 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  Female Eastern Towhee bird on a cold winter day in Georgia USA. Birding photography January 2020. Pipilo erythrophthalmus is a sparrow bird native to North America. On a Georgia winter morning, this female Eastern Towhee let me approach closely. Friday, January 15, 2021. Walton County, Georgia. 
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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  Small Song Sparrow songbird perched on briers in Walton County, Georgia USA. Birding photography January 2020. Melospiza melodia is a common sparrow native to North America. Autumn fall brown earth tones color background. On a few of my morning walks in my birding patch in Walton County, Georgia, I've managed to photograph several species of sparrows. Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Walton County, Georgia.  Song Sparrow songbird; Walton County, Georgia birding photography. Friday, January 8, 2021.  White-throated Sparrow; Walton County, Geogia. January 12, 2021.  Lincoln's Sparrow; Walton County, Geogia. January 11, 2021.  Field Sparrow; Walton County, Geogia. January 12, 2021.  Swamp Sparrow; Walton County, Geogia. January 4, 2021.  House Sparrow; Walton County, Geogia. January 12, 2021.  Chipping Sparrow; Walton County, Geogia. January 8, 2021. 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  A Blue Jay checks out the offering I laid out upon the stone in my Clarke County, Georgia backyard. Saturday, January 9, 2021. I try to reserve an hour or two for some backyard birding on the weekends at my home in Clarke County, Georgia. Often it is simply sitting on the back patio with a cup of coffee to enjoy the regular visitors. Occasionally an infrequent visitor pops in. 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  Curious Northern Mockingbird. Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Walton County, Georgia USA. Some random birding walks in my Walton County, Georgia birding patch.  Red male Northern Cardinal bird perched in Sweetgum Tree on cold winter day in Georgia USA. Birding photography January 2020. 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  A "Christmas Card-inal" - Bright red male Northern Cardinal bird sitting on a Pine branch. Birding photography on Lake Oconee in Greene County, Greensboro, Georgia, USA. Cardinalis cardinalis is a common songbird throughout the eastern United States. Although technically not part of an organized Christmas bird count, I nonetheless braved the chilly wind on Christmas afternoon to take a short walk around my parents' Del Webb neighborhood off Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia. Sunny, with a high near 37. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. 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  Chipping Sparrow songbird perched on a branch. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. Spizella passerina is a North American sparrow. Another bright morning, perfect for a short birding walk. Walton County, Georgia  Northern Mockingbird songbird perched on a branch. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. Mimus polyglottos is a common thrush in North America.  Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on the side of a tree in a dark forest. Sphyrapicus varius is a woodpecker of United States and Canada. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA.
William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message
Large raptor Red Tailed Hawk flapping wings ripping apart an Eastern Gray Squirrel. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. Buteo jamaicensis is a bird of prey native to North America.
Tuesday, 4:53 PM - Leaving my office in Walton County, Georgia, a Red-tailed Hawk was feasting upon an Eastern Gray Squirrel by the roadside. I pulled my truck closer and watched it tear apart its gruesome feast. And like a Christmas gift to me, it flew up to the top of a nearby utility pole and finished its meal in the golden glow of the setting sun, allowing some beautiful photography and video.
Walton County, Georgia 
Large raptor Red Tailed Hawk ripping apart an Eastern Gray Squirrel. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. Buteo jamaicensis is a bird of prey native to North America.
Large raptor Red Tailed Hawk ripping apart an Eastern Gray Squirrel. Nictitating membrane over eye protects while eating. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. Buteo jamaicensis is a bird of prey native to North America.
Large raptor Red Tailed Hawk ripping apart an Eastern Gray Squirrel. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. Buteo jamaicensis is a bird of prey native to North America.
Large raptor Red Tailed Hawk ripping apart an Eastern Gray Squirrel. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. Buteo jamaicensis is a bird of prey native to North America.
Large raptor Red Tailed Hawk ripping apart an Eastern Gray Squirrel. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. Buteo jamaicensis is a bird of prey native to North America.
Large raptor Red Tailed Hawk ripping apart an Eastern Gray Squirrel. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. Buteo jamaicensis is a bird of prey native to North America.
Large raptor Red Tailed Hawk ripping apart an Eastern Gray Squirrel. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. Buteo jamaicensis is a bird of prey native to North America.
Large raptor Red Tailed Hawk ripping apart an Eastern Gray Squirrel. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. Buteo jamaicensis is a bird of prey native to North America.
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  Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis, perched on a meadow pasture barbed wire fence on fall winter day. Birding photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. A short birding walk in Walton County, Georgia on a chilly winter morning. There were sparrows galore: dozens of Chipping Sparrows, several Song Sparrows, a couple White-throated Sparrows, and one that struck me as a little different. I wasn't sure if I was looking at a juvenile Song Sparrow or, with fingers crossed, a Lincoln's Sparrow. But after posting to iNaturalist, the Lincoln's was confirmed and I added a new bird to my life list. Walton County, Georgia  Lincoln's Sparrow; a lifer for me!  William Wise Photography’s Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9 “I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders.” Psalms 9:1, The Message  Blue-headed Vireo song bird perched on a branch with blue sky background. Vireo solitarius is a Neotropical song bird found breeding and migrating in eastern North and Central America. Birding photography December 13, 2020 near Lake Oconee in Greene County, Georgia, USA. The discipline of writing about and describing the wonders of creation is nothing new. The Bible tells us that in his four-thousand and five proverbs and songs (that’s a lot of blogging!), King Solomon “spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish.” While I’m no Solomon, I have been journaling and blogging for several years now. I confess that I don’t journal every day, and I’ve certainly gone through some dry spells. But even if there are gaps, it has proved to be an invaluable habit. While the whole process can seem introspective, and even self-centered, I see it as a form of worship.  Green Anole lizard in brown color while basking on a rock on a cold day. Anolis carolinensis is a small arboreal lizard native to the southeastern United States and is sometimes called a chameleon because it can change from green to brown. Reptile photography December 13, 2020 near Lake Oconee in Greene County, Georgia, USA. How often did King David refer to the natural wonders around him as he wrote Psalms in praise to the God of heaven? “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained…” A view towards the mountains of Israel caused David’s heart to leap in praise, and his pen to write poems and songs of worship. “My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” Psalm 45 Even the simplest blog post and photograph can glorify the Creator. Pointing out the wonders of His creation exalts our God as the creator and sustainer of all things. Recognizing and delighting in the works of His hands, rather than in some other pursuit, is giving praise where praise is due. It is not a replacement for the lifting of hands in the congregation, but can certainly produce a fuller, more vibrant life of worship. Greene County, Georgia. While visiting my parents in Greensboro, Georgia to watch the UGA football game, it warmed up to a pleasant and sunny 65 degrees. I had to take a short walk during halftime.  Green Anole lizard in brown color while basking on a rock on a cold day. Anolis carolinensis is a small arboreal lizard native to the southeastern United States and is sometimes called a chameleon because it can change from green to brown. Reptile photography December 13, 2020 near Lake Oconee in Greene County, Georgia, USA. Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. -- “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9  A Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) appears to play hide-and-seek in a nest cavity. March 31, 2017; Walton County, Georgia. ©www.williamwisephoto.com. Have you ever shouted to God, “COME OUT, COME OUT WHEREVER YOU ARE!”? Ezekiel 39:29 “Neither will I hide my face any more from them…” Birding can sometimes feel like a game of hide-and-seek. The birds have the “hide” part down pat! They are masters of camouflage and stealth, and seem to know the cleverest places to hide. So the birders must play the “seek” side of the game. We maximize our chances of finding particular bird species by learning where they live – their range and habitat within the range – and going where the birds are! There are times it seems like God is playing hide-and-seek with us. Our theology says God is omnipresent, but our feelings say He has hidden Himself and is nowhere to be found. Like Martha and Mary when their brother Lazarus passed away, we blame God for being absent when crisis and need hits — “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” (John 11:21). But have you thought that maybe God isn’t hiding; and perhaps the problem is with our seeking? Jesus was quite willing to commune with those who desired His company. When two disciples asked, “Where dwellest thou?” Jesus offered the open invitation of come and see (John 1:38). Since the Bible promises us that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6), perhaps our seeking isn’t as diligent as we thought. God is not hiding. He can be seen in the design, order and complexity of nature around us… especially the birds! And just like searching for a bird in its range and habitat, we maximize our chances by seeking God in the right places. Where does God “hide”? Maybe He is “hidden” in that Bible on your bookshelf? Or perhaps He can be found in that church down the road? One thing is certain: if you are honest and diligent, He will be found! Deuteronomy 30:11-14 “For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.” 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  Dry brown Cattail Plants, Typha, in the Peter Exner Conservation Nature Preserve in McHenry, Illinois. Exner Marsh is a wildlife nature preserve for birds, ducks, sandhill crane and other animals. It's a bit of a chilly morning compared to what I'm used to in Georgia. But if there's a natural area nearby, I'm there! On a Thanksgiving visit to Illinois, I made another trip to the Exner Nature Preserve while others prepared the afternoon Thanksgiving meal. The Exner Marsh is a small nature preserve in Huntley, Illinois (McHenry County). There are some very well-maintained trails along the waters of this 113 acre marsh habitat dominated by cattails and bulrush. My biggest surprise was an immature male Common Yellowthroat which, according to eBird, should have migrated out by now. McHenry County, Illinois
I want to thank Lee's Birdwatching Adventures for guest posting this blog! Lee's website is about birding from a Christian perspective and has years of articles and content from Lee and other creationists and birders. Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9  Bright yellow female American Goldfinch perched on pine sapling. Spinus tristis is a North American songbird. Photographed June 17, 2020 in Walton County, Georgia USA on morning birding photography hike. 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season…” People have asked me, “How are you able to photograph so many different animals?” A big part of the equation is taking and making opportunities. This success principle holds true in many areas: financial investors watch the markets to take advantage of opportune seasons to invest, while ingenious entrepreneurs create a market where none existed before. Taking an opportunity, or making one, can bring success.
There are times that wildlife photography opportunities present themselves; say, a Red-tailed Hawk swooping down on a roadside squirrel, or a Gray Fox cutting through your backyard. You have to be always ready to take those opportunities when presented. But most of the time, birds don’t swoop in and pose when we set up a tripod and camera. We must make opportunities by travelling to areas that maximize our chances of wildlife viewing, such as birding hotspots, parks and wildlife refuges. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul passes along this same strategy for success to the young pastor Timothy. William Barclay’s translation of 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Urge it upon people whether you can take an opportunity or have to make an opportunity.” Paul isn’t speaking about wildlife photography or financial investments, but about eternal investments: souls! There are times that opportunities to witness present themselves, such as in a long line at Walmart. Other strategies include making evangelistic opportunities such as outdoor concerts and testimony services, or mini neighborhood healing crusades. So, a greater question than “how do I photograph more birds?”, is “how do I win more souls?”! Hobbies and recreation are fine – and I’d say they are even essential to mental health – but do I spend as much time seeking to bring people for Christ as I do on photography? Or do I squander my evangelistic opportunities on other pursuits? Just some food for thought. As for me, I will pursue and enjoy both! I want to thank Lee's Birdwatching Adventures for guest posting this blog! Lee's website is about birding from a Christian perspective and has years of articles and content from Lee and other creationists and birders. William Wise Photography’s Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9  Hawk catching prey at Panola Mountain State Park, Georgia. November 3, 2014 ©www.williamwisephoto.com “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Who isn’t enraptured by raptors? With their first-rate flight, outstanding optics and on-target talons, they grab our attention and seize our fascination. The ability to swiftly and silently swoop down and snatch up prey unawares – like a thief in the night – is where this group of Birds of Prey receives their name. A raptor is defined as a carnivorous bird that has large, sharp talons used to seize prey. It comes from the Latin word rapio, meaning to snatch, grab, carry off or abduct. The speed at which these hawks, eagles, kites, owls and falcons can clutch an unsuspecting victim is what makes them so impressive.  Red-tailed Hawk talon characteristic of Raptors. Walton County, Georgia. August 2017 ©www.williamwisephoto.com This same word is also used in the 4th century Latin Vulgate translation of 1 Thessalonians 4:17. In this scripture, the Apostle Paul describes the Lord as “catching up” the saints from off the earth to meet with Him in the air. It is from here that we receive the doctrine of The Rapture.
As the age of man upon earth nears midnight, Jesus Christ Himself will snatch His people away from impeding Tribulation, as swiftly and unexpectedly as a raptor descending upon its prey. But we won’t be carried off for lunch like a fish in an Osprey’s claws, we’ll be carried away to supper… the Marriage Supper of the Lamb! Revelation 19 describes a heavenly wedding reception where we, the church, are clothed in beautiful, clean bridal garments to worship the Bridegroom for eternity. Seats on this Last Days flight called the Rapture are booking now. You can’t purchase this ticket online through Travelpediocity, but it is available for free through the blood and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Wherefore comfort one another with these words! 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  Fall red foliage of the Winged Sumac plant. Rhus copallinum also called shining sumac, dwarf sumac or flameleaf sumac. Botany plant nature photography in Walton County, Georgia USA. William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message  Large green and yellow Melanoplus Grasshopper in the grass. Considered an insect pest to agriculture. The Red-legged Grasshopper of this genus is the most common grasshoppers found in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. With an estimated 10 quintillion (10,000,000,000,000,000,000) species of insects on the planet, there are just too many to learn in too little time. I'll therefore just post them on iNaturalist and hope someone with more knowledge than me can help!  Large striped horsefly on a white wildflower in Georgia.  Large green and yellow Melanoplus Grasshopper in the grass. Considered an insect pest to agriculture. The Red-legged Grasshopper of this genus is the most common grasshoppers found in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.  Large green and yellow Melanoplus Grasshopper in the grass. Considered an insect pest to agriculture. The Red-legged Grasshopper of this genus is the most common grasshoppers found in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. |
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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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