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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952
@swede1952.bsky.social
17K followers 17K following 6.4K 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
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 1d
Good morning. 🦆🦆🦆

11 October 2025

When I was a child living on the naval base in Yokosuka, Japan during the early 1960s, I remember being rather brazen in some ways. I loved comic books—especially the ...

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#morning #ducks #lake #sunset #dusk #comicbooks #faith #MPC
Reflections of the Feathered Hour "The image captures a tranquil lakeside scene bathed in the soft, fading light of either sunrise or sunset. The sky is a gentle gradient—warm orange near the horizon, fading upward into cool blues, like a celestial scroll unfurling in silence. This palette is mirrored on the lake’s surface, where the water lies calm and glassy, rippling only slightly as if breathing in rhythm with the sky. Along the distant horizon, silhouettes of trees stand in quiet formation, their outlines crisp against the glowing sky. In the foreground, a group of ducks or geese gathers—some floating on the water, others resting on the shore. Their dark forms are rendered in silhouette, giving them a quiet dignity, like participants in a solemn ceremony of light and stillness. The composition feels balanced and contemplative, with the birds anchoring the foreground and the sky offering a vast, open counterpoint. The reflection of color on water creates a sense of depth and harmony, as if the lake were a mirror between worlds. A watermark in the bottom right corner reads “© Swede’s Photographs,” subtly marking the image’s origin without disturbing its peace." - Copilot
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 1d
Long-Necked Envoy

As I sat outside, gazing at the calm waters of the lake, a bird swooped overhead—swift and silent. I managed to capture a ...

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#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #NeotropicCormorant
"A solitary bird soars through a cloudless sky, its wings stretched wide in a moment of aerodynamic precision. The bird—likely a Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum)—has a long, slender neck extended forward, a pointed beak aimed like a compass needle, and broad wings that arc with quiet power. Each feather is etched in detail, catching the light in subtle gradients of brown and tan. The plumage is a mix of dark chocolate and sunlit amber, with the underside of the wings and body appearing lighter—bathed in sunlight from above. The bird’s tail fans slightly behind it, balancing the elongated neck and giving the silhouette a sense of symmetry and motion. It glides alone, suspended in a vast blue canvas, as if the sky itself were holding its breath. There are no clouds, no distractions—just the bird and the open air. The image feels like a moment of sovereign clarity, a dispatch from the ministry of motion. In the bottom left corner, a watermark reads “© Swede’s Photographs,” anchoring the image in authorship without disturbing its quiet majesty." - Microsoft Copilot
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 1d
The Droplet and the Double

This white Embden Goose (Anser anser domesticus) was lingering nearby while I was outside. I believe I caught sight of it the evening before I took the photo—part of a group of ghostly white figures moving along the shore in the darkness. ...

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"A single white Embden Goose (Anser anser domesticus) glides across a calm body of water, its body angled in side profile, neck gently curved downward. A droplet of water hangs from the tip of its bright orange beak, caught mid-fall—a moment suspended between motion and stillness. The goose’s plumage is crisp and luminous, each feather etched in soft light, revealing subtle textures along its back and wings. The water beneath it acts as a mirror, reflecting the goose with near-perfect clarity. The symmetry between bird and reflection creates a sense of balance, as if the scene were folded in half along the waterline. Gentle ripples radiate outward from the goose’s body, adding depth and movement to the otherwise tranquil surface. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the contours of the goose’s form and the delicate shimmer of the water. The background remains unobtrusive, allowing the viewer to focus entirely on the quiet grace of the subject. A watermark in the bottom left corner reads “Swede's Photographs,” anchoring the image in authorship without disturbing its serenity." - Microsoft Copilot
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 1d
Cobalt Stillness

This Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) was a visitor from a few years back—its vivid plumage and quiet presence still linger in memory.

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#photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #bluegrossbeak
"A blue grosbeak perches confidently on a pale, sunlit branch, its body angled in perfect profile. The bird’s plumage is a dazzling mosaic of deep indigo and cobalt, with subtle black accents along the wings and tail. A slight crest rises from its head, giving it a regal silhouette, as if crowned by nature itself. Its sharp beak, conical and strong, hints at its seed-cracking prowess, while its posture suggests both alertness and ease. The background is a soft blur of branches and foliage—muted browns and greens that recede into abstraction—allowing the grosbeak’s vivid coloration to dominate the scene. The lighting is gentle, casting a natural glow that highlights the feather texture and the subtle gradations of blue across its body. The bird appears poised, as if caught mid-thought, surveying its surroundings with quiet authority. In the bottom right corner, the image is signed “© Swede’s Photographs,” anchoring the composition in authorship without disturbing its serenity." - Microsoft Copilot
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 1d
Who is that Masked Bird

I’m not entirely sure where I took this photo—likely at a nearby lake. It shows a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) poised at the water’s edge, hunting with patient precision.
'A solitary Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) stands at the edge of a still body of water, surrounded by a lush tapestry of green vegetation. Its tall, elegant frame is poised in quiet vigilance—long neck slightly curved, dagger-like beak pointed downward, as if contemplating the surface below. The heron’s plumage is a soft blend of slate blue, ash gray, and white, with delicate black markings accenting its head and shoulders. Its legs are long and reed-like, planted firmly in the mud near the water’s edge. The water is calm—mirror-like—and reflects the heron with stunning clarity. The reflection doubles the bird’s presence, creating a symmetrical composition that feels both grounded and ethereal. The surrounding greenery frames the scene like a natural amphitheater, adding depth and softness to the image. Light filters through the foliage, casting gentle highlights on the heron’s feathers and the ripples near its feet. The photograph is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom left corner, anchoring the image in authorship without disturbing its serenity. The overall mood is one of stillness, grace, and quiet observation—a sovereign moment in the ministry of marshland.' - Copilot
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 9h
Ripples of the Swan Lineage

This pair of Chinese Geese (Anser cygnoides domesticus) belong to the lake’s ragtag crew—a loose fellowship of geese ...

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#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #ChineseGeese
"Three Chinese Geese glide across a calm body of water, their long necks arched with quiet elegance. Their plumage is a warm blend of earthy browns and soft whites, with subtle shading that catches the light and reveals the fine texture of their feathers. Each goose moves with deliberate grace, orange feet paddling just beneath the surface, sending gentle ripples outward like ceremonial signatures. The water is clear and reflective, mirroring the geese’s forms with a painterly softness. Light dances across the surface, highlighting the contours of their bodies and the gentle wake trailing behind them. Their motion is synchronized but not rigid—each bird seems to carry its own rhythm, yet they remain loosely aligned, like members of a drifting council. The scene is framed by the water alone, with no visible land or sky, allowing the viewer to focus entirely on the geese and their mirrored passage. The photograph is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the top left corner, a quiet mark of authorship that floats above the stillness." - Microsoft Copilot
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 8h
Eyes Above the Canopy

This is one of those distant captures where the subject was nearly a speck in the original frame. It shows a Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) soaring above a lake and forest—an aerial witness gliding over water and canopy.
"A Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) soars through a clear blue sky, wings fully extended in a powerful glide. The bird’s plumage is a striking mosaic of warm browns, creamy whites, and bold black bands, with the shoulders tinged in a subtle rust-red hue—its namesake marking. The wings reveal a checkered pattern, like woven feathers stitched with precision, and the tail fans out in alternating dark and light stripes. Its head is turned slightly, revealing a hooked beak and piercing eyes—focused, alert, and sovereign in their gaze. Sunlight catches the edges of its feathers, casting a soft glow that outlines its silhouette against the sky. The hawk’s posture is both commanding and graceful, a mid-air dispatch from the Ministry of Woodland Surveillance. There are no clouds, no distractions—just the hawk and the open blue, a moment of pure aerial clarity. In the bottom right corner, the image is signed “© Swede’s Photographs,” a quiet mark of authorship that honors the hawk’s flight without interrupting it." - Microsoft Copilot
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 8h
Echoes of the Empty Sky

When I’m outside, my eyes are drawn to lone birds perched high in the treetops. ...

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#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #corvids #BlueJay
"A solitary Blue Jay perches on a slender, leafless branch, suspended against a stark white background. The bird’s posture is alert yet composed, its body angled slightly forward as if mid-thought. Its plumage is a vivid tapestry of electric blues, snowy whites, and charcoal blacks, with a bold crest rising from its head like a ceremonial plume. Black markings frame its face like a mask—sharp lines that accentuate its eyes, which gleam with quiet intelligence. The wings and tail are patterned with intricate bars and patches, each feather edged in a gradient of blue that deepens toward the tips. The high-key composition renders the background nearly invisible, allowing the Blue Jay’s colors to stand out like brushstrokes on a blank canvas. There is no visible sky, no forest—just the bird and its perch, floating in visual silence. The branch is thin and delicate, barely strong enough to hold the jay’s weight, yet it does so with quiet resolve. In the lower left corner, the image is signed “Swede’s Photographs,” a subtle mark of authorship that honors the stillness without intruding." - Microsoft Copilot
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 7h
Blue Flame in Shadow
"A cluster of radiant blue flowers unfurls like a constellation against a velvet-dark backdrop. Each blossom bears five delicate petals, shaped like soft stars with slightly rounded tips. Their hue is a rich, electric blue—tinged with hints of lavender and silver, as if moonlight had kissed them. The petals shimmer subtly, their texture fine and almost translucent, with gentle veins that whisper of life’s quiet architecture. The flowers belong to the species Plumbago auriculata, commonly known as Cape Leadwort or Blue Plumbago. They gather in loose, elegant bunches, some overlapping like whispered secrets, others reaching outward with quiet grace. The background is blurred and deep, offering no distraction—only reverence for the blossoms’ vivid presence. The contrast is striking: the flowers seem to glow from within, suspended in a moment of stillness and soft ceremony." - Copilot
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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 7h
Blue Flame in Shadow
"A cluster of radiant blue flowers unfurls like a constellation against a velvet-dark backdrop. Each blossom bears five delicate petals, shaped like soft stars with slightly rounded tips. Their hue is a rich, electric blue—tinged with hints of lavender and silver, as if moonlight had kissed them. The petals shimmer subtly, their texture fine and almost translucent, with gentle veins that whisper of life’s quiet architecture. The flowers belong to the species Plumbago auriculata, commonly known as Cape Leadwort or Blue Plumbago. They gather in loose, elegant bunches, some overlapping like whispered secrets, others reaching outward with quiet grace. The background is blurred and deep, offering no distraction—only reverence for the blossoms’ vivid presence. The contrast is striking: the flowers seem to glow from within, suspended in a moment of stillness and soft ceremony." - Copilot
1 5 56
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 8h
👍
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 8h
Thanks
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 8h
👍
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 8h
If you're enchanted by images of blue jays and other captivating corvids, dive into my photo gallery for a visual treat! Take a peek:

swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 8h
This one—a Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)—caught my attention. I imagine it uses the elevated vantage to scout for food or survey its domain. The distance often keeps me from capturing the most detailed shots, but even so, they’re always worth seeing. ...

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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 8h
Echoes of the Empty Sky

When I’m outside, my eyes are drawn to lone birds perched high in the treetops. ...

1/3

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #corvids #BlueJay
"A solitary Blue Jay perches on a slender, leafless branch, suspended against a stark white background. The bird’s posture is alert yet composed, its body angled slightly forward as if mid-thought. Its plumage is a vivid tapestry of electric blues, snowy whites, and charcoal blacks, with a bold crest rising from its head like a ceremonial plume. Black markings frame its face like a mask—sharp lines that accentuate its eyes, which gleam with quiet intelligence. The wings and tail are patterned with intricate bars and patches, each feather edged in a gradient of blue that deepens toward the tips. The high-key composition renders the background nearly invisible, allowing the Blue Jay’s colors to stand out like brushstrokes on a blank canvas. There is no visible sky, no forest—just the bird and its perch, floating in visual silence. The branch is thin and delicate, barely strong enough to hold the jay’s weight, yet it does so with quiet resolve. In the lower left corner, the image is signed “Swede’s Photographs,” a subtle mark of authorship that honors the stillness without intruding." - Microsoft Copilot
2 9 170
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 8h
Eyes Above the Canopy

This is one of those distant captures where the subject was nearly a speck in the original frame. It shows a Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) soaring above a lake and forest—an aerial witness gliding over water and canopy.
"A Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) soars through a clear blue sky, wings fully extended in a powerful glide. The bird’s plumage is a striking mosaic of warm browns, creamy whites, and bold black bands, with the shoulders tinged in a subtle rust-red hue—its namesake marking. The wings reveal a checkered pattern, like woven feathers stitched with precision, and the tail fans out in alternating dark and light stripes. Its head is turned slightly, revealing a hooked beak and piercing eyes—focused, alert, and sovereign in their gaze. Sunlight catches the edges of its feathers, casting a soft glow that outlines its silhouette against the sky. The hawk’s posture is both commanding and graceful, a mid-air dispatch from the Ministry of Woodland Surveillance. There are no clouds, no distractions—just the hawk and the open blue, a moment of pure aerial clarity. In the bottom right corner, the image is signed “© Swede’s Photographs,” a quiet mark of authorship that honors the hawk’s flight without interrupting it." - Microsoft Copilot
1 8 81
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 9h
and assorted domestic ducks. I’ve captured photos of a larger contingent from the group, which I’ll share soon.

Step into a world where even the smallest moments—like the glint in a bird's eye—tell their own story.

swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 9h
Ripples of the Swan Lineage

This pair of Chinese Geese (Anser cygnoides domesticus) belong to the lake’s ragtag crew—a loose fellowship of geese ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #ChineseGeese
"Three Chinese Geese glide across a calm body of water, their long necks arched with quiet elegance. Their plumage is a warm blend of earthy browns and soft whites, with subtle shading that catches the light and reveals the fine texture of their feathers. Each goose moves with deliberate grace, orange feet paddling just beneath the surface, sending gentle ripples outward like ceremonial signatures. The water is clear and reflective, mirroring the geese’s forms with a painterly softness. Light dances across the surface, highlighting the contours of their bodies and the gentle wake trailing behind them. Their motion is synchronized but not rigid—each bird seems to carry its own rhythm, yet they remain loosely aligned, like members of a drifting council. The scene is framed by the water alone, with no visible land or sky, allowing the viewer to focus entirely on the geese and their mirrored passage. The photograph is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the top left corner, a quiet mark of authorship that floats above the stillness." - Microsoft Copilot
2 4 69
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 10h
👍
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 10h
👍
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 17h
“Don’t let negative and toxic people rent space in your head. Raise the rent and kick them out.” — Robert Tew

The police are the public and the public are the police.” — Robert Peel

“Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously.” — Prentis Hemphill

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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 17h
Perhaps the individual simply didn’t want to read about it. That I can understand—except for the crude language. That part’s a head-scratcher, especially since no one is forced to read anything here. Or maybe it was just a bad day. Those happen. ...

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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 17h
with that line of thought. Like I said—it’s difficult to unpack, especially when it comes out of the blue. ...

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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 17h
Should I not be proud of a nephew who sees public service as something worthy to undertake?

What exactly stirred that person’s animus? It’s hard to say, especially since they also seemed to take issue with the fact that I spent 30 years serving in the military. I didn’t get far ...

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