 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 and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "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  Reflection of a cypress tree and Spanish Moss in a blackwater swamp. Taxodium distichum and Taxodium ascendens are found in wetland habitats. Photographed on the Middle Fork Suwannee River red canoe trail in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA.
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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 and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "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 Day 1 - the Brown TrailLeg 1 - paddling west on Billy's Lake to the entrance of The Narrows; 1:30 to 2:15 PM  An American Alligator laying on a log in a dark swamp showing teeth. West end of Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. I was accompanied on my fall 2020 Okefenokee adventure by a friend from church. When questioned by others whether or not David could “hang with the Okefenokee”, I reminded them that he had been a missionary in South Africa for five years. If he could hang with rhinoceros and marauding baboons, he could certainly paddle the peaceful Okefenokee. We got an earlier start that I typically have with my daughter and were therefore already in the refuge with our Stephen C Foster campsite erected and on the water by 1:30 PM. Our first evening would be along the brown trail toward The Sill and back.  American Alligator diving into dark swamp water with reflection in tanin stained blackwater. West end of Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. My goal this trip was to document individual alligators and to photograph species I had not yet documented during my last trips. Although not a first, a softshell turtle was a promising start to our trek. David quickly proved a keen eye as he spotted it laying upon the peat at the entrance to Billy’s Lake. It dove a bit too quickly under the dark water to capture a good photograph. A Little Blue Heron stood not far to the right.  Turkey Vultures roost in dead cypress tree and Spanish Moss in swamp. West end of Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. As we trolled westward toward the Narrows, I was perplexed by the lack of birds. None of the typical Cormorants and Anhingas sat in the cypress. I was hoping fall held higher numbers of waterfowl than our spring and summer visits. Of course, there were plenty of Turkey Vultures, but just a few Great Egrets and Little Blue Herons. The alligators weren’t in great abundance, but not atypical for a hot afternoon on Billy’s Lake. A few lay basking on logs in the more secluded western end of Billy’s Lake. The green Cypress leaves were turning to a rich brown, and decorated with Spanish Moss curtains, Billy’s Lake was a beautiful autumn scene. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia  Spanish Moss curtains hanging on Cypress tree buttress in the Okefenokee Swamp Georgia. West end of Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. Tillandsia usneoides is an epiphyte that grows on oak and cypress trees.  American Alligator laying on a cypress log in the Okefenokee Swamp, tight dermal scales visible. West end of Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. Alligator mississippiensis is native to the Southeastern United States.  An American Alligator laying on a log in a dark swamp showing teeth. West end of Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA.  Close up portrait of American Alligator head, jaws, teeth, scales and vertically elliptical pupil. West end of Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA.  A close up portrait of an American Alligator laying on a log in a dark swamp showing teeth. West end of Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. On the return "home", there were many Turkey Vultures and several Little Blue Herons on Billy's Lake. A few alligators we still out soaking up the last sun of the day. 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 and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "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  Timber Rattlesnake; Stephen C Foster State Park campground, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. In hopes of documenting a few other Okefenokee species I hadn't photographed before, I took some after dark bike rides and walks around the Stephen C Foster State Park campground. The best find was a Timber Rattlesnake, although unfortunately it was dead on the road. 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 and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "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 DAY 1 - THE bROWN tRAILTurn-around point: The Sill Recreation Area  Large American Alligator high walking along The Sill Recreation Area in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. David and I weren’t planning to paddle as far as The Sill, but the strong current of the Suwannee carried us there quite quickly. Being a long, straight, man-made canal, “The Sill” is probably the least scenic waterway I’ve paddled in the Okefenokee, but it certainly has some big gators! To stretch our legs before the afternoon’s return journey to the Stephen C Foster campground, we pulled the canoe on the bank just above the sluicegates and walked to the parking lot below the dam. Right away we spotted five large alligators. The highlight was when one monster across the river “high-walked” from his basking spot down into the water. The Sill is a water control dam built by the Federal government in 1960. It is five miles long and was designed to hold water in the swamp during times of drought. Failing in its intended purpose to control the Okefenokee's water levels, it is now the Suwannee River Sill Recreation Area and is popular for anglers.  American Alligator hiding in the Suwannee River Sill Recreation Area in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. Okefenokee Photography by William Wise. A nature photo journal exploration of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, the Land of Trembling Earth, one of the largest blackwater swamps in North America. The alligators, birds, snakes and wildlife of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "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 laying on a cypress log on a cypress lake. West end of Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. Alligator mississippiensis is native to the Southeastern United States. Excerpt from the 1875 Okefenokee Exploration by The Atlanta ConstitutioN "We are receiving applications daily by letter and in person, to join our expedition in the Okefenokee swamp. We desire to state again, that as it is not a pleasure excursion, we must necessarily restrict our party to those who will assist in accomplishing the objects of the expedition. Persons desiring to penetrate the mysteries of this terra incognita must make up their minds to abandon every comfort and prepare themselves to meet the utmost exposure and fatigue while in the swamp. Clothing and shoe leather are treated very unceremoniously by the water and briars and one should consider himself fortunate to come out with enough cloth upon his person to hide his nakedness." - The Atlanta Constitution, October 22, 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. 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 and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "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  Tillandsia air plants along the brown trail through "The Narrows"; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. DAY 1 - THE BROWN TRAILLeg 2 - "The Narrows" As we paddled west on Billy’s Lake, the waterway tapers and the open blue sky is soon shrouded by vails of Spanish Moss hanging from the cypress trees. A sign marks the entry to aptly named "Narrows." Even on bright days, all is darkened in this watercourse as the Titi and Fetterbush reach in and over your canoe. Rare is the sight of an alligator in this dark passage, but on occasion a young one finds refuge here from the bigger monsters on Billy's Lake. Here is a gloomy tunnel with a swift, dark current. Gnarled tree roots and eerie green beards of Tillandsia air plants add to the macabre décor. As the light decreases, the insect inhabitants increase and soon find that you are a delectable meal. Hiding from the currents behind cypress knees and stumps were circled groups of Whirligig beetles (Genus Dineutus). As our canoe approached, they retreated in almost geometric, zig-zag patterns that were bewildering to the eye. On our return journey through The Narrows back to camp we spotted something I had not expected. A rustling high up in the trees caught our attention, but it was soon dismissed as a squirrel. But as the noise became louder, I turned my head to see a Black Bear rapidly shimmying down from about fifty feet up in a tree, butt first! He hit the ground running before I even had a chance to lift my camera lens. In an attempt to pull our canoe closer into the thickly overgrown bank to spot the bear, I grabbed a small tree. As I leveraged the canoe forward, the tree broke at the base – rotten through from ants or termites - and fell directly toward my friend in the back of the canoe. He pushed it away in time to avoid being knocked on the head, but received a face full of splashing swamp water in return! Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia
Okefenokee Photography by William Wise. A nature photo journal exploration of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, the Land of Trembling Earth, one of the largest blackwater swamps in North America. The alligators, birds, snakes and wildlife of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "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
DAY 1 - THE BROWN TRAIL
Leg 3 - the strong currents on Mixon's Hammock
Bright rainbow in cloudy blue sky over Mixon`s Hammock canoe trail and cypress trees in swamp prairie. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA.
If you are successful in your navigation and make it through the treachery of the narrows, the scene opens wide as you enter Mixon’s Hammock. Thick, tall maidencane grasses line each side of the canoe run and patches of slender, young cypress ornament the horizon. The scars of yearly fires that keep this an open landscape remain upon many of the darkened stumps and trees. About midway, the remnants of the extensive logging railroads of the early 1900’s still remain as a series of pylons that cross the path.
Old logging timber railroad pylons in Mixon`s Hammock canoe trail. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. The Okefenokee was vastly logged for cypress timber in the early 1900`s.
Old logging timber railroad pylons in Mixon`s Hammock canoe trail. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. The Okefenokee was vastly logged for cypress timber in the early 1900`s.
My last trip down this section of the brown-trail several years ago had us fighting strong currents with weakened rowing muscles and a dying trolling motor. This day was no different. As the strong current pulled us quickly westward toward The Sill, I knew the return trip would be toiling, even with the motor. The Suwannee is typically slow moving throughout the Okefenokee, but not here on the brown trail. Perhaps it is the open sluicegates of The Sill that cause these extreme currents.
Travelling westward with the current is a joy – lazily allowing the stream to carry the canoe onward as I take in the scenery. But the eastward journey requires digging the oars deep and hard into the waters. Even then, the forward movement is quite slow. Right as I am about to give up and let the canoe drift back to the Sill Recreation Area with thoughts of hitchhiking back to Stephen C Foster State Park, a rainbow appears over the thickening trees ahead. We are nearing The Narrows, and just beyond that will be easy paddling Billy’s Lake back toward camp. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. The brown trail - Mixon's Hammock 
"Ogeechee limes" from the White Tupelo tree (Nyssa ogeche) swept together in the currents of the Suwannee River along Mixon's Hammock; brown kayal trail, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.
Burned cypress tree buttress along Mixon`s Hammock kayak trail. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia, USA. The Okefenokee was vastly logged for cypress timber in the early 1900`s. Seasonal lightning wildfire maintains open prairies in the Okefenokee.
 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  Submerged American Alligator swimming in green wetland waters. Greenfield Lake Park in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. A 190 acre local park near Cape Fear River basin. I recently went on a short trip to attend a pioneer pastor’s conference in North Carolina. Even though we spent most of our weekend driving, my wife and I were able to connect with friends and fit in some wildlife photography in a small park in Wilmington. The pleasant experience got me thinking about the value of a local park. Greenfield Lake Park in Wilmington, North Carolina is small compared to our National Parks, but good sized for a local park. There was some surprisingly nice scenery and wildlife in this 190-acre municipal park. Although surrounded by development and neighborhoods, we were immediately transported into a low-country cypress wetland. The yellows, reds and greens of fall were reflected in the dark waters. Curtains of Spanish Moss hung from the textured Cypress trees.  River Cooter turtle basking on a Cypress Tree butress with knees. Pseudemys concinna is a freshwater turtle native to the central and eastern United States. Greenfield Lake Park in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. A 190 acre local park near Cape Fear River basin. A break in the afternoon rain showers allowed us to rent the paddle boats for an hour. I was again surprised by the abundance of wildlife. Cormorants and Anhingas preened in the Cypress, White Ibis fed along the banks and small birds flitted about with joy. And it’s always a treat to see gators, especially in a very developed area. The value of this small lake is beyond measure for the wildlife that may have otherwise been pushed out or exterminated. And how nice to have a quiet area to spend the afternoon with our friends. Local parks provide city residents a quick opportunity to recharge in nature without travelling great distances. Even our small parks give us a quiet place to de-stress, relax and bring down the blood pressure while enjoying the company of friends and loved ones.  Submerged American Alligator swimming in green wetland waters. Greenfield Lake Park in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. A 190 acre local park near Cape Fear River basin.  White Ibis bird perched in a cypress tree wetland habitat. Greenfield Lake Park in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. A 190 acre local park near Cape Fear River basin. The American white ibis, Eudocimus albus, is a coastal and wetlands wading bird.  White Ibis bird perched in a cypress tree wetland habitat. Greenfield Lake Park in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. A 190 acre local park near Cape Fear River basin. The American white ibis, Eudocimus albus, is a coastal and wetlands wading bird.  White Ibis birds feeding in a low country wetland habitat. Greenfield Lake Park in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. A 190 acre local park near Cape Fear River basin. The American white ibis, Eudocimus albus, is a coastal and wetlands wading bird. 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 Spending whatever spare time I can muster to hunt fall migration warblers in the backyard.  A bold American Crow eased up to our patio during Sunday lunch. Clarke County, Georgia backyard. October 11, 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 Just some short morning walks around the animal shelter. Tuesday, October 6, 2020 Eurasian Collared Dove; October 6, 2020 - Walton County, Georgia Tuesday, October 6, 2020 - Walton County, Georgia Tuesday, October 13, 2020 Common Yellowthroat; October 13, 2020 - Walton County, Georgia Tuesday, October 13, 2020 - Walton County, Georgia Wednesday, October 14 Brown Thrasher; Walton County, Georgia. October 14, 2020. Wednesday, October 14, 2020 - Walton County, Georgia Thursday, october 29 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 Ahhhh, autumn! What a wonderful time of year. Who can resist morning walks in the relatively chilly air. And my short walk paid off. I found my first Scarlet Tanager in Walton County, bringing me to 129 species for Walton.  Walton County, Georgia. 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  Normally along the coast, this Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) was a bit off course when spotted in Walton County, Georgia. June 11, 2020. James 1:16-18 The Message “So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course.” As the fall migrations progress, there are often birds that go off course and show up in odd areas where they are not normally observed. Even though they may be a common bird elsewhere, birders often delight in seeing these vagrants and will travel miles and miles to add them to their checklists. These birds may have drifted off course from storms or strong weather patterns, or by following the wrong flock (“abmigration”). Earlier this summer I was delighted when I found a Least Tern flapping in graceful circles over the retention pond behind my office in Walton County, Georgia… about 260 miles from the coast! What a delight to have the first and only eBird sighting for my county! Yes, I could have simply driven four hours east and seen as many Least Terns as I wanted. But this drifter was a delight to be seen so far off course. In our Christian walk, we too can become spiritual “vagrants”. We might neglect Bible reading or prayer, or prolonged absence from in-person church attendance might leave us a tad off course. But when a Christian strays, there is no joy… except with Satan! He’s just waiting to add another drifting Christian to his list. Hebrews 3:12-14 The Message So watch your step, friends. Make sure there’s no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. But thank God we have a Divine Navigator that can direct our feet and put us back on course. His Word casts a beam of light and makes it simple to find the correct course. The Holy Spirit’s guidance is a gift that keeps us from becoming a checkmark on the devil’s eBird list! John 12:46 I have come as a Light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer wander in the darkness. 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  Juvenile Eastern Black Ratsnake picked up in Walton County, Georgia. A frantic caller to animal control was sure she had a Cottonmouth in her finished basement. As is usual, it was not venomous, but the typical Eastern Ratsnakes we pick up all the time Walton County, Georgia. This juvenile measured a long, slender 26 inches, and was about as big around as my finger. It had a fairly mild temperament and was cooperative enough for a photo session. Walton County, Georgia  Juvenile Eastern Black Ratsnake picked up in Walton County, Georgia.  Dorsal and ventral views of an Eastern Ratsnake.  Juvenile Eastern Black Ratsnake picked up in Walton County, Georgia.  Juvenile Eastern Black Ratsnake picked up in Walton County, Georgia.  Juvenile Eastern Black Ratsnake picked up in Walton County, Georgia. 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  Juvenile Little Blue Heron in white plumage standing in the rain. Walton County, Georgia. It’s breezy and chilly… its overcast and drizzling. Do I really want to go for a walk? What’s there going to be to see anyway? But sure enough, that’s when you find something! As I walked up to the upper retention pond, through the yellowing autumn leaves I saw a patch of bright white feathers huddled on a limb over the water. Just the Great Egret, I thought to myself. But as I rounded the corner and looked closer, it was definitely smaller. And as it turned its head I saw that two-toned bill. The greenish legs were the final clue that I was looking at a juvenile Little Blue Heron! While the Little Blue isn’t a rarity, this is only my second sighting in my birding patch in Walton County, Georgia. So still an unexpected find on my morning walk… especially for a cloudy, rainy, colder day! Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.  Juvenile Little Blue Heron in white plumage standing in the rain. Walton County, Georgia.  Juvenile Little Blue Heron in white plumage standing in the rain. Walton County, Georgia.
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  Scary close up portrait of an Evening Bat, Nycticeius humeralis, showing sharp canine teeth like vampire fangs. Evening Bats are forest dwelling, not a cave bat. May be nuisance wildlife living in wooden buildings and attics. Rabies is a concern with bats. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia. The month of Halloween is just a few days away, so this was a fitting find. It was captured in a house on an animal control call. I had some fun with my 40mm macro lens and trying to get him to "smile"! There was no bite or exposure so it was released after photographing.  Close up portrait of an Evening Bat, Nycticeius humeralis, clinging to a tree. Evening Bats are forest dwelling, not a cave bat. May be nuisance wildlife living in wooden buildings and attics. Rabies is a concern with bats. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia. |
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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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