 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.
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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
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° 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  Brown Watersnake, Nerodia taxispilota, basking in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. April 16, 2023 ©williamwisephoto.com While enjoying a slow paddle up the Suwannee River Middle fork through the heart of the Okefenokee Swamp, somehow my daughter spotted this Brown Watersnake sunning out over the water. It so perfectly blended in with the tangled branches that it would have passed just three feet from my face without me ever noticing it!  Brown Watersnake, Nerodia taxispilota, basking in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. April 16, 2023 ©williamwisephoto.com The Brown Watersnake, Nerodia taxispilota, one of several species of Nerodia found in the southeastern United States. It is probably the snake that I most frequently encounter while paddling the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. According tot he Savannah River Ecology Lab, “they are most common in flowing water such as rivers, canals, and blackwater cypress creeks. While other watersnakes in our region (banded and red-bellied) are frequently found in temporary wetlands and ditches, the brown watersnake’s preference for fish as prey makes them largely restricted to permanent water bodies, including large reservoirs. Additionally, they travel less over land than other watersnakes and are seldom observed far from the water’s edge. Ideal habitat includes abundant overhanging vegetation, emergent snags, or rocky river banks where snakes may bask.” (source: https://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/nertax.htm) Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Sunday, April 16, 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  Large American Alligator laying basking on a log in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Scales, epidermal scutes, teeth, claws. Lily pads and moss on cypress log. Minnie’s Lake is always a great destination for a day-paddle in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Launching from Stephen C Foster State Park, Minnie’s Lake is a decent paddle across Billy’s Lake and then about five miles up the Suwannee Middle Fork. Along the way, you pass through the prettiest views in the Swamp (in my opinion) as tall Cypress and Spanish Moss shade the bright sky and cypress knees border the channel, and bright Golden Club and Yellow Bonnet Lilies grace the blackwater river. Upon approaching Minnie’s Lake, the run widens and the skies open up. Minnie’s Lake is filled with verdant Spatterdock that could hide many of the alligators if they weren’t all lounging about on every fallen Cypress tree and stump. We always manage to find a healthy gathering of gators on Minnie’s Lake! Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Sunday, April 16, 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 Some of the critters found in and around the Stephen C Foster State Park in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.  Corn Snake found on the Sill; Stephen C Foster State Park in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. |
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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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