 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 Cottonmouth Water Moccasin Viper coiled in the water in the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia USA. Chesser Island Ridley's Trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 9 2022. Excerpt from the 1875 Okefenokee Exploration by The Atlanta Constitution: "Now our knees began to feel weak, and tremble beneath the weight upon them; and indeed, we became so thoroughly exhausted that we trudged on and on, with the greatest indifference as to danger of any kind. At one time one of the party trod on a moccasin, and his comrade next behind called to him that he was on a snake, but he did not seem to care, and moved slowly on without looking back, and carelessly asked if he had hurt it! "This was an actual occurrence, and the man shudders now when he thinks of his own carelessness and of the danger of being bitten by that deadly serpent in that dismal wild far from home, and from physicians! If there were any objects of interest in this most hideous part of the swamp, I was too near “wearied unto death” to appreciate it. No, we longed to place our feet again upon terra firma, and our sole idea was to this end." - The Atlanta Constitution, September 23, 1875. In 1875, The Atlanta Constitution published the dramatic headline: “We now announce to our readers, and the people of Georgia, that we are fitting up an expedition for a complete and thorough exploration of Okefinokee. The full details of the plan and expedition will be published soon – if they come out alive.” Over the next months, the paper released many exciting stories from the Okefenokee Swamp.
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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 foot, scales and claw in the Okefenokee Swamp along the Chesser Island Boardwalk Trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 9 2022. What lurks beneath those waters? That question rolls in the mind as one attempts to peer through the blackwater of the Okefenokee Swamp. The swamp creatures may not be visible in plain sight, but you know they are there. You squint your eyes to look into the dark mirror, but only see the reflection of the dense vegetation and skies above. A dark, monster-like, scaled foot and claw breaking the sphagnum laden surface give only a creepy clue to what may lie below the swamp waters.  American Alligator foot, scales and claw in the Okefenokee Swamp along the Chesser Island Boardwalk Trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 9 2022. The Chesser Island Boardwalk is one of most frequented paths by human visitors to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. And it usually doesn't disappoint! Often, along the way, there are birds, lizards, insects and a snake or gator or two to view. But you have to keep you eyes scanning and searching the details. Other than the birds, the critters may not be right in the open. But a glistening scale from a slithering serpent, or a strange looking object poking from the water has to catch the eye and alert your senses to the presence of a swamp inhabitant. I have often found a medium-sized American Alligator along the first half of the boardwalk. Being creatures of habit, I wouldn't doubt if this is the same gator on multiple visits. On this particular occasion, his clawed foot breaking through the waters along the trail were my first clue to his presence. Being practically right on top of the gator, I got some close-up detail shots of its foot and scales with those surprisingly long claws. Chesser Island Boardwalk; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 9, 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  A young juvenile American Alligator laying on peat sphagnum along Swamp Island Drive in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 9 2022. The trails, wildlife drive and guided boat tours at the Suwannee Canal entrance (on the eastern side) of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge make this a great entry spot for a one-day introduction to the Okefenokee. But if you have more than a day, there is plenty more to explore. But where do you spend the night? Being a wildlife refuge that is primarily managed for wildlife, there is only one campground within the Okefenokee: the Stephen C Foster State Park on the western side. There are also overnight platforms within the interior but they require permits obtained 2 months in advance. However, right outside the gate of the Suwannee Canal entrance is a private campground called Okefenokee Pastimes. I had passed this campground entrance many times but had never looked into a stay. I typically stayed at Stephen C Foster or Laura S Walker State Parks. Needing an early morning start for our multi-night paddling trip in March 2022, I decided to try Okefenokee Pastimes… and I wasn’t disappointed. In order to avoid setting up and breaking camp, I booked one of the camper cabins. This little cabin was plenty of room for my daughter and I. In fact, we could have fit two more people on the full size bed and bunk bed! The campground was clean and quiet, and the staff were very hospitable. And the fresh chocolate chip cookies handed to us at check-in certainly sealed the deal. I’ll be staying at Okefenokee Pastimes again when the need arises! 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 Cottonmouth Water Moccasin viper coiled in the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia USA. Ridley's Island Trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 9 2022. Off the backside of the Chesser Homestead in the Okefenokee Swamp there is a dead-end trail named Ridley’s Island Trail. Having hiked this little spur before, and facing only a wall of vegetation at the end of a brief boardwalk, I had pretty much written it off as “not much there to see.” But was I wrong! Large Cottonmouth Water Moccasin viper coiled in the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia USA. Ridley's Island Trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 9 2022. Arriving in the Okefenokee later in the day, there was no time to get on the water for a paddle. So my daughter and I chose to walk the trails on Chesser Island. The Homestead Trail is a short loop that circles the old Swamper cabin where swamp life reenactments are made by refuge staff. An off the backside of the Homestead Trail is the Ridley’s Island Trail. Although some maps show a longer trail that connects to the Swamp Island Drive, the current Ridley’s trail ends after less than a half mile. But with a lot of daylight remaining, we deiced to hike that short spur. All along the way, I prepared my daughter for a letdown. I explained to her that the boardwalk ended abruptly at a wall of vegetation. There is a “wildlife viewing” interpretive sign at the end, but it appears that the jungle hadn’t been cut for some time. But as she was reading the sign, a coiled serpent caught her eye just a few feet from where she stood. With a loud whisper, she got my attention… “Dad! Cottonmouth right there!” A fairly young, thin Cottonmouth then slithered off into the water before I could get a good photo. Excited by the find, we turned to go back and scanned the swamp jungle a little more closely. I then happened to lay my eyes upon the fattest Cottonmouth I’d ever found. I really don’t know how we missed it on the first pass. This thick beauty lay curled asleep about five feet off the boardwalk trail. What a great spot! Two Cottonmouths practically side-by-side. And to think, I dismissed this dead-end trail as pointless. There is never any guarantee of a great find when you set out birding or herping. But the only guarantee is that if you don’t look, you certainly won’t find! So take that “pointless” dead-end trail anyway. You never know what you’ll see! Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 9, 2022.  Large Cottonmouth Water Moccasin viper coiled in the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia USA. Ridley's Island Trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 9 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  Cottonmouth Water Moccasin Viper coiled in the water in the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia USA. Chesser Island Boardwalk Trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 9 2022. A handful of observations along the Chesser Island Boardwalk Trail, Deerstand Trail, Homestead Trail and Ridley's Island Trail in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 9, 2022.  Cottonmouth Water Moccasin Viper coiled in the water in the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia USA. Chesser Island Boardwalk Trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 9 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  Eyes and head of a juvenile American Alligator swimming in Greenfield Lake park in Wilmington, Hanover County, North Carolina USA. Spring is coming! It’s time for the daffodils to bloom, the birds to begin migrating, and the nature photographers to get the equipment ready. But it’s also time for spring marathons! Okay, maybe running extra long distances doesn’t fit in with your lifestyle. But somehow running marathons became another one of my excessive, out-of-balance hobbies. My daughter and I drove up to North Carolina for the annual Wilmington Marathon. The race begins at sunrise near the waves and dunes of Wrightsville Beach. After crossing several bridges, the course heads for downtown Wilmington and, after twenty-six miles, it ends at the convention center. Along the route the race loops Greenfield Lake, a great park for wildlife and birding photography. Knowing that I wouldn’t be carrying my heavy DSLR and telephoto lens during a four-hour run, I went with my daughter for a walk at Greenfield Lake the day before the race. I’ve previously photographed several alligators in the lake and hoped to get some more. Although sunny, it was still a tad cool and breezy, so I only spotted two juvenile alligators, but a myriad of birds. There are always egrets, herons, cormorants, ibis and other water birds at the lake. And the waters are full of turtles! A paved path through well-maintained gardens circles the lake. Playgrounds and gazebos make it a popular place for family outings… and a marathon! The next day, by the time we hit Greenfield Lake during the marathon, we had already run over 17 miles. My daughter was totally spent and I don’t think the beauty of Greenfield Lake registered much in her mind like it had the day before. As I ran, I tried to concentrate on the trees, Spanish moss, flitting birds and budding plants. The solace of the lake and its picturesque view helped me to divert some of the pain developing in my legs. I’m thankful that some of the marathon course wound its way through this park. But I was even happier when the 26.2 miles finally ended and that medal was in hand! Greenfield Lake, Hanover County, North Carolina. 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 Ruby-crowned Kinglet bird, Corthylio calendula, bird perched on a branch. Wildlife birding photography in Monroe, Walton County, Georgia USA. My New Year’s resolution for 2022 was to finish uploading to iNaturalist my hundreds of my older observations that were made prior to joining iNat in 2018. I also resolved to, month-by-month, improve the narratives of older nature journals and post those in the iNat journal as well. In the past, staring at computer folders of thousands of photos and hundreds of unfinished field notes, it seemed it couldn’t be done and only some progress was made. The only way to get through all those old observations was to not make new ones. There was no way to simultaneously work on the old, and continue to upload the new. Other than an outing to Phinizy Swamp on January 1, and a quick trip to add a lifer Canvasback, I made a sacrifice and really limited my usual backyard photography the first weeks of 2022. But how could I resist the 2022 Great Backyard Bird Count! For day one of the 2022 GBBC, I managed to slip out of the animal shelter where I work for a late afternoon lunch break. It was sunny with a bit of cloud cover, making for some good lighting for photography. The wind was pretty brisk and chill, which limited the birds’ activity some, but not completely. Passing by the spot where my feeders have hung empty for several weeks, I was surprised to find a bustle of activity in the dry, tangled briers below. Several Song Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows flitted about. I gave a little pishing and out popped a very inquisitive Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Down by the beaver swamp, a trio of Wood Ducks whistled off into the air before I even knew they were there. And, of course, the boisterous calls of Carolina Wrens filled echoed across the grounds while dozens of vultures circled in the winds high overhead. In all, a tally of 18 taxa on a 30 minute walk. Not too impressive, but at least I got outside for day one of the Great Backyard Bird County. Walton County, Georgia. February 18, 2022.  Small Ruby-crowned Kinglet bird, Corthylio calendula, bird perched on a branch. Wildlife birding photography in Monroe, Walton County, Georgia USA. Day 2, February 19, 2022Sunny morning with a bright light blue sky, but a brisk breeze and frost on the rooftops. I filled my backyard feeders, put on a coat and a hat, and sat 30 minutes for a morning count on the back patio for day two of the Great Backyard Bird Count. Clarke County, Georgia DAY 3, FEBRUARY 20, 2022Clarke County, Georgia  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.  Male black and tan German Shepherd K9 Police Dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. "Shadow" was a handsome German Shepherd Dog picked up stray by an animal control officer on February 8, 2022. We had a dog adoption photography session together on February 16, 2022. His owner never came to claim him and he was adopted into a home!  Male black and tan German Shepherd K9 Police Dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.  Male black and tan German Shepherd K9 Police Dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.  Male black and tan German Shepherd K9 Police Dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. 
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.
Happy older senior Chocolate Labrador and Pitbull Terrier mix dog with gray muzzle outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
"Pork Chop Annie" was a senior chocolate Pitbull Terrier mix dog that was surrendered to the animal control shelter by her owner on February 1, 2022. I did her pet adoption photography session the following day and she was picked up by a rescue group on February 9, 2022!
Happy older senior Chocolate Labrador and Pitbull Terrier mix dog with gray muzzle outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
Happy older senior Chocolate Labrador and Pitbull Terrier mix dog with gray muzzle outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
Happy older senior Chocolate Labrador and Pitbull Terrier mix dog with gray muzzle outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
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.
Black and tan female pitbull terrier dog with pink harness and leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
"Coco" was really cute Pitbull mix dog surrendered to the animal shelter by her owner on January 31, 2022. I did her pet adoption photography session on February 2, 2022 and she was rescued two days later!
Black and tan female pitbull terrier dog with pink harness and leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
Black and tan female pitbull terrier dog with pink harness and leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
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.
White female Pitbull Terrier dog with brindle patch over her eye outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
"Willow" was a happy and loving Pitbull mix breed dog that was surrendered to the animal shelter by her owner on January 28, 2022. Willow and I had her outdoor pet adoption photography session on February 2, 2022 and she was rescued seven days later!
White female Pitbull Terrier dog with brindle patch over her eye outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
 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.  Male blue and white gray American Pitbull Terrier bulldog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. "White Boy" very nice looking blue and white American Pitbull Terrier dog that was surrendered to the animal shelter by his owner on January 18, 2022. He was a perfect gentleman when I took him outside for his adoption glamour photos. He struck several handsome poses which got him adopted into a new home on January 25, 2022!  Male blue and white gray American Pitbull Terrier bulldog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.  Male blue and white gray American Pitbull Terrier bulldog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. 
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.
Young female Black Lab Border Collie mix puppy dog outside on leash outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
"April" was a cute little Labrador Retriever mix breed puppy picked up by an animal control officer on January 15, 2022. I had fun with her doing her outdoor adoption photos on January 21 and she was rescued from the shelter on January 24, 2022!
Young female Black Lab Border Collie mix puppy dog outside on leash outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
Young female Black Lab Border Collie mix puppy dog outside on leash outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
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.
Old senior Saint Bernard Anatolian Shepherd mix dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
We can’t stop the wheels of time. But thankfully there can be a happy ending in a sad situation…
Poor "Trixie" was surrendered by her owner to the animal shelter on January 19, 2022. She was an older Saint Bernard mix dog that was with an older couple for many years. But then the cycle of life rolled on and one of Trixie’s owners passed away. The deceased owner’s spouse was then moving to a care home and Trixie couldn’t go along. So, Trixie also bereaved of family and home. She was in need of a new family where she could give and receive love. I met Trixie at the animal shelter for her adoption photography session on January 21, 2022. I could immediately discern that she was a calm and affectionate girl upon first introduction. But I could also see a little fear in her eyes, being newly brought into a strange environment away from her accustomed home. I brought her outside and gently reassured her before starting our photo session. Her long tan and white coat was so soft. After a few minutes of gentle petting and soft talk, she was ready for a few adoption photos. In addition to the photos, I recorded a short video of her interacting with one of the other shelter dogs. She was calm and gently wagging her tail. But the ringer was when she looked up at the camera with deep, sad brown eyes. It was enough to catch the attention of a non-profit rescue and she safely left the animal shelter on January 24, 2022! 
Old senior Saint Bernard Anatolian Shepherd mix dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
Old senior Saint Bernard Anatolian Shepherd mix dog outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.
 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.  Young male ten month old blue and white pitbull puppy dog named Blake outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. "Blake" was young blue Pitbull and silver Lab mix breed puppy dog picked up stray by an animal control officer on January 18, 2022. He was adopted into a new home on January 21, 2022.  Young male ten month old blue and white pitbull puppy dog named Blake outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter.  Young male ten month old blue and white pitbull puppy dog named Blake outside on leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photography for humane society animal shelter. |
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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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