Pet and nature photography blog by William Wise - WILLIAM WISE PHOTOGRAPHY

E Pluribus Unum Anhinga

3/4/2017

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

Okefenokee Anhinga Birding Picture

Anhinga with wings spread, on Spatterdock hammock, Spanish moss background, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 4, 2017.

During his travels through Flordida in 1894, naturalist Bradford Torrey described the beautiful Anhinga in his book A Florida Sketch-book:

"A good many of my jaunts took me past the gallinule swamp before mentioned, and almost always I stopped and went near. It was worth while to hear the poultry cries of the gallinules if nothing more; and often several of the birds would be seen swimming about among the big white lilies and the green tussocks. Once I discovered one of them sitting upright on a stake,—a precarious seat, off which he soon tumbled awkwardly into the water. At another time, on the same stake, sat some dark, strange-looking object. The opera-glass showed it at once to be a large bird sitting with its back toward me, and holding its wings uplifted in the familiar heraldic, e-pluribus-unum attitude of our American spread-eagle; but even then it was some seconds before I recognized it as an anhinga,—water turkey,—though it was a male in full nuptial garb. I drew nearer and nearer, and meanwhile it turned squarely about,—a slow and ticklish operation,—so that its back was presented to the sun; as if it had dried one side of its wings and tail,—for the latter, too, was fully spread,—and now would dry the other. There for some time it sat preening its feathers, with monstrous twistings and untwistings of its snaky neck."

Torrey, Bradford. A Florida Sketch-Book, 1895. Chapter 10.

His Rival Champion

3/4/2017

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

Large Bull American Alligator basking on Spatterdock, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Large bull American Alligator basking on Spatterdock in Billys Lake, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 4, 2017. ©www.williamwisephoto.com.

A passage from William Bartram's Travels, published in 1791.

"THE verges and islets of the lagoon were elegantly embellished with flowering plants and shrubs; the laughing coots with wings half spread were tripping over the little coves and hiding themselves in the tufts of grass; young broods of the painted summer teal, skimming the still surface of the waters, and following the watchful parent unconscious of danger, were frequently surprised by the voracious trout, and he in turn, as often by the subtle, greedy alligator. Behold him rushing forth from the flags and reeds. His enormous body swells. His plaited tail brandished high, floats upon the lake. The waters like a cataract descend from his opening jaws. Clouds of smoke issue from his dilated nostrils. The earth trembles with his thunder. When immediately from the opposite coast of the lagoon, emerges from the deep his rival champion. They suddenly dart upon each other. The boiling surface of the lake marks their rapid course, and a terrific conflict commences. They now sink to the bottom folded together in horrid wreaths. The water becomes thick and discoloured. Again they rise, their jaws clap together, re-echoing through the deep surrounding forests. Again they sink, when the contest ends at the muddy bottom of the lake, and the vanquished makes a hazardous escape, hiding himself in the muddy turbulent waters and sedge on a distant shore. The proud victor exulting returns to the place of action. The shores and forests resound his dreadful roar, together with the triumphing shouts of the plaited tribes around, witnesses of the horrid combat." Part II, Chapter V

William Bartram was a botantist, artist, and nature writer that explored the southeastern United States around the time of the American Revolution (1773-1776). He was a scientist, creationist and Christian that gave glory to the Author for all the wonderful works he observed and documented in his book, Travels Through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida.

Landscapes from the Land of Trembling Earth

3/4/2017

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

Middle Fork Suwannee River red trail, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Middle Fork Suwannee River red trail, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Middle Fork Suwannee River red trail, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Middle Fork Suwannee River red trail, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Minnies Lake Canoe Kayak Trail, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Minnies Lake Canoe Kayak Trail, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Cypress Stump, Spatterdock, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Cypress stump on Billys Lake, Okefenokee NWR, Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia, USA

Okefenokee Trolling Motor

3/4/2017

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

Large American Alligator laying in the swamp showing teeth Picture

Large American Alligator laying along Billy's Lake showing teeth; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 4, 2017. ©www.williamwisephoto.com

For our 2017 trip I added an electric trolling motor to our canoe, my daughter acting as captain of our vessel. Not only did the motor mean relaxed travels with little rowing, but it allowed hands-free for photography. In addition, our patrols of the shores of Billy’s Lake to spot the large alligators basking were much quicker. Within minutes of hitting the swamp on our 2017 trip, by covering ground so quickly, we found one gloriously large bull gator poised for a photograph on Billy's Lake, unmoved by our close approach. His portrait became one of my favorites of the 2017 trip. What luck to grab a great shot so quickly!

Gators So Numerous...

3/4/2017

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

On our four day paddling trek in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, the gator were so numerous and photographs so plenteous that they could hardly all fit on my main Okefenokee Journal page.

Large American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Large bull gator, teeth, American Alligator and lily pads, Billys Lake, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia

American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

American Alligator squinting half submerged, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia

American Alligator basking on log in spike rush bog, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

American Alligator basking on floating peat mat hammock, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia

American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Floyds, gator Picture

Large American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, on floating Spatterdock peat bed, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park

American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Floyds, gator Picture

Large American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, on floating Spatterdock peat bed, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park

Large Bull American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Big Male American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, basking on log, Maidencane background, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park

Large Bull American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Fetterbush Picture

Same individual as the gator above. Big Male American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, basking on log, Maidencane background, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park

Juvenile American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Young American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, basking on Spatterdock peat bed, Maidencane background, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park

American Alligator basking on log, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

American Alligator sunning on log among Spatterdock lily pads, Canoe Kayak Trail in Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park

Large American Alligator sunning in the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia Picture

Large American Alligator sunning on a log in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.

American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

American Alligator peering out from Spatterdock lily pads, Canoe Kayak Trail in Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park

Large American Alligators, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Big gators basking in sun on Spatterdock Lily Pads, Cypress Tree Knees, Minnies Lake, Okefenokee canoe kayak trail, Okefenokee NWR, Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia

Juvenile American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Young American Alligator basking in sun, Spatterdock Lily pads, Swamp plants, Okefenokee canoe kayak trail, Okefenokee NWR, Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia

Large American Alligators basking, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

American Alligator sunning on Spatterdock Lily pads, Okefenokee NWR, Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia

Young alligator laying on log in swamp, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia

Large American Alligator with open mouth showing teeth, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, basking on log in spatterdock lily pads yellow flower, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park

Large American Alligator, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Large gator sunning on black tannin water, Spatterdock lily pads, Canoe Kayak Trail in Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park

Gator swamp swimming, Spatterdock lily pads, Canoe Kayak Trail in Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park

Okefenokee Swamp Pileated Woodpeckers

3/4/2017

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

Pileated Woodpecker, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Pileated Woodpecker, Hylatomus pileatus, large red black and white pecking hammering rotten tree, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia

Billy's Lake - Around 5:00 pm, after getting shots of a beautiful, white, Great Egret, we pulled the canoe onto some spatterdock to observe two Pileated Woodpeckers on the bank. All of the Pileateds I had previously seen stayed fairly high up in the trees. But these two were foraging along the ground; hopping on the many downed trees, ripping and prying apart rotten bark and wood. It was a treat to watch these two large Woodpeckers for about ten minutes.

Pileated Woodpecker, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Pileated Woodpecker, Hylatomus pileatus, large red black and white pecking hammering rotten tree, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia

Gray Catbirds of the Okefenokee Swamp

3/4/2017

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

Gray Catbird, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Grey Catbird, Dumetella carolinensis, Spatterdock, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia. March 4, 2017.

One of the most common sounds to break the silence of the Okefenokee Swamp is that of the Gray Catbird. This nasally “meow” is how it gained its name. All About Birds describes it as “a raspy mew that sounds like a cat.” If you listen to an audio clip before heading into the bush, you’ll soon realize that you are surrounded by unseen catbirds by their persistent calling from the tangles and scrub of the Okefenokee.

When you do finally spot one, you’ll notice an all gray bird with a black cap. Less frequently seen is the rich burgundy color beneath its tail. It is about the size of a Mockingbird. In fact, they are in the same family as the Mockingbird – the Mimidae. When the Catbird isn’t busy meowing like a cat, it actually has a pleasant song which can last several minutes. The eBird frequency charts show that the Gray Catbird is more commonly listed from October to May.

Okefenokee Time Moves Slowly

3/4/2017

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

Anhinga, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Anhinga perched in a cypress tree on Billy's Lake; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 4, 2017. ©www.williamwisephoto.com.

Saturday, 8:41 PM – I’m sitting on a cot in our spacious tent. What a pleasant feeling after several hours out on the water of Billy’s Lake. Although just a half day, the first day was therapeutic. What a joy as I journaled the events of this first day…

We arrived in the Refuge just after 1:00 PM. As before, a group of Wild Turkeys foraged along the road into the park, which was fairly full with large RVs occupying the sizeable camping spots. Plenty of retired couples walked the loop or sat on the “patios” of their motor homes. Our campsite consisted of our tent, two canopies lined with camouflage netting, and the park’s fire pit.

Being limited by a late start, our first excursion would remain on Billy’s Lake, travelling east to Billy’s Island, then turning back toward the western end, and circling back to the campground. Immediately upon entering the lake from the short canal up from the campground, we were confronted by Cormorants, Anhingas, and basking turtles. A pair of Wood Ducks gave a quick, surprise flyby. All looked exactly as we had left it two years ago. In fact, it felt like we had never left. Time moves much more slowly in the Okefenokee.

Double-crested Cormorant, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Double-crested Cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus, perched over Billy's Lake; Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 4, 2017.

The Appearance of a snake

3/4/2017

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

Anhinga in Pond Cypress, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Picture

Anhinga in Pond Cypress, blue sky background, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia.

An excerpt from William Bartram's Travels describing the Anhinga and its habits, published in 1791:

"They delight to sit in little peaceable communities, on the dry limbs of trees, hanging over the still waters, with their wings and tails expanded, I suppose to cool and air themselves, when at the same time they behold their images in the watery mirror: at such times, when we approach them, they drop off the limbs into the water as if dead, and for a minute or two are not to be seen; when on a sudden at a vast distance, their long slender head and neck only appear, and have very much the appearance of a snake, and no other part of them are to be seen when swimming in the water, except some the tip end of their tail. In the heat of the day they are seen in great numbers, sailing very high in the air, over lakes and rivers." Part II, Chapter V

William Bartram was a botantist, artist, and nature writer that explored the southeastern United States around the time of the American Revolution (1773-1776). He was a scientist, creationist and Christian that gave glory to the Author for all the wonderful works he observed and documented in his book, Travels Through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida.

Scream of the Red Shouldered Hawk

3/13/2015

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

Red-shouldered Hawk in Okefenokee Swamp Picture

Red-shouldered Hawk in Okefenokee Swamp Park National Wildlife Refuge Georgia

Noises carry in strange ways in the Okefenokee Swamp. A silent solitude lies upon the blackwaters as one paddles through the refuge. But the dead stillness is suddenly broken by the scream of a Red-shouldered Hawk. Its call seems to emanate from over your shoulder, but the echo carries ahead, to the left, and to the right. It may take a few squawks from the raptor to pinpoint its location.

For many decades, the Red-shouldered Hawk has been one of the most common raptors in the Okefenokee Swamp. In 1913, Albert Wright and Francis Harper published “A Biological Reconnaissance of Okefinokee Swamp: The Birds” in The Auk, the scientific journal of the American Ornithological Society. Of the Red-shouldered Hawk, they wrote,

The call of the Red-shouldered Hawk is still piercing the stillness of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge today.

“Buteo lineatus alleni. FLORIDA RED-SHOULDERED HAWK: 'Hen Hawk'; 'Chicken Hawk.'- Very common. This is one of the most widely distributed birds, as its scream is one of the most characteristic sounds, of the Okefinokee.”

Albert H. Wright and Francis Harper, The Auk, Vol. 30, No. 4 (Oct., 1913), pp. 477-505; Oxford University Press.

The Chirp

3/12/2015

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

Mother and Baby Alligator Pod Okefenokee Swamp Picture

Mother Alligator with baby alligators on her back in Okefenokee Swamp Park National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.

Our encounter with a mother alligator and her babies reminded me of the first time I heard that "chirp" in the wild...

January, 1997 - A shallow, circular pond reflected the tall Longleaf Pines that lined its perimeter. A solitary, sluggish alligator floated on the waters, too cold to pull herself out to bask. The medium sized gator was a mother gator surrounded by several small babies.

As we cautiously approached the edge of the water, within grabbing distance of one colorful black and yellow banded baby, we heard “the chirp”. I had only heard this cute little squeak on documentaries. It was something quite exciting to hear for the first time in the wild.

As the babies continued their alarmed chirping, mom swam closer and elicited a deep, forceful hiss, ending her approach with a feigned lunge that backed us off. Had it been warmer, she may have more aggressively defended her brood and not allowed us such a close approach.

It would be eighteen years until I made another visit to the majestic blackwater swamp and heard that chirp again. That trip came in March, 2015 with my daughter Amanda.

wILLIAM bARTRAM - tHE aLLIGATOR aBOUNDS

3/12/2015

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

Okefenokee Swamp Bull Gator Picture

Large American Alligator on the Middle Fork of the Suwannee River; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.

Excerpt from William Bartram (1729-1823), Travels through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida.

"The dreaded and formidable rattlesnake is yet too common, and a variety of other serpents abound, particularly that admirable creature, the glass-snake: I saw a very large and beautiful on, a little distance from our camp. The alligator, a species of crocodile, abounds in the rivers and swamps, near the sea coast… On the recollection of so many and great favours and blessings, I now, with a high sense of gratitude, presume to offer up my sincere thanks to the Almighty, the Creator and Preserver."

William Bartram was a botantist, artist, and nature writer that explored the southeastern United States around the time of the American Revolution (1773-1776). He was a scientist, creationist and Christian that gave glory to the Author for all the wonderful works he observed and documented in his book, Travels Through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida.

Okefenokee Swamp Alligators Face Off Picture

Two Okefenokee Swamp Alligators Face Off.

Baby Alligator Pod Suwannee Middle Fork

3/12/2015

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

Okefenokee Baby Alligator Picture

Brightly black and yellow striped baby American Alligator laying on lily pads, reflection in the swamp water, Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 12, 2015.

Thursday, 10:21 AM - After a slow paddle a few miles up the Suwannee Middle Fork canoe trail from Billy’s Lake, the overhanging cypress and moss curtains pulled off a bit and the channel opened to blue sky. The waterway became filled with vibrant green lily pads and floating spatterdock “gater taters” tricked our eyes into thinking we were surrounded by alligators.

But soon enough, a juvenile gator caught my eye floating on a piece of rotting wood. Sitting up straight in my canoe, my eyes began to scan back and forth in the vegetation. Almost immediately I caught another glimpse of bright black and yellow stripes. An even smaller gator lay nearby. This was a true baby; probably a recent hatchling of less than 12 inches long. I pointed him out to my daughter who shared my excitement.

Knowing there had to be more, we searched and to the right, about ten feet away, there were two more… then three… then ten! With joy we began pointing out each and counting. As we pulled in our bark and parked upon the lily pads, we found more than fifteen in various poses on the lily pads and grasses.

Bably alligators Picture

Pod of baby American Alligators hiding under yellow bonnet lily pads in the Okefenokee Swamp. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia USA. March 12, 2015.

Okefenokee in 'The Wilderness Coast'

3/12/2015

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

Paddling through Cypress and Spanish Moss in the Okefenokee Swamp. March, 2015.

An Okefenokee excerpt from Jack Rudloe’s, The Wilderness Coast:

“The sun was just rising, but it was already hot when we launched our canoe just below the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia. We were beginning the 217-mile journey through Georgia and Florida to the Gulf of Mexico on the Suwannee River.

“We paddled for days, with only the occasional splash of a bowfin or a garfish, or the bellow of an alligator, breaking the silence. Sometimes we ducked beneath the low hanging branches bearing wasps’ nests, watching for snakes among the contorted cypress tree roots.

“The Suwannee is one of the few large wild undammed rivers in the Southeast. As it leaves the sloughs and hammocks of the vast Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia it gradually coalesces, flowing through an eerie wilderness of stunted Ogeechee tupelo trees. Scattered cypresses rise above the swamps and give little shade from the blazing sun.”

The Wilderness Coast, by Jack Rudloe, 1988, Page 36

Young’un Screaming Bloody Mercy

3/12/2015

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

Alligator Okefenokee Swamp Picture

American Alligator basking on a burned cypress log on Minnie's Lake; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. March 12, 2015. ©www.williamwisephoto.com.

Excerpt from The Last Remaining Indian in the Okefenokee Swamp, by Tommy Hartley.

"Old man Lee was laying on the end of the porch sunning, same as the gator. He heard the young’un screaming bloody mercy as the gator was get’en her and draggin’ her to where he could get into the water with ‘er. The old man who was laying right there on the porch grabbed his gun from behind the door, ran out to the edge of the water and shot the gator before he got too far out in the swamp with the girl. When the old man shot, the gator turned the young’un loose of course and the old man grabbed his bateau, paddled out and got the young’un out of the water as quick as he could."

In my search for anything Okefenokee, I came across a used copy of The Last Remaining Indian in the Okefenokee Swamp by Tommy Hartley (LAH Publishing Company, 2003). Hartley writes in the inside cover, “Both of my parents were raised as swampers in the late 1800’s... We were swampers and spoke swamper and now I enjoy speaking and writing swamper.” Hartley passes down entertaining swamp stories that were told to him by his mother. It appears the book may be out of print, but I recommend it for reading, especially if you enjoy southern culture and history.

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