Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #188 – A Special Place

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Our host Karina asks us to show us the places that are or were special to you and tell us why. I’ve chosen to feature two National Wildlife Refuges located in Southeast Georgia.

Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mission

The National Wildlife Refuge System is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These public lands and waters across the United states are set aside to protect many species. They are special places to experience nature and to view wildlife. There are over 560 National Wildlife Refuges in the United States.

The Okefenokee Swamp is one of North America’s most unspoiled natural wilderness areas. According to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge web page, “the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has 353,981 acres of National Wilderness Area within the refuge boundaries.  In addition, the refuge is a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR Convention – 1971) because it is one of the world’s largest intact freshwater ecosystems.”

The refuge headquarters are located in Folkston, Georgia. There is also access to the refuge in Georgia’s Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo and the Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross.

Alligators in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Turtle in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Swallowtail Butterflies in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Wild Turkey in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Snowy Egret in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Located just a few miles east of I-95 in Townsend, Georgia, Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including nearly 350 species of birds. In the spring, hundreds of wood storks, egrets, and other birds can be seen building their nests in the trees on Woody Pond.

Great Blue Heron in Flight at Harris Neck
Pair of Wood Storks building a nest at Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Nesting Wood Storks and Great Egrets at Woody Pond
Baby Alligators at Woody Pond

Many thanks to our guest host Karina of Murtagh’s Meadow for the challenge Lens’Artists #188: A Special Place

15 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #188 – A Special Place”

  3. These photos are a real treat, WD. I had the honor of visiting both these NWRs about 6 months ago and your post here is like having a good friend stop by. I think the Okefenokee is one of the most beautiful spots in this country, and I love Woody Pond in that obscure corner of the auto tour. You must have a hefty lens to capture these photos, and it, and your expertise at operating it, are much appreciated. Love the baby alligators, also the first photo in the lovely Okefenokee waters, and the second of what I’m pretty sure is a Florida Cooter Turtle. Cheers.

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    1. Jet, thank you so much! I’m so glad to hear you not only visited the Okefenokee and Harris Neck but that my photos brought back fond memories! I agree – the Okefenokee is one of the most beautiful. and wild, parts of the country. It’s one of the few places I’ve been where I feel far away from civilization. Thanks for identifying the Florida Cooter! I used a 400mm lens to capture the birds at Woody Pond.

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  6. Fabulous collection of wildlife. All the birds are exquisite. You did a magnificent job capturing them.
    And I even enjoyed the alligator.
    Thanks Beth.

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