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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952
@swede1952.bsky.social
22K followers 17K following 7.3K posts
Retired soldier, I spent about 30 years in the military (USMC/Army). Also recently retired computer systems engineer. So, I'm just plain retired. I need something to do so, I decided on photography and bird watching as a hobby.
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. ☕☕☕

5 December 2025

I was looking forward to cooler weather. Well—it’s here, and it ...

1/8

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #morning #beach #ocean #greyhoundbus #weather #dogs
Gold at First Light "The image captures a serene coastal sunrise, casting a golden glow across the wet sand and gentle surf. The light is warm and low, spilling across the beach like liquid amber. A dense line of birds gathers along the shoreline, their silhouettes forming a quiet procession parallel to the water’s edge—some still, some shifting, all part of a dawn ritual. The sea stretches calmly toward the horizon, its surface kissed by morning light. A single vertical pole stands in the shallows, solitary and slender, like a witness to the day’s first breath. The reflections shimmer on the sand and shallow water, creating a mirrored world of gold and silence. The atmosphere is hushed, reverent—no wind, no rush—just the slow unveiling of light and the quiet presence of birds greeting the new day." - Microsoft Copilot
December 5, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Cling, Snatch, Retreat

This image captures a theatrically intense moment—a Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) in the act of ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #CarolinaChicadee
"A small bird, unmistakably a Carolina Chickadee, clings to the edge of a weathered wooden feeder, its tiny claws gripping the grainy surface with practiced ease. The feeder itself bears the marks of time—faded wood grain, a visible screw head, and softened edges that speak of seasons past. Against this rustic backdrop, the chickadee becomes a burst of precision and purpose. Its black cap and bib contrast sharply with the bright white cheeks, giving its face a masked, expressive look. The brownish wings and back blend into the feeder’s tones, while its white underside catches the light, offering a flash of brightness in the muted palette. The bird’s posture is dynamic—head tilted slightly forward, beak firmly clamped around a small prize, likely a seed, freshly plucked from the feeder’s offering. The moment feels like a still from a woodland ballet—caught between motion and pause. The background is softly blurred, a wash of neutral tones that lifts the bird into crisp focus. There’s a sense of quiet industry here, of a creature well-versed in the rituals of survival and grace. The image is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom left corner, marking it as a captured act of seasonal stewardship." - Microsoft Copilot
December 5, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Oh, Stop Whining
"The image captures a moment of avian theater on a wooden bird feeder fashioned like a miniature porch swing. The feeder’s slatted seat and upright posts echo the charm of a Southern veranda, weathered and warm with age. Suspended in stillness, the swing cradles two Blue Jays—bold, crested songbirds known for their vivid plumage and assertive presence. On the upper slat, one Blue Jay stands poised and composed, its body upright and feathers sleek. The bird’s brilliant blue back and wings shimmer with black barring and white accents, while its white chest and face are framed by a crisp black necklace that curves elegantly around the throat. Its crest is raised just slightly, a sign of alertness or mild curiosity. Below, on the lower slat, the second Blue Jay is caught mid-action—wings flared, beak open, as if calling out or issuing a challenge. Its posture is dynamic, feathers slightly ruffled, giving the impression of motion and sound. The contrast between the two birds—one still, one vocal—creates a sense of layered drama, like a duet of silence and song. The background is softly blurred, a wash of neutral tones that lifts the birds and feeder into sharp relief. The photograph is signed “Swede’s Photographs” on the right, marking this as a moment of captured wild choreography." - Microsoft Copilot
December 5, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Disorderly House Finch

This lively house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) was caught red-handed scattering seeds at the bird feeder, turning snack ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #finch #HouseFinch
"Perched precariously on the edge of a rustic bird feeder, a male House Finch—his head and chest ablaze in rosy red—appears to be the epicenter of a small seed storm. His streaked brown and white body leans forward with a kind of reckless enthusiasm, as if he’s just lunged or landed with too much gusto. Around him, sunflower seeds and tiny grains tumble through the air in a chaotic cascade, caught mid-fall like confetti at a woodland celebration. Some spill from the feeder’s lip, others seem flung by the bird’s own disorderly arrival. The feeder itself is simple and weathered, its edges softened by time and use. The finch’s posture is animated—tail slightly raised, wings tucked but tense, beak open just enough to suggest he’s either chirping or chewing. His red plumage glows against the softly blurred background, which hints at autumn with warm, muted tones—burnt orange, faded gold, and dusky brown. This is not a portrait of calm foraging. It’s a snapshot of feathered frenzy, a moment of messy abundance and spirited interruption. The photograph is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom left corner, marking this as a captured act of avian mischief." - Microsoft Copilot
December 5, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Sparrows Gather

I’ve mentioned before that I have quite a few excellent sparrow pictures—hopefully they’re not growing tiresome. Here are four Chipping Sparrows (Spizella passerina) gathered together in a tree.
"Four small birds—Chipping Sparrows, each crowned with a rusty-red cap—are perched across the slender, leafless branches of a wintering tree. Their plumage is a soft blend of warm brown streaks, pale underbellies, and delicate facial markings, giving them the look of finely etched woodland etchings. The tree itself is a tangle of thin limbs and thicker trunks, bare and skeletal, like a natural scaffolding for this quiet gathering. Each sparrow claims its own perch: one sits high and solitary, another leans into a forked branch, while the remaining two share a lower limb, angled toward each other as if mid-conversation. Their postures are calm but alert—heads slightly tilted, feathers smooth, tails balanced. There’s no frenzy here, only a moment of communal stillness, as if the sparrows are pausing between flights to observe the world or each other. The background is a soft blur of greenish hues, suggesting distant foliage or meadow, but it remains out of focus—drawing the eye to the birds and the intricate geometry of the tree. The composition feels like a woodland sketch come to life, a quiet tableau of seasonal presence and feathered fellowship." - Microsoft Copilot
December 5, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. 🌹🌹🌹

6 December 2025

As I was walking down the street one day with Charlie, a fellow I knew from my last job pulled over while driving by, ...

1/7

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #plant #flower #rose #gossip #drugtest #marajuana
Tears of the Garden "A single red rose, bold and luminous, fills the frame in a close-up portrait of botanical drama. Its petals are velvety and layered, curling gently at the edges like the folds of a regal garment. The red is deep and saturated—more crimson than cherry—radiating warmth and intensity, as if lit from within. Scattered across the petals are tiny water droplets, each one a miniature lens catching light and shadow. They cling to the rose like morning dew or tears of joy, adding a sense of freshness and fragility. Some droplets nestle in the folds, others perch on the outer edges, magnifying the petal’s texture and curve. The background is softly blurred, a wash of green foliage and dark mulch, which frames the rose without distraction. The contrast between the vivid bloom and the muted backdrop lifts the flower into prominence, like a soloist on a quiet stage. This is not just a flower—it’s a moment of natural ceremony, a symbol of passion, resilience, and quiet splendor. The photograph is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom right corner, marking it as a captured act of floral reverence." - Microsoft Copilot
December 6, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Downy in the Dried Leaves

Charlie and I sat outside this morning, watching for birds. ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #woodpecker #DownyWoodpecker
"A small bird clings vertically to the trunk of a tree, its body aligned with the bark in a classic woodpecker pose. This is a Downy Woodpecker, the smallest of its kind in North America, yet no less striking. Its plumage is a crisp contrast of black and white: the wings are dark with neat rows of white spots, the underside pale and smooth, and the head boldly patterned with a white stripe down the center, flanked by black. At the back of its head, a bright red patch glows like a ceremonial seal—marking this individual as a male. The tree trunk it grips is mottled with lichen, soft green and gray textures that give the bark a weathered, living patina. Around the bird, dried leaves and slender branches frame the scene, suggesting late autumn or early winter. The woodpecker’s posture is alert but calm—tail braced against the bark, claws gripping tightly, head tilted slightly as if listening for movement beneath the surface. The background is softly blurred, a wash of muted tones that lifts the bird into sharp relief. The photograph is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” at the bottom, marking this as a moment of quiet woodland witness." - Microsoft Copilot
December 6, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Gray Feathered Charm

Here’s an image of a Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) that I captured recently.
"Perched lightly on a branch, a Tufted Titmouse presents itself with quiet dignity. Its body is cloaked in soft gray plumage, the feathers smooth and silvery, blending seamlessly with the muted tones of the tree. The underside glows with a gentle buff-white wash, warm against the cooler grays. Most striking is the bird’s crest—a jaunty tuft rising from its head, giving it a look of perpetual alertness and curiosity. Its large, dark eyes shine with a lively intelligence, set above a small, sharp beak that seems poised to call or peck. The wings are folded neatly, patterned with subtle gradations of gray, while its delicate legs grip the branch with precision. Around the bird, the background softens into a blur of earthy greens and browns, suggesting a woodland setting where light filters gently through leaves. The titmouse’s posture is animated yet calm—head tilted slightly, as though listening for hidden sounds in the forest. It radiates a sense of quickness and charm, a small bird with a spirited presence, caught in a moment of stillness before darting off again." - Microsoft Copilot
December 6, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Feathered Whisper Among the Grass

Here is a Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) I spotted foraging on the ground. ...

1/3

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #PineWarbler
"A small bird stands alert on the forest floor, its body aglow with vibrant yellow plumage that catches the light like a sunlit ember. Its chest and face are a brilliant, buttery yellow, fading gently into olive-gray wings that fold neatly along its sides. The beak is sharp and black, a fine tool for foraging, and its eyes are dark and watchful—alive with quiet intelligence. The bird is surrounded by a tapestry of dry grass, fallen leaves, and scattered twigs, the ground a patchwork of russet browns and faded greens. The Pine Warbler’s bright coloring stands out against this earthy backdrop, like a flame flickering in leaf litter. Its posture is upright yet relaxed, as if pausing mid-forage to survey its surroundings. The scene is bathed in soft natural light, and the background blurs gently into a mix of green and brown tones, suggesting a wooded edge or clearing. The bird’s presence feels both delicate and grounded—a woodland witness in miniature, cloaked in yellow and poised in stillness." - Microsoft Copilot
December 6, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Brushstrokes of Barbados

This is a photograph of striped Barbados lilies (Hippeastrum striatum)—white blooms set vividly against a darkened background. My wife planted them in large pots just outside our back door over a decade ago, and they’re still going strong, blooming beauty year after year.
"A cluster of Barbados lilies—also known as amaryllis—bursts into bloom, their large, trumpet-shaped petals unfurling with theatrical grace. Each flower is a study in contrast and elegance: creamy white petals streaked with subtle green and yellow veins, like brushstrokes on porcelain. The petals curve outward and slightly back, giving the blooms a sculptural, almost fluted appearance. At the heart of each blossom, bright yellow stamens rise like ceremonial wands, tipped with golden pollen. These filaments arch delicately over the central column, casting slender shadows on the inner petals. The flowers are arranged in a tight, upward-facing cluster, their stems hidden beneath the bloom’s exuberance. The background is dark and textured—a brick wall pattern that recedes into shadow—making the flowers stand out with luminous clarity. The contrast is striking: the blooms seem to glow against the dim backdrop, like lanterns lit from within. The composition is balanced and intentional, with each flower angled slightly differently, creating a rhythm of curves and light. The image is signed “© Swedes Photographs” in the top left corner, marking this as a moment of botanical witness—where structure, light, and color converge in quiet ceremony." - Microsoft Copilot
December 6, 2025 at 10:18 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Brushstrokes of Barbados

This is a photograph of striped Barbados lilies (Hippeastrum striatum)—white blooms set vividly against a darkened background. My wife planted them in large pots just outside our back door over a decade ago, and they’re still going strong, blooming beauty year after year.
"A cluster of Barbados lilies—also known as amaryllis—bursts into bloom, their large, trumpet-shaped petals unfurling with theatrical grace. Each flower is a study in contrast and elegance: creamy white petals streaked with subtle green and yellow veins, like brushstrokes on porcelain. The petals curve outward and slightly back, giving the blooms a sculptural, almost fluted appearance. At the heart of each blossom, bright yellow stamens rise like ceremonial wands, tipped with golden pollen. These filaments arch delicately over the central column, casting slender shadows on the inner petals. The flowers are arranged in a tight, upward-facing cluster, their stems hidden beneath the bloom’s exuberance. The background is dark and textured—a brick wall pattern that recedes into shadow—making the flowers stand out with luminous clarity. The contrast is striking: the blooms seem to glow against the dim backdrop, like lanterns lit from within. The composition is balanced and intentional, with each flower angled slightly differently, creating a rhythm of curves and light. The image is signed “© Swedes Photographs” in the top left corner, marking this as a moment of botanical witness—where structure, light, and color converge in quiet ceremony." - Microsoft Copilot
December 6, 2025 at 10:18 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Feathered Whisper Among the Grass

Here is a Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) I spotted foraging on the ground. ...

1/3

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #PineWarbler
"A small bird stands alert on the forest floor, its body aglow with vibrant yellow plumage that catches the light like a sunlit ember. Its chest and face are a brilliant, buttery yellow, fading gently into olive-gray wings that fold neatly along its sides. The beak is sharp and black, a fine tool for foraging, and its eyes are dark and watchful—alive with quiet intelligence. The bird is surrounded by a tapestry of dry grass, fallen leaves, and scattered twigs, the ground a patchwork of russet browns and faded greens. The Pine Warbler’s bright coloring stands out against this earthy backdrop, like a flame flickering in leaf litter. Its posture is upright yet relaxed, as if pausing mid-forage to survey its surroundings. The scene is bathed in soft natural light, and the background blurs gently into a mix of green and brown tones, suggesting a wooded edge or clearing. The bird’s presence feels both delicate and grounded—a woodland witness in miniature, cloaked in yellow and poised in stillness." - Microsoft Copilot
December 6, 2025 at 9:55 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Gray Feathered Charm

Here’s an image of a Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) that I captured recently.
"Perched lightly on a branch, a Tufted Titmouse presents itself with quiet dignity. Its body is cloaked in soft gray plumage, the feathers smooth and silvery, blending seamlessly with the muted tones of the tree. The underside glows with a gentle buff-white wash, warm against the cooler grays. Most striking is the bird’s crest—a jaunty tuft rising from its head, giving it a look of perpetual alertness and curiosity. Its large, dark eyes shine with a lively intelligence, set above a small, sharp beak that seems poised to call or peck. The wings are folded neatly, patterned with subtle gradations of gray, while its delicate legs grip the branch with precision. Around the bird, the background softens into a blur of earthy greens and browns, suggesting a woodland setting where light filters gently through leaves. The titmouse’s posture is animated yet calm—head tilted slightly, as though listening for hidden sounds in the forest. It radiates a sense of quickness and charm, a small bird with a spirited presence, caught in a moment of stillness before darting off again." - Microsoft Copilot
December 6, 2025 at 5:17 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Downy in the Dried Leaves

Charlie and I sat outside this morning, watching for birds. ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #woodpecker #DownyWoodpecker
"A small bird clings vertically to the trunk of a tree, its body aligned with the bark in a classic woodpecker pose. This is a Downy Woodpecker, the smallest of its kind in North America, yet no less striking. Its plumage is a crisp contrast of black and white: the wings are dark with neat rows of white spots, the underside pale and smooth, and the head boldly patterned with a white stripe down the center, flanked by black. At the back of its head, a bright red patch glows like a ceremonial seal—marking this individual as a male. The tree trunk it grips is mottled with lichen, soft green and gray textures that give the bark a weathered, living patina. Around the bird, dried leaves and slender branches frame the scene, suggesting late autumn or early winter. The woodpecker’s posture is alert but calm—tail braced against the bark, claws gripping tightly, head tilted slightly as if listening for movement beneath the surface. The background is softly blurred, a wash of muted tones that lifts the bird into sharp relief. The photograph is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” at the bottom, marking this as a moment of quiet woodland witness." - Microsoft Copilot
December 6, 2025 at 5:01 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. 🌹🌹🌹

6 December 2025

As I was walking down the street one day with Charlie, a fellow I knew from my last job pulled over while driving by, ...

1/7

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #plant #flower #rose #gossip #drugtest #marajuana
Tears of the Garden "A single red rose, bold and luminous, fills the frame in a close-up portrait of botanical drama. Its petals are velvety and layered, curling gently at the edges like the folds of a regal garment. The red is deep and saturated—more crimson than cherry—radiating warmth and intensity, as if lit from within. Scattered across the petals are tiny water droplets, each one a miniature lens catching light and shadow. They cling to the rose like morning dew or tears of joy, adding a sense of freshness and fragility. Some droplets nestle in the folds, others perch on the outer edges, magnifying the petal’s texture and curve. The background is softly blurred, a wash of green foliage and dark mulch, which frames the rose without distraction. The contrast between the vivid bloom and the muted backdrop lifts the flower into prominence, like a soloist on a quiet stage. This is not just a flower—it’s a moment of natural ceremony, a symbol of passion, resilience, and quiet splendor. The photograph is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom right corner, marking it as a captured act of floral reverence." - Microsoft Copilot
December 6, 2025 at 2:40 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Sparrows Gather

I’ve mentioned before that I have quite a few excellent sparrow pictures—hopefully they’re not growing tiresome. Here are four Chipping Sparrows (Spizella passerina) gathered together in a tree.
"Four small birds—Chipping Sparrows, each crowned with a rusty-red cap—are perched across the slender, leafless branches of a wintering tree. Their plumage is a soft blend of warm brown streaks, pale underbellies, and delicate facial markings, giving them the look of finely etched woodland etchings. The tree itself is a tangle of thin limbs and thicker trunks, bare and skeletal, like a natural scaffolding for this quiet gathering. Each sparrow claims its own perch: one sits high and solitary, another leans into a forked branch, while the remaining two share a lower limb, angled toward each other as if mid-conversation. Their postures are calm but alert—heads slightly tilted, feathers smooth, tails balanced. There’s no frenzy here, only a moment of communal stillness, as if the sparrows are pausing between flights to observe the world or each other. The background is a soft blur of greenish hues, suggesting distant foliage or meadow, but it remains out of focus—drawing the eye to the birds and the intricate geometry of the tree. The composition feels like a woodland sketch come to life, a quiet tableau of seasonal presence and feathered fellowship." - Microsoft Copilot
December 5, 2025 at 9:45 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Disorderly House Finch

This lively house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) was caught red-handed scattering seeds at the bird feeder, turning snack ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #finch #HouseFinch
"Perched precariously on the edge of a rustic bird feeder, a male House Finch—his head and chest ablaze in rosy red—appears to be the epicenter of a small seed storm. His streaked brown and white body leans forward with a kind of reckless enthusiasm, as if he’s just lunged or landed with too much gusto. Around him, sunflower seeds and tiny grains tumble through the air in a chaotic cascade, caught mid-fall like confetti at a woodland celebration. Some spill from the feeder’s lip, others seem flung by the bird’s own disorderly arrival. The feeder itself is simple and weathered, its edges softened by time and use. The finch’s posture is animated—tail slightly raised, wings tucked but tense, beak open just enough to suggest he’s either chirping or chewing. His red plumage glows against the softly blurred background, which hints at autumn with warm, muted tones—burnt orange, faded gold, and dusky brown. This is not a portrait of calm foraging. It’s a snapshot of feathered frenzy, a moment of messy abundance and spirited interruption. The photograph is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom left corner, marking this as a captured act of avian mischief." - Microsoft Copilot
December 5, 2025 at 9:15 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Oh, Stop Whining
"The image captures a moment of avian theater on a wooden bird feeder fashioned like a miniature porch swing. The feeder’s slatted seat and upright posts echo the charm of a Southern veranda, weathered and warm with age. Suspended in stillness, the swing cradles two Blue Jays—bold, crested songbirds known for their vivid plumage and assertive presence. On the upper slat, one Blue Jay stands poised and composed, its body upright and feathers sleek. The bird’s brilliant blue back and wings shimmer with black barring and white accents, while its white chest and face are framed by a crisp black necklace that curves elegantly around the throat. Its crest is raised just slightly, a sign of alertness or mild curiosity. Below, on the lower slat, the second Blue Jay is caught mid-action—wings flared, beak open, as if calling out or issuing a challenge. Its posture is dynamic, feathers slightly ruffled, giving the impression of motion and sound. The contrast between the two birds—one still, one vocal—creates a sense of layered drama, like a duet of silence and song. The background is softly blurred, a wash of neutral tones that lifts the birds and feeder into sharp relief. The photograph is signed “Swede’s Photographs” on the right, marking this as a moment of captured wild choreography." - Microsoft Copilot
December 5, 2025 at 6:34 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Cling, Snatch, Retreat

This image captures a theatrically intense moment—a Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) in the act of ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #CarolinaChicadee
"A small bird, unmistakably a Carolina Chickadee, clings to the edge of a weathered wooden feeder, its tiny claws gripping the grainy surface with practiced ease. The feeder itself bears the marks of time—faded wood grain, a visible screw head, and softened edges that speak of seasons past. Against this rustic backdrop, the chickadee becomes a burst of precision and purpose. Its black cap and bib contrast sharply with the bright white cheeks, giving its face a masked, expressive look. The brownish wings and back blend into the feeder’s tones, while its white underside catches the light, offering a flash of brightness in the muted palette. The bird’s posture is dynamic—head tilted slightly forward, beak firmly clamped around a small prize, likely a seed, freshly plucked from the feeder’s offering. The moment feels like a still from a woodland ballet—caught between motion and pause. The background is softly blurred, a wash of neutral tones that lifts the bird into crisp focus. There’s a sense of quiet industry here, of a creature well-versed in the rituals of survival and grace. The image is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom left corner, marking it as a captured act of seasonal stewardship." - Microsoft Copilot
December 5, 2025 at 6:20 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. ☕☕☕

5 December 2025

I was looking forward to cooler weather. Well—it’s here, and it ...

1/8

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #morning #beach #ocean #greyhoundbus #weather #dogs
Gold at First Light "The image captures a serene coastal sunrise, casting a golden glow across the wet sand and gentle surf. The light is warm and low, spilling across the beach like liquid amber. A dense line of birds gathers along the shoreline, their silhouettes forming a quiet procession parallel to the water’s edge—some still, some shifting, all part of a dawn ritual. The sea stretches calmly toward the horizon, its surface kissed by morning light. A single vertical pole stands in the shallows, solitary and slender, like a witness to the day’s first breath. The reflections shimmer on the sand and shallow water, creating a mirrored world of gold and silence. The atmosphere is hushed, reverent—no wind, no rush—just the slow unveiling of light and the quiet presence of birds greeting the new day." - Microsoft Copilot
December 5, 2025 at 2:08 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Woodpecker Watch, A Rooftop Reverie

This is a red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), captured some time ago. I hesitated over whether to include it, but the moment felt worth preserving. The bird was perched on the edge of the roof of a small, red barn-shaped shed in my backyard.
"A female red-bellied woodpecker perches with quiet poise on a textured surface—perhaps the edge of a rooftop or a patch of bark—its stance alert yet composed. Her plumage is a study in contrast and subtlety: a pale, creamy face and underbelly glow softly in the light, while her back and wings are cloaked in a crisp black-and-white barred pattern, like woven threads of shadow and snow. The crown of her head bears a gentle wash of red—not the full blaze of the male, but a restrained ember that hints at lineage and fire. Behind her, the background blurs into a soft green haze, as if the forest itself has stepped back to let her shine. The composition draws the eye to her fine details: the curve of her beak, the alert gleam in her eye, the quiet strength in her posture. She is not performing, not calling—just being. A sovereign witness on a quiet stage." - Microsoft Copilot
December 4, 2025 at 10:40 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Golden Solitude in the Bare Branches

Tree branches stretch across a soft gray sky, bare and reaching. At the center perches a yellow bird— ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #finch #goldfinch
"A lone goldfinch perches high on the bare, outstretched fingers of a leafless tree, its small body a burst of color against the muted canvas of an overcast sky. The bird’s head and chest glow with a rich yellow, like a drop of sunlight caught in winter’s hush, while its wings and tail feathers are darker—charcoal streaks that anchor its brightness. The tree itself is skeletal, its branches thin and silver-gray, reaching upward in quiet defiance or prayer. There are no leaves, no distractions—just the stark geometry of limbs and the singular presence of the bird. The sky behind is a soft, uniform gray, offering no horizon, no depth—only stillness. In this minimalist scene, the goldfinch becomes a sovereign witness, a solitary note of life and color in a dormant season. The composition feels like a pause in time, a breath held between seasons, where the bird’s perch becomes a pulpit of quiet resilience." - Microsoft Copilot
December 4, 2025 at 10:16 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Arrow in the Sky

I was in Georgia, standing outside and trying to catch sight of a few sparrows hidden in a nearby shrub, when a cormorant suddenly appeared high overhead. Naturally, I lifted my camera skyward. From its markings and flight, I believe it was probably a double-crested cormorant.
"A lone cormorant slices through the sky in mid-flight, its wings fully extended in a powerful, aerodynamic arc. The bird’s plumage is dark—almost black—with a subtle sheen that catches the sunlight, revealing hints of charcoal and slate. Its chest is slightly lighter, a muted gray that softens the silhouette. Near its beak, a striking patch of yellow-orange glows like a small ember, adding a flash of color to its otherwise shadowed form. The photograph is taken from below, capturing the underside of the bird as it glides overhead against a backdrop of clear blue sky. The feathers along its wings are sharply defined, each one etched like a brushstroke in motion. The cormorant’s long neck stretches forward, its beak pointed with quiet determination, while its tail feathers fan out behind like a rudder steering through air. There is no clutter—just bird and sky. The simplicity of the composition amplifies the grace of the moment, as if the cormorant were a living arrow, loosed from the sea and aimed toward some unseen horizon." - Microsoft Copilot
December 4, 2025 at 6:03 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Heron on the High Post

There’s something quietly compelling about these minimalistic, slightly overexposed images. In this case, it ...

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#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #heron #GreatBlueHeron
"A solitary great blue heron stands poised atop a weathered wooden piling that juts vertically from the ocean like a sentinel. The post is tall and timeworn, its surface etched with salt and age, rising from gently rippling water that reflects the pale light of an overexposed sky. The heron balances on one leg, its long neck slightly curved, head tilted in quiet vigilance. Its slate-blue plumage is sleek and composed, with delicate feathering trailing from its chest like ceremonial tassels. The background is minimal—washed in soft whites and faint grays—creating a high-key effect that renders the scene almost ethereal. In the distance, another post with a green marker stands like a distant echo, and faint outlines of additional pilings drift into view, barely visible through the haze. The water below is calm, its surface broken only by the pilings and the heron’s shadowy reflection. The composition is serene and contemplative, a portrait of stillness and watchfulness. The heron, elevated and alone, seems to preside over the ocean like a mythic steward—half bird, half boundary marker—folded into the quiet ceremony of morning light." - Microsoft Copilot
December 4, 2025 at 5:41 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning, friends. 🌻🌻🌻

4 December 2025

Well, where do I start? I just fed Charlie, and now he’s here angling for a head scratch. ...

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#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #flower #task #tax #nap #dog #time
Flame of the Garden "A single Calendula officinalis—commonly known as pot marigold—commands the frame with radiant presence. Its petals blaze in a saturated orange hue, each one slender and slightly curved, like sunlit brushstrokes fanning outward from a dense, golden-brown center. The central disc is textured with tightly packed florets, resembling a miniature sunburst or a woven tapestry of pollen-rich threads. Light glances off the glossy petals, creating subtle gradients from deep tangerine to amber at the tips. The flower’s symmetry is nearly perfect yet softened by the organic irregularity of nature—some petals tilt slightly, others overlap like layered silk. Around the main bloom, hints of other marigolds and green stems peek in from the edges, blurred and subdued, suggesting a lush garden setting. The background is a gentle wash of greens and shadows, allowing the central flower to shine like a flame in a quiet grove. The image bears the signature “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom right corner, a quiet nod to the artist’s witness." - Microsoft Copilot
December 4, 2025 at 2:18 PM