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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952
@swede1952.bsky.social
20K followers 17K following 7.1K 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. 🦋🍂🍁

19 November 2025

The Battle of the Bed

Here’s an interesting story about Ben and Charlie.

Ben was a smallish black-and-tan terrier who passed away this past June. ...

1/8

#morning #butterfly #dogs #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers
Painted Traveler "A Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) hovers mid-flight, wings fully extended in a moment of suspended motion. Its vibrant orange wings, bordered in black and dotted with white, blaze against a softly blurred backdrop of green and brown—suggesting a meadow or garden. The butterfly appears to be flying toward the camera, its body angled forward, giving the image a sense of approach and immediacy. The motion blur on the wings hints at movement, while the crisp detail of its body draws the viewer into its path. It feels like a quiet encounter—fleeting, graceful, and personal—as if the butterfly is offering a moment of recognition before continuing its journey." - Microsoft Copilot
November 19, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
A Bluebird View

This Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) was perched at the top of a tall sweetgum tree. ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #thrush #EasternBluebird
"A single Eastern Bluebird perches on a bare tree branch, its body angled slightly forward as if poised between rest and flight. The bird’s plumage is striking: a brilliant blue cloak covers its back and wings, while its chest glows with a warm reddish-orange, fading into a soft white belly. The branch it rests on is leafless and slender, part of a tree stripped bare by the season—suggesting late fall or winter. Behind the bird, the sky is a clear, uninterrupted blue, echoing the hue of its feathers and casting the entire scene in crisp, quiet light. The composition is simple and reverent, with the bird as the undeniable focal point—a vivid spark of color against the skeletal tree and open sky." - Microsoft Copilot
November 19, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
A Hawk Winter Watch

One morning, I looked out the back door and spotted a Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) perched high in a tall, bare tree at the edge of the forest, about 100 meters away. I grabbed my camera and stepped outside in my slippers, going only as far as the back fence.
"A Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) perches on a bare tree branch, its body upright and alert. Though facing away from the camera, the hawk has turned its head to the side, revealing a sharply hooked beak and a piercing, amber eye that seems to scan the horizon. Its plumage is a mix of dark gray and soft brown, with lighter tones near the head and neck, and long, narrow tail feathers that hang with quiet precision. The tree is leafless, skeletal against a pale, out-of-focus background—likely a snowy or overcast sky. The lighting is soft and diffused, casting no harsh shadows, allowing the hawk’s intricate feather patterns to stand out in quiet detail. The image feels still, reverent, and watchful—like a sentinel holding court in the hush of winter." - Microsoft Copilot
November 19, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Sunlight Piercing the Storm

The light caught my eye. I don’t know why. Just the sun’s rays breaking through clouds of gray, Lighting a path through darkness To the surface of the sea.

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #sky #clouds #light
"The sky is a dramatic canvas of dark, brooding clouds—thick and layered, like a gathering of silent witnesses. From a break in the cloud cover, beams of sunlight burst through in radiant streaks, casting golden shafts across the gloom. These crepuscular rays fan out like divine brushstrokes, illuminating the edges of the clouds with a warm glow that contrasts sharply with the surrounding gray. The light feels directional, purposeful—like a celestial spotlight piercing the veil. The background is soft and diffuse, suggesting a wintry or overcast day, and the overall mood is reverent, cinematic, and quietly powerful. It’s a moment of atmospheric tension and grace, where shadow and light negotiate the sky." - Microsoft Copilot
November 19, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. 🐦🐦🐦

20 November 2025

We’ll be heading east ...

1/7

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #NorthernCardinal #morning #house #damage #insurance #thanksgiving #adversity
"Perched confidently on a slender tree branch, a Northern Cardinal radiates vibrant red brilliance against a backdrop of muted greens and soft browns. Its plumage is a fiery scarlet, glowing like embers in the morning light, with each feather etched in fine detail. The bird’s crest rises like a flame atop its head, giving it a regal silhouette. Around its beak and eyes, a sharp black mask adds contrast and character, framing its gaze with intensity and mystery. The branch beneath it is textured and weathered, a quiet pedestal for this striking figure. Leaves in the background whisper in soft green tones, offering a gentle frame that lets the cardinal’s color sing. The image captures a moment of stillness and alertness — the bird poised, proud, and watchful, as if guarding a secret or preparing to announce a song." - Microsoft Copilot
November 20, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Just Walk Away

A small trio of marbled godwits (Limosa fedoa) stands in quiet formation — one gazing out to sea, one tucked into a

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #shorebirds #MarbledGodwit
Three marbled godwits stand gracefully in shallow water, their long, slightly upturned bills poised like delicate instruments tuned to the rhythm of the tide. Their plumage is a tapestry of mottled browns and tans, blending seamlessly with the silvery ripples beneath them — camouflage crafted by nature’s quiet hand. One bird steps forward, its slender legs casting mirrored reflections in the water, while the others linger nearby, still and watchful. The scene is serene yet alive, a moment suspended between motion and rest. The water glimmers with soft light, echoing the birds’ forms like a whispered twin. Their bills — pink at the base, dark at the tip — curve gently, as if designed for both elegance and precision. This coastal tableau feels like a quiet hymn to balance and grace, where every feather and ripple plays its part in a larger, harmonious composition." - Microsoft Copilot
November 20, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Sparrow on a Branch

I captured this chipping sparrow while testing a new camera, and I liked the detail so much that I decided to share it.
"Perched delicately on a slender branch, a chipping sparrow gazes outward with quiet alertness. Its feathers are a finely woven mosaic of earthy browns, soft grays, and crisp whites, each strand etched with natural precision. A warm reddish-brown crown tops its head like a ceremonial cap, contrasting gently with the pale stripe above its eye and the subtle streaks along its back. The bird’s small frame is compact yet elegant, its posture poised and balanced, as if honoring the branch beneath it. The background fades into a soft blur of greens and grays, allowing the sparrow’s intricate plumage to take center stage. Light dances across its feathers, revealing texture and depth — a portrait of quiet resilience and understated beauty in the wild." - Microsoft Copilot
November 20, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
A Hawk Private Moment

I caught this Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter striatus) mid-groom, feathers fluffed in quiet concentration. ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #raptor #birdofprey #CoopersHawk
"Perched amid a tangle of bare winter branches, a Cooper’s hawk strikes a pose that feels more comic than commanding. Its body leans forward at an odd angle, talons gripping the branch with a mix of precision and precariousness. The hawk’s tail fans out dramatically behind it—like a feathered rudder caught mid-turn—revealing bold bands of dark and light that ripple with tension. Its chest, streaked with pale brown and cream, seems puffed in protest or surprise, while its head twists slightly, eyes locked in a fierce, almost puzzled gaze. The surrounding branches, skeletal and leafless, frame the hawk like a stage set for a winter drama. The lighting is crisp, highlighting the texture of each feather and the taut muscles beneath. There’s a sense of motion paused—like the hawk was about to launch, slipped, and decided to play it cool. The moment is frozen in high detail, capturing both the majesty and the comic vulnerability of this raptor in a rare, unguarded instant." - Microsoft Copilot
November 20, 2025 at 10:24 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
A Hawk Private Moment

I caught this Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter striatus) mid-groom, feathers fluffed in quiet concentration. ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #raptor #birdofprey #CoopersHawk
"Perched amid a tangle of bare winter branches, a Cooper’s hawk strikes a pose that feels more comic than commanding. Its body leans forward at an odd angle, talons gripping the branch with a mix of precision and precariousness. The hawk’s tail fans out dramatically behind it—like a feathered rudder caught mid-turn—revealing bold bands of dark and light that ripple with tension. Its chest, streaked with pale brown and cream, seems puffed in protest or surprise, while its head twists slightly, eyes locked in a fierce, almost puzzled gaze. The surrounding branches, skeletal and leafless, frame the hawk like a stage set for a winter drama. The lighting is crisp, highlighting the texture of each feather and the taut muscles beneath. There’s a sense of motion paused—like the hawk was about to launch, slipped, and decided to play it cool. The moment is frozen in high detail, capturing both the majesty and the comic vulnerability of this raptor in a rare, unguarded instant." - Microsoft Copilot
November 20, 2025 at 10:24 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Sparrow on a Branch

I captured this chipping sparrow while testing a new camera, and I liked the detail so much that I decided to share it.
"Perched delicately on a slender branch, a chipping sparrow gazes outward with quiet alertness. Its feathers are a finely woven mosaic of earthy browns, soft grays, and crisp whites, each strand etched with natural precision. A warm reddish-brown crown tops its head like a ceremonial cap, contrasting gently with the pale stripe above its eye and the subtle streaks along its back. The bird’s small frame is compact yet elegant, its posture poised and balanced, as if honoring the branch beneath it. The background fades into a soft blur of greens and grays, allowing the sparrow’s intricate plumage to take center stage. Light dances across its feathers, revealing texture and depth — a portrait of quiet resilience and understated beauty in the wild." - Microsoft Copilot
November 20, 2025 at 6:35 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Just Walk Away

A small trio of marbled godwits (Limosa fedoa) stands in quiet formation — one gazing out to sea, one tucked into a

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #shorebirds #MarbledGodwit
Three marbled godwits stand gracefully in shallow water, their long, slightly upturned bills poised like delicate instruments tuned to the rhythm of the tide. Their plumage is a tapestry of mottled browns and tans, blending seamlessly with the silvery ripples beneath them — camouflage crafted by nature’s quiet hand. One bird steps forward, its slender legs casting mirrored reflections in the water, while the others linger nearby, still and watchful. The scene is serene yet alive, a moment suspended between motion and rest. The water glimmers with soft light, echoing the birds’ forms like a whispered twin. Their bills — pink at the base, dark at the tip — curve gently, as if designed for both elegance and precision. This coastal tableau feels like a quiet hymn to balance and grace, where every feather and ripple plays its part in a larger, harmonious composition." - Microsoft Copilot
November 20, 2025 at 6:20 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. 🐦🐦🐦

20 November 2025

We’ll be heading east ...

1/7

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #NorthernCardinal #morning #house #damage #insurance #thanksgiving #adversity
"Perched confidently on a slender tree branch, a Northern Cardinal radiates vibrant red brilliance against a backdrop of muted greens and soft browns. Its plumage is a fiery scarlet, glowing like embers in the morning light, with each feather etched in fine detail. The bird’s crest rises like a flame atop its head, giving it a regal silhouette. Around its beak and eyes, a sharp black mask adds contrast and character, framing its gaze with intensity and mystery. The branch beneath it is textured and weathered, a quiet pedestal for this striking figure. Leaves in the background whisper in soft green tones, offering a gentle frame that lets the cardinal’s color sing. The image captures a moment of stillness and alertness — the bird poised, proud, and watchful, as if guarding a secret or preparing to announce a song." - Microsoft Copilot
November 20, 2025 at 2:42 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Sunlight Piercing the Storm

The light caught my eye. I don’t know why. Just the sun’s rays breaking through clouds of gray, Lighting a path through darkness To the surface of the sea.

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #sky #clouds #light
"The sky is a dramatic canvas of dark, brooding clouds—thick and layered, like a gathering of silent witnesses. From a break in the cloud cover, beams of sunlight burst through in radiant streaks, casting golden shafts across the gloom. These crepuscular rays fan out like divine brushstrokes, illuminating the edges of the clouds with a warm glow that contrasts sharply with the surrounding gray. The light feels directional, purposeful—like a celestial spotlight piercing the veil. The background is soft and diffuse, suggesting a wintry or overcast day, and the overall mood is reverent, cinematic, and quietly powerful. It’s a moment of atmospheric tension and grace, where shadow and light negotiate the sky." - Microsoft Copilot
November 19, 2025 at 9:08 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
A Hawk Winter Watch

One morning, I looked out the back door and spotted a Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) perched high in a tall, bare tree at the edge of the forest, about 100 meters away. I grabbed my camera and stepped outside in my slippers, going only as far as the back fence.
"A Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) perches on a bare tree branch, its body upright and alert. Though facing away from the camera, the hawk has turned its head to the side, revealing a sharply hooked beak and a piercing, amber eye that seems to scan the horizon. Its plumage is a mix of dark gray and soft brown, with lighter tones near the head and neck, and long, narrow tail feathers that hang with quiet precision. The tree is leafless, skeletal against a pale, out-of-focus background—likely a snowy or overcast sky. The lighting is soft and diffused, casting no harsh shadows, allowing the hawk’s intricate feather patterns to stand out in quiet detail. The image feels still, reverent, and watchful—like a sentinel holding court in the hush of winter." - Microsoft Copilot
November 19, 2025 at 6:43 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
A Bluebird View

This Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) was perched at the top of a tall sweetgum tree. ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #thrush #EasternBluebird
"A single Eastern Bluebird perches on a bare tree branch, its body angled slightly forward as if poised between rest and flight. The bird’s plumage is striking: a brilliant blue cloak covers its back and wings, while its chest glows with a warm reddish-orange, fading into a soft white belly. The branch it rests on is leafless and slender, part of a tree stripped bare by the season—suggesting late fall or winter. Behind the bird, the sky is a clear, uninterrupted blue, echoing the hue of its feathers and casting the entire scene in crisp, quiet light. The composition is simple and reverent, with the bird as the undeniable focal point—a vivid spark of color against the skeletal tree and open sky." - Microsoft Copilot
November 19, 2025 at 6:10 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. 🦋🍂🍁

19 November 2025

The Battle of the Bed

Here’s an interesting story about Ben and Charlie.

Ben was a smallish black-and-tan terrier who passed away this past June. ...

1/8

#morning #butterfly #dogs #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers
Painted Traveler "A Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) hovers mid-flight, wings fully extended in a moment of suspended motion. Its vibrant orange wings, bordered in black and dotted with white, blaze against a softly blurred backdrop of green and brown—suggesting a meadow or garden. The butterfly appears to be flying toward the camera, its body angled forward, giving the image a sense of approach and immediacy. The motion blur on the wings hints at movement, while the crisp detail of its body draws the viewer into its path. It feels like a quiet encounter—fleeting, graceful, and personal—as if the butterfly is offering a moment of recognition before continuing its journey." - Microsoft Copilot
November 19, 2025 at 5:26 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Curious by the Sea

I spotted this sanderling (Calidris alba) at Holly Beach, Louisiana a few years ago. From the angle of the photograph, it looks as if a giant wave is rolling in behind it—but in reality, it was just a small one.
"A small shorebird—a sanderling (Calidris alba)—stands alone on a sandy beach near the edge of the surf. Its plumage is pale and soft, blending gently with the sand, while its slender black beak points downward toward a small object on the ground, perhaps a shell or fragment of seaweed. The bird’s posture is curious, almost contemplative, as if inspecting the shore’s offerings. Behind it, the ocean waves blur into a soft, silvery backdrop, their motion stilled by the camera’s focus. The lighting is gentle and natural, casting a warm glow on the sand and highlighting the bird’s delicate form. The scene is quiet and intimate, capturing a fleeting moment of coastal life—simple, serene, and full of quiet wonder." - Microsoft Copilot
November 18, 2025 at 9:52 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Where the Sky Broods

This is a seascape—an image of the Caribbean Sea or perhaps the Gulf of Mexico; I don’t quite remember. ...

1/3

#photo #photography #photographer #eseascape #landscape #clouds #sky #ocean #CaribbeanSea #GulfofMexico
"The Caribbean Sea stretches wide beneath a dramatic sky, captured at either sunrise or sunset. The ocean’s surface shimmers with golden light, as if the sun has spilled molten metal across the waves. The water glows with warmth, yet the sky above is moody and textured—filled with dark, layered clouds that roll like smoke or velvet. The contrast is striking: the sea radiant and alive, the sky brooding and vast. There are no boats, no birds—just the elemental tension between light and shadow, water and sky. The scene evokes awe and quiet reverence, as if the sea itself is holding its breath beneath the weight of the heavens." - Microsoft Copilot
November 18, 2025 at 9:25 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Rose in Shadowlight

I captured this painterly image of a red rose some time ago. I originally titled it Red Rose No. 2, but lately I’ve been replacing those redundant names with something more imaginative.
"A single red rose dominates the frame, its petals deep and velvety, layered like folds of silk. The bloom is captured in close-up, revealing the intricate textures and subtle curves of each petal. The red is intense—almost glowing—with rich saturation that makes the flower feel alive and luminous. Shadows nestle between the petals, adding depth and drama, while the background fades into darkness, allowing the rose to stand alone in radiant contrast. The lighting is deliberate, highlighting the rose’s contours and giving it a sculptural presence. This image feels intimate and theatrical, as if the rose is performing a quiet soliloquy under a spotlight. In the bottom right corner, the watermark “© Swede’s Photographs” marks the artist’s signature." - Microsoft Copilot
November 18, 2025 at 6:13 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
The Crow

I was out walking with Ben and Charlie a few years ago when I spotted what looked like a large bird perched in a bare tree ...

1/3

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #corvids #crows #AmericanCrow
"A solitary American crow perches on a bare, leafless tree, its silhouette etched sharply against a clear blue sky. The tree is tall and skeletal, its thin branches reaching upward like fingers frozen in mid-gesture. The crow sits near the lower fork of the branching section, facing to the right, its posture alert but composed. There are no leaves, no clouds—just the stark contrast between the dark forms of bird and tree and the vast, uninterrupted expanse of sky. The scene is quiet, minimal, and contemplative, evoking a sense of stillness and watchful solitude. The crow, often a symbol of intelligence and mystery, appears as a lone sentinel surveying the morning. The photograph is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom left corner." - Microsoft Copilot
November 18, 2025 at 5:56 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. 💮💮💮

18 November 2025

When I drive through a larger city, I notice far more electric cars than I ever see around my own area, where hybrids are more common. ...

1/8

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #flower #electiccars #technology #future
"Centered in the frame like a radiant star, a morning glory flower unfurls its delicate white petals with quiet elegance. Each petal is veined with subtle lines that ripple outward from the center, creating a symmetrical pattern that feels both organic and architectural. At the heart of the bloom, a vivid burst of magenta and deep red pulses like a flame—drawing the eye inward to its glowing core. The transition from white to crimson is seamless yet dramatic, like sunrise bleeding into daylight. The background is dark and softly blurred, offering no distractions—only depth. This contrast makes the flower appear almost luminous, as if lit from within. The composition is intimate, almost reverent, capturing the flower not just as a botanical specimen but as a moment of quiet revelation. The image feels painterly, with soft edges and rich tones, as if the flower were brushed into being rather than photographed. It’s a portrait of stillness, color, and quiet intensity." - Microsoft Copilot
November 18, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
maribean.bsky.social
Happy accidents.
I've a few photos that I didn't think were all that at first, but grew to like them.
This is one of them - the blur of the grass bothered me, but I kept it. Now I like the way it works with the rest of the photo.
Lily pads on a still pond, a blurred clump of grass in the foreground, trees and grasses in the background.
November 17, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
maribean.bsky.social
This is the photo I was aiming for, once I fixed the focus. But I like the other photo better now.
A clump of grass gone to seed, with a blurred image of a still pond and trees in the background. There are lily pads on the pond.
November 17, 2025 at 10:09 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Soft Vigil

Sometimes, when I revisit old photos, one I’d initially dismissed stops me cold—and I think, “How did I miss that?” This image of a Great Egret (Ardea alba), framed through soft, out-of-focus foliage, is one of those. What once seemed like visual clutter now feels intentional.
"In this soft, painterly image, a Great Egret (Ardea alba) stands poised in shallow water, its slender white form reflected almost perfectly on the rippling surface below. The egret’s body is elongated and elegant, with a graceful S-curve to its neck and a dagger-like yellow bill pointing forward in quiet readiness. Its plumage is pristine—white as fresh linen—and glows subtly in the ambient light, as if brushed with moonlight. The water around it is calm but textured, catching faint ripples that distort the reflection just enough to suggest movement. Foreground foliage—blurred greens and purples—frames the scene like a watercolor wash, softening the edges and adding depth without distraction. The egret is centered, both physically and spiritually, a solitary figure in a tranquil world. Its posture is meditative, almost ceremonial, as if it’s not merely standing but bearing witness to the stillness. The overall tone is hushed and reverent, like a moment suspended in time." - Microsoft Copilot
November 17, 2025 at 9:12 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Favorite Perch

I usually spot Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) perched along the powerlines near my home—though elsewhere, ...

1/4

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #thrush #EasternBluebird
"Perched confidently on a thick, twisted metal wire, an Eastern Bluebird gazes into the open sky. Its feathers shimmer with a brilliant cobalt blue across the head, back, and wings—like a splash of sky stitched into flesh. The chest glows with a warm, rusty orange, fading gently into a soft white belly, as if dipped in sunrise. The bird’s posture is alert yet serene, talons gripping the wire with quiet strength. The wire itself coils like a muscular vine, metallic and weathered, contrasting the bird’s delicate form. Behind it, the sky is a flawless canvas of blue—no clouds, no distractions—just a vast, open expanse that amplifies the bird’s vivid colors and solitary grace. The lighting is crisp and generous, illuminating every feather’s texture and the subtle curve of its beak. It’s a moment of stillness, clarity, and quiet majesty." - Microsoft Copilot
November 17, 2025 at 8:40 PM