Author: William Wise

Hi, I’m conservation photographer and nature writer William Wise. Nature journaling and wildlife photography has been a favorite pastime since the ‘90s. I graduated from University of Georgia Warnell Forestry School's wildlife program in 1996. I'm currently an animal shelter manager/photographer and reside in Athens, Georgia, USA with my wife and two teenage daughters. My website www.williamwisephoto.com is a wildlife and birding photo website documenting the beauty, design and wonder of creation. I have a deep love of the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. I became a devoted Christian in 1993 under a campus ministry while studying wildlife biology. My love of the outdoors quickly turned into a love for the Creator and His works. Creation Speaks is my teaching ministry that glorifies our Creator and teaches the truth of creation. I am also a guest author at Lee's Birdwatching Adventures and The Creation Club. The theme of my blogging comes from The Message version of Psalms 104 -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, You made earth overflow with your wonderful creations."

The Okefenokee: Untouched By Time

An hour into my paddle, in an instant, almost as if someone had drawn back a curtain, the remaining morning … More

Morning Fog on Billy’s Lake in the Okefenokee Swamp

A thick fog lies over the Okefenokee Swamp this morning. The far distance is nothing but a gray blanket that … More

White Ibises on Billy’s Lake; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Although ribbons of morning fog still linger over portions of the swamp, the view here along the Suwannee River has … More

Morning in the Okefenokee’s Stephen C Foster Campground

My Okefenokee morning started off with a hot cup of coffee on the front porch in my cabin. Sure, most … More

American Alligator Basking on Billy’s Lake

A fairly decent sized gator getting some sun on a floating peat bed. Photographed on October 14, 2025 while paddling … More

Odd view of an Okefenokee Ibis

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) photographed in a shady cove along the Suwannee River Sill in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, … More

Red-bellied Woodpecker in the Okefenokee Swamp

While walking along the Suwannee River Sill, I found this Red-bellied Woodpecker busily engaged in hammering trees. Okefenokee National Wildlife … More

Sunset Paddle on Billy’s Lake; Okefenokee Swamp

After a few hours of hiking, I left Suwannee River Sill and finished the short drive to the Stephen C … More

Okefenokee Swamp White Ibis

The White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) if often found in smaller groups throughout the Okefenokee. They are typically foraging with their … More

Okefenokee’s Scars of Human Exploitation

Paddling the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a genuine wilderness experience. Nature has inherited a designated Refuge that is relatively … More