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.
Adult male tan and white American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on leash for humane society animal shelter pet adoption rescue photography.
"Gibson" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that I photographed at the animal shelter on November 23, 2022. He was adopted into a new home the following week!
Shelter ID#: 10525 
Adult male tan and white American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on leash for humane society animal shelter pet adoption rescue photography.
Adult male tan and white American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on leash for humane society animal shelter pet adoption rescue photography.
Adult male tan and white American Pitbull Terrier dog outside on leash for humane society animal shelter pet adoption rescue photography.
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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  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.
Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers on the Upland Discovery Trail, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
10/27/2022
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
Two Red cockaded Woodpeckers climbing on a pine tree in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Leuconotopicus borealis is native to the southeastern United States and on endangered species list because of Long-leaf Pine habitat destruction.
There are two short walking trails off Swamp Island Drive in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. To be honest, I've driven past them many, many times and discounted them as not worthwhile. But arriving too late in the afternoon to launch my canoe, I decided to walk both the Canal Diggers Trail and the Upland Discovery Trail... and I'm so glad I did!
I have been hoping to photograph a Red-cockaded Woodpecker in the Okefenokee for quite some time. I staked out some Longleaf Pines on the western side in the past but without luck. As I walked just a few hundred feet onto the short Upland Discovery Trail, I saw a couple woodpeckers flitting about and didn't recognize their call. My adrenaline went through the ceiling as I raised the lens and knew I was looking at not one, not two, not three... but four Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.
I have been hoping to photograph a Red-cockaded Woodpecker in the Okefenokee for quite some time. I staked out some Longleaf Pines on the western side in the past but without luck. As I walked just a few hundred feet onto the short Upland Discovery Trail, I saw a couple woodpeckers flitting about and didn't recognize their call. My adrenaline went through the ceiling as I raised the lens and knew I was looking at not one, not two, not three... but four Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.
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
The Canal Run overnight canoe shelter in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.
Just after 8 miles of paddling upstream against the East Fork Suwannee River (orange trail), I made it to my overnight destination at the Canal Run shelter. I quickly set up camp and took a few observations for iNaturalist. A Barred Owl hooted in the distance and I brought him right over my head with a little playback. I then ate a cold can of ravioli, and then just sat with my feet dangling as I enjoyed the quiet sunset of the Okefenokee.
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 swimming submerged in dark blackwater swamp. Wildlife herping photography on canoe paddling excursion on Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. Alligator mississippiensis is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States. October 26, 2022.
Is it safe to paddle the Okefenokee alone? I suppose that depends on many factors. I have made most of my trips through the swamp with my daughter or my friends, mostly to share the experience. But in addition to a few day trips, I also made a solo overnight excursion to the Canal Run shelter in October, 2022. While it is probably safer to have a partner, I believe a solo trip can be completed safely if you know where you’re going.
Long before overnight paddling by myself, I had made many paddles through the Refuge with partners. I could probably navigate many of the runs off Billy’s Lake without a map, but I would never be foolish enough to go without a map. I always bring an Okefenokee NWR map that shows all the canoe trails and mile markers. Even in this age of technology, an old-fashioned trail map printed on paper is essential. If you forget one, the Refuge always has them available at the various launch points in the Refuge.
I also bring my handheld GPS that has many of the mile-markers and platforms marked as waypoints. The canoe trails are all marked and most of the side trails are too choked with water lilies to navigate, but if you happened to take a side run, it would be quite easy to get lost. I use a battery operated, handheld GPS and ensure I have extra batteries. Don’t rely on your phone for GPS navigation because it won’t last long.
I also bring my handheld GPS that has many of the mile-markers and platforms marked as waypoints. The canoe trails are all marked and most of the side trails are too choked with water lilies to navigate, but if you happened to take a side run, it would be quite easy to get lost. I use a battery operated, handheld GPS and ensure I have extra batteries. Don’t rely on your phone for GPS navigation because it won’t last long.
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
Paddling a section of the East Fork Suwannee River (orange canoe trail) between mile markers 10 and 13 on my way to the Canal Run overnight shelter in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
Resurrection Fern, Pleopeltis polypodioides, on a log along the orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA.
Resurrection Fern, Pleopeltis polypodioides, on a log along the orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA.
Large American Alligator swimming in dark swamp, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. Herping wildlife photography along the orange canoe trail to Canal Run
American White Ibis bird, Eudocimus albus, perched in a tree along the orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, 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
Wilderness area canoe kayak trail directional sign. Permit Required Beyond This Point, No Motors. Along the orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA.
To go where one has not gone before is the call of every adventurer's heart. Many times my daughter and I had paddled eastward just past Billy's Island only to stop and stare at "permit required beyond this point" sign and wonder what lies down that channel. I was going to find out on my October 2022 solo trip.
Obtaining the permit for this section of trail that leads to the Canal Run shelter was quite easy, being a one-night trip. The platform availabilities and paddling routes are now on a website. No longer do you have spend time on the phone with Refuge staff to list the available routes. You can simply look up your desired dates and routes, and then call to book them.
I booked this one night stay at the Canal Run Shelter so I could explore a short portion of canoe trail that runs between the Stephen C Foster State Park Launch and the Suwannee Canal. I would paddle the five mile 'permit only' portion of the East Fork Suwannee River, camp overnight at the platform, and backtrack the following day while taking photographic observations along the way.
Being a relatively narrow and closed-in portion of the trail, the conditions weren't the best for photography, but great for exploration. In the close quarters, I used my cellphone camera more than my DSLR and long lens. It was hard to pinpoint the small birds and lizards that scurried among the thick, tangled vegetation.
Obtaining the permit for this section of trail that leads to the Canal Run shelter was quite easy, being a one-night trip. The platform availabilities and paddling routes are now on a website. No longer do you have spend time on the phone with Refuge staff to list the available routes. You can simply look up your desired dates and routes, and then call to book them.
I booked this one night stay at the Canal Run Shelter so I could explore a short portion of canoe trail that runs between the Stephen C Foster State Park Launch and the Suwannee Canal. I would paddle the five mile 'permit only' portion of the East Fork Suwannee River, camp overnight at the platform, and backtrack the following day while taking photographic observations along the way.
Being a relatively narrow and closed-in portion of the trail, the conditions weren't the best for photography, but great for exploration. In the close quarters, I used my cellphone camera more than my DSLR and long lens. It was hard to pinpoint the small birds and lizards that scurried among the thick, tangled vegetation.
Close up of American Alligator vertically elliptical eye in dark blackwater swamp. Wildlife herping photography on canoe paddling excursion on Middle Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. Alligator mississippiensis is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States. October 26, 2022.
Big Six-spotted Fishing Spider, Dolomedes triton, Okefenokee swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. Wildlife photography along East Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail
Close up of American Alligator`s eye as it lies hidden in the blackwater swamp. Wildlife herping photography on canoe paddling excursion on Middle Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. Alligator mississippiensis is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States. October 26, 2022.
Small Carolina Green Anole lizard climbing a branch in the Okefenokee swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. Wildlife herping photography along East Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail
Juvenile American Alligator on log along the East Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, 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
A pod of juvenile baby American Alligators on cypress knees and sphagnum moss along the East Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA.
A group of young alligators and their mother along the East Fork Suwannee River near Canal Run in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.
Large female American Alligator near pod of juvenile alligators, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. Herping wildlife photography along the orange canoe trail to Canal Run
A pod of juvenile baby American Alligators on cypress knees and sphagnum moss along the East Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA.
Baby American Alligators on cypress knees and sphagnum moss along the East Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA.
Baby American Alligators on cypress knees and sphagnum moss along the East Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA.
Baby American Alligators on cypress knees and sphagnum moss along the East Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA.
Baby American Alligators on cypress knees and sphagnum moss along the East Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA.
Baby American Alligators on cypress knees and sphagnum moss along the East Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA.
Baby American Alligators on cypress knees and sphagnum moss along the East Fork Suwannee River orange canoe trail headed to the Canal Run overnight shelter platform. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, 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
White-tailed Deer; Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
A short morning walk on the trails in the Stephen C Foster State Park within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge before heading out on the canoe.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Upland trail in Stephen C Foster State Park. October 26, 2022.
- Partly cloudy with a high near 83.
- Sunrise 7:40 AM, Sunset 6:46 PM
- Daylight hours: 11 hours, 6 minutes (-1m 43s)
- Moon 1% Waxing Crescent
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
Red-shouldered Hawk raptor bird of prey spreading its wings to dry on a wet morning in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. Birding photography on canoe paddling excursion.
Wednesday, 9:47 AM - The first leg of my journey to my overnight camping in the Okefenokee Swamp takes me across Billy’s Lake. Billy’s Lake, especially first thing in the morning, is always a moving experience. You leave the bustle of the Stephen C Foster campground and come upon a large, open lake that is often smooth as glass in the morning. If there are no john boat motors running, the tranquility is tangible… I sometimes feel the splashing of my paddle is too loud!
A boisterous Red-shouldered Hawk’s screams echo across the entire lake. A heron’s croak is clearly heard, although the bird itself is hidden in the Spatterdock and Maidencane. The flap of a cormorant’s wings can be heard a quarter mile across the water. I just want to sit and float, but the current lead’s me away from this day’s journey to the Canal Run platform. I must break the silence of mind and surroundings and push my paddle into the water toward’s Billy’s Island.
A boisterous Red-shouldered Hawk’s screams echo across the entire lake. A heron’s croak is clearly heard, although the bird itself is hidden in the Spatterdock and Maidencane. The flap of a cormorant’s wings can be heard a quarter mile across the water. I just want to sit and float, but the current lead’s me away from this day’s journey to the Canal Run platform. I must break the silence of mind and surroundings and push my paddle into the water toward’s Billy’s Island.
Paddling Billy's Lake from Stephen C Foster State Park launch to Billy's Island. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. October 26, 2022.
- Partly cloudy with a high near 83.
- Sunrise 7:40 AM, Sunset 6:46 PM
- Daylight hours: 11 hours, 6 minutes (-1m 43s)
- Moon 1% Waxing Crescent
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 basking in the sun along the Suwannee River Sill Recreation canal in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. October 25, 2022 ©www.williamwisephoto.com Please do not use without permission
An excerpt from the journal of Howell C. Jackson describing the beautiful Suwannee River and its reptile inhabitants as he surveyed the Okefenokee Swamp in 1890…
| Our [survey] line crossed the Suwanee River about half a mile below Mixon‘s ferry. The stream here is about 95 feet wide, with a swift current, and waist deep. The water is the color of diluted coffee. As I stood on its edge, I thought of that beautiful song so familiar to all your readers, The Old Folks at Home, which commences “Way Down upon the Suwanee River”, the exquisite pathos of which has brought tears to the eyes of thousands; then I gazed “way down upon the Suwanee River,” and my eye fell upon a huge alligator slowly raising his noisome person from the water to the sunshine, there upon another swimming across the stream, there upon a third, sleeping upon a decayed cypress stump, and everywhere upon moccasins, lizards and other reptiles, either sunning themselves to sleep, or moving about in quest of prey.
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Trowell, C.T.. The Suwannee Canal Company in the Okefenokee Swamp. South Georgia College, 1984. Page 130.
