are just as reluctant to get into a tangle with you as you are with them! 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 with open mouth. Capture release tag on tail from ecology research group. Photographed in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. The Suwannee River Sill Recreation Area in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is an accessible and convenient place to see some large alligators. The long drive to dam runs parallel to the canal. Even if you have mobility issues and can't walk, on sunny days you'll see large gators and softshell turtles basking on the banks, just 30 yards from your car! And because the UGA Coastal Ecology Lab has done a lot of research along the Sill, you may even spot an alligator with a colorful tail tag.  Large American Alligator with open mouth. Photographed in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA.  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 On Saturday, April 15, 2023, after helping the UGA Coastal Ecology Lab with some alligator capture-tag-and release, my daughter and I paddled from the Sill Recreation Area westward against the current, up the Suwannee River.  Young American Alligator munching on a swampsnake; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. April 15, 2023. 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  Yellow Bonnet Lily Spatterdock lily pads and flower floating on blackwater swamp at sunrise Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. April 15, 2023. Have you ever read a swamp? Urbanites like me may have read much about the swamp, but don't have the gift that the Swampers have in reading the details of the Okefenokee. According to the great naturalist Francis Harper - no doubt wisdom he gained from the Okefenokee Swampers - when "a boat or a bear passes over a watery Prairie, the bonnet leaves in the trail remain upturned on one side for several hours afterward. The upturned side of the leaf indicates the direction from which the boat or animal has come." Excerpt from Francis Harper's Mammals of the Okefinokee Swamp, published March 1927 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  Thankfully, a rescheduled spring trip to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge! My daughter wasn't able to go for our usual March paddle this year during her spring break. But her class schedule allowed us to sneak in a long weekend in April instead. We arrived at the Stephen C Foster State Park campground late in the evening on April 14 and did a little bit of cruising. I found my second Timber Rattlesnake within the refuge boundaries, but unfortunately it had recently been hit by a car (and was still barely writhing). After sunset, I was able to photograph my first Chuck-wills-widow as several kept landing in the roadway while we were cruising for herps.   Capturing a young American Alligator with a snare for university ecology capture, tag and release research program in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. It takes a team to wrangle a gator! On April 14, 2023, I was excited to be invited to photograph an American Alligator capture-tag-release outing with the UGA Coastal Ecology Lab. When my daughter and I arrived, the action was already in full swing and a gator was being hauled up on the bank for measuring. The team leader, Mark Hoog, uses some heavy-duty fishing tackle to snag the alligator and haul it in for the research team to tag. Having watched a few rounds, most of the alligators were less than willing to participate and gave Hoog quite a workout! As the gator tires and is reeled closer to shore, two researchers stand by with a snare pole and rope to make the final haul-in.  Capturing a young American Alligator with a snare for university ecology capture, tag and release research program in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. Once upon the shore, one of the team sneaks up behind the gators and quickly lands upon its neck and presses the mouth shut. Almost immediately, the other team members take a pre-determined seat along the alligator’s length. Right away, the mouth is safely taped shut and the alligator’s legs are lifted off the ground to prevent it from rolling. Thankfully, most of the gators are fairly tired from fighting in the water that too much resistance isn’t encountered. Once safely restrained, team members measure each alligator’s length and girth in several different areas. A plastic cattle tag is attached to the tail and a labelling code is cut into the scales along the tail. On some occasions, blood is drawn for genetic studies and GPS trackers are attached to the alligators’ backs. Once all the data is carefully recorded, the gators are safely released back into the water.  Measuring an American Alligator for a capture tag release research program by the UGA Coastal Ecology Lab.  Tagging American Alligator tail with ID tag number, capture tag release research program  Tagging American Alligator tail with ID tag number, capture tag release research program  Tagging American Alligator tail with ID tag number, capture tag release research program  Close up of an American Alligator in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia 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  On the last day of my Fall 2022 solo Okefenokee paddle, I launched from Kingfisher Landing on the east side of the swamp to explore green canoe trail southward through Durden Prairie. I turned around at the 5 mile marker. This portion of the Okefenokee is lined with tall Pitcher Plants and yellow wildflowers. Red Canoe Trail, Mile 0-2
Green Trail, mile 2-3After paddling a mile from the Kingfisher Landing launch, the canoe trail splits. The red trail continues northward through Carter Prairie and continues many miles to Maul Hammock, Big Water, through Minnie's Lake and down to Billy's Lake. I chose to go southward along the green trail, not having paddled this route before. The green trail eventually takes you to Floyd's Island.  I was delighted to see a few patches of Water Shield as I paddled the narrow channel. But my excitement soon faded as it became so thick that the trolling motor was useless and paddling was a challenge! Green Trail, mile 3-4I was quickly becoming a bit jaded fighting with the sphagnum and water shield, all without seeing much in the way of birds and wildlife. But as I considered turning back, the Okefenokee threw out another surprise as I saw two, possibly three, River Otters swimming the narrow channel. Two disappeared into the vegetation, but one was quite curious and stay ahead of me for a quarter mile, constantly diving and resurfacing to check me out.   Green Trail, Mile 4-5 Along the green canoe trail in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Green Trail, Return PaddleAfter reaching the five-mile marker, I reluctantly turned back and made the last leg of my Fall paddle through the Okefenokee Swamp. Leaving is always the worst part of every Oke trip.     Dock and entry roadI was slow to leave the Okefenokee, for I knew it would be at least four or five months before I returned. As I loaded my canoe I could hear numerous Sandhill Crane calling. As I pulled away from the parking lot, I found them in a field. I was also distracted by a large group of perching birds in the pines. There were many Pine Warblers and at least one Black and White Warbler mixed in. I also shot my first American Kestrel within the refuge boundaries.  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  Canoe kayak boat trail sign to Grand Prairie, Chesser Prairie, Monkey Lake, Buzzard Roost and Gannet Lake.. Okefenokee Adventures in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. During my solo Okefenokee Swamp paddle in October, I wanted to hit some trails that I had never paddled before. I decided to hit the green trail south of the Suwannee Canal down to Monkey Lake, and, if time, to Buzzards Roost Lake. Orange Trail Miles 0-2The first two miles out from the Okefenokee Adventures launch follows the Suwannee Canal (orange trail) for two miles before heading south. Pink Trail, Mile Markers 0 to 1Approximately 2 miles out the Suwannee Canal the Green Canoe Trail down to Monkey Lake branches off to the left. The first view is of beautiful Chesser Prairie.  Canoe kayak trail sign to Grand Prairie and Monkey Lake. Okefenokee Adventures in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.  False Foxglove wildflower blooming in the swamp. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Paddling pink trail from Suwannee Canal to Monkey Lake.  Large American Alligator and tall Hooded Pitcher Plants on Grand Prairie canoe kayak paddling trail. Okefenokee Adventures in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Lily pads, cypress, blackwater swamp. Pink Trail, Mile Markers 1 to 2 Common Yellowthroat warbler bird in the fall in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.  Common Yellowthroat warbler bird in the fall in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. PINK TRAIL, MILE MARKERS 2 to 3 Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Pink trail to Monkey Lake.  Eastern Phoebe tyrant flycatcher bird in the fall in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Birding photography. PINK TRAIL, MILE MARKERS 3 to 4 Mated pair of Sandhill Cranes in the fall in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Birding photography near Grand Prairie on canoe kayak paddling trail. PINK TRAIL, MILE MARKERS 4 to 5 Canoe Kayak trail sign for Gannet Lake, Monkey Lake and Buzzards Roost. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Paddling pink trail from Suwannee Canal to Monkey Lake.  Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus, on wildflower along the pink canoe kayak trail from the Suwannee Canal to Monkey Lake in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. PINK TRAIL, MILE MARKERS 5 to 6 Monkey Lake canoe kayak trail sign in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.  Monkey Lake canoe kayak trail sign in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.  Buzzards Roost Lake canoe kayak trail sign in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.  Buzzards Roost Lake canoe kayak trail sign in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. RETURN PADDLE |
 Hooded Pitcher Plants, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia |  Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia |
Great Egret on floating peat mat in the swamp. Grand Prairie in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.
Pair of adult Sandhill Crane on the Grand Prairie in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.
RETURN PADDLE, Suwannee Canal
Orange TRAIL, MILE MARKER 3 TO 0
Merlin along the Suwannee Canal. A life bird for me!
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
Tagged American Alligator lays along the banks of the Suwannee River Sill; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.
So, you want to see some Okefenokee alligators and wading birds but don’t have the time for a paddle, the Suwannee River Sill Recreation area is a great place to stop for a few hours. The Sill is a long, manmade channel on the western side of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. It was made as an attempt to control the water levels within the swamp, but now primarily serves as a boat launch for day-trip fishing.
When approaching the Okefenokee Swamp on Georgia-177 from Fargo, The Sill is on the left just as you pass through the gates to enter the National Wildlife Refuge. A long driveway parallels the canal as you enter and there are several pull offs to stop and gawk at the monsters that are typically laying out in the sun. The driveway terminates in a parking lot at the dam (where a port-o-potty is conveniently located!).
From the main parking lot, you can look down the Suwannee River as it exits the Okefenokee and heads westward and eventually pours into to the Gulf of Mexico. You can also walk another mile or so northward along the canal and see some of the wildlife that are a bit more wary of the vehicles along the front half.
I always make a drive-through of The Sill when arriving and leaving the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. I have seen some of my biggest Okefenokee alligators along The Sill. So if for whatever reason you happen to be passing through Fargo, or you are staying the night at the Stephen C Foster State Park, make at least one trip to The Sill.
When approaching the Okefenokee Swamp on Georgia-177 from Fargo, The Sill is on the left just as you pass through the gates to enter the National Wildlife Refuge. A long driveway parallels the canal as you enter and there are several pull offs to stop and gawk at the monsters that are typically laying out in the sun. The driveway terminates in a parking lot at the dam (where a port-o-potty is conveniently located!).
From the main parking lot, you can look down the Suwannee River as it exits the Okefenokee and heads westward and eventually pours into to the Gulf of Mexico. You can also walk another mile or so northward along the canal and see some of the wildlife that are a bit more wary of the vehicles along the front half.
I always make a drive-through of The Sill when arriving and leaving the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. I have seen some of my biggest Okefenokee alligators along The Sill. So if for whatever reason you happen to be passing through Fargo, or you are staying the night at the Stephen C Foster State Park, make at least one trip to The Sill.
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
HDR photomerge of sunset over the Okefenokee Prairie. Sunset boat tour from Okefenokee Adventures in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Lily pads, cypress, blackwater swamp.
Even though I have my own canoe, and even though I've taken the guided tour several times, I still love to go on the Sunset Boat Tour offered at Okefenokee Adventures! It is a joy to load up into the small boat with several other visitors to the swamp. It is usually their first trip out into the Okefenokee and I love to see and hear their reactions.
HDR photomerge of sunset over the Okefenokee Prairie. Sunset boat tour from Okefenokee Adventures in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Lily pads, cypress, blackwater swamp.
HDR photomerge of sunset over the Okefenokee Prairie. Sunset boat tour from Okefenokee Adventures in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Lily pads, cypress, blackwater swamp.
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 swimming in blackwater swamp with Spatterdock lily pads and Cypress buttress in background; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Wildlife herping photography from canoe on Billy`s Lake
Day three of my Fall Okefenokee excursion was the paddle back from the Canal Run shelter where I had just spent the night. It was amazing how much quicker the return trip was by paddling with the current.
