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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952
@swede1952.bsky.social
32K followers 17K following 7.9K 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 February 2026

I’m on a roll this morning—though that usually lasts only until it’s time to actually start typing. ...

1/8

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #ducks #morning #dogs #writing
Ducks at Dawn "The scene feels like dawn distilled into a single quiet gesture. Five ducks move across a sheet of water that looks less like a lake and more like brushed metal catching first light. The surface shifts between deep blue and warm gold, as if the night and the morning are still negotiating who gets to stay. The ducks appear as dark silhouettes—clean, simple shapes gliding without hurry. Two ducks in the center drift so close that their necks lean toward one another, forming a soft, accidental heart shape. It’s subtle, the kind of moment you’d miss if you blinked, but once you notice it, the whole image feels like a small ceremony of connection. The ducks ahead and behind stretch the line into a gentle rhythm, each silhouette spaced just enough to suggest quiet companionship rather than formation. The water carries the light in long, trembling streaks, so every ripple becomes a brushstroke. Nothing in the frame is loud. It’s all restraint—shape, shadow, reflection—letting the warmth of dawn do the storytelling. The photograph feels like a breath taken before the day begins." - Microsoft Copilot
February 5, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Perched Between Seasons

Just a couple of days ago I wrote about how I hadn’t seen any American robins (Turdus migratorius) around for a while. ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #thrush #AmericanRobin
"An American robin perches on a bare branch as if it has claimed the morning for itself. The sky behind it is a clear, uninterrupted blue—so smooth it feels like a backdrop painted just for this bird. With no leaves to compete for attention, the robin stands out in crisp silhouette and color. Its breast glows a deep, warm orange, the kind that looks almost sunlit even when the light is soft. The head is dark, nearly charcoal, giving the bird a sharp, alert profile. Gray wings fold neatly along its sides, each feather catching just enough light to show texture without breaking the simplicity of the scene. The branch beneath it is rough and weathered, a tangle of winter limbs reaching upward like a quiet scaffolding. The robin looks outward, chest lifted, as if listening for the first hint of movement in the stillness. The whole image feels like a pause between seasons—winter’s bare architecture holding space for a bird that already carries spring in its colors." - Microsoft Copilot
February 5, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Robin at Attention

I haven’t seen any American robins (Turdus migratorius) for quite a while, though Merlin keeps reminding me they’re still ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #thrush #AmericanRobin
"An American robin stands squarely on a patch of early‑season grass, facing the camera with the kind of direct, unhurried confidence this species carries so naturally. Its body fills the frame, making the bird feel close enough to touch. The robin’s breast is a deep, warm orange—rich and saturated, like the color of a ripe persimmon. That bold chest meets a dark, almost charcoal‑black head, giving the bird a crisp, clean contrast. Its eyes are bright and alert, set beneath a thin white eye‑ring that reads almost like a subtle highlight. The beak is slender and yellow, pointed slightly downward as if the bird has paused mid‑stride to assess the world. The wings and back are a smooth gray, each feather lying neatly in place, creating a soft gradient from slate to smoke. The robin’s legs are thin but sturdy, gripping the mixed green‑and‑brown grass beneath it. The ground is textured—some blades upright, others flattened—suggesting a natural, lived‑in patch of earth. The background stays close and simple, keeping all attention on the bird’s posture, color, and presence. A small photographer’s signature rests in the upper corner, marking the image as a deliberate, careful capture of a familiar but striking species. The overall feeling is one of quiet readiness, as if the robin is about to hop forward, tilt its head, and listen for the faint movement of a worm beneath the soil." - Microsoft Copilot
February 3, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Ember-Crowned Sparrow

I love the little tough‑looking cap on this chipping sparrow.
"A chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) stands perched on a dark, textured surface, its tiny body held with the kind of alert stillness only small birds can manage. The background melts into a soft blur, so the sparrow appears almost spotlighted—every feather crisp, every detail clean. Its most striking feature is the warm, rusty-red cap that sits atop its head like a tiny ember. Below that, a thin dark line runs through the eye, giving the bird a focused, almost thoughtful expression. The throat is bright and white, a small patch of clarity against the subtle gray of its face and breast. Its wings are patterned in fine streaks of brown and black, each line delicate but purposeful, like careful brushwork. The perch beneath it is dark and slightly rough, grounding the bird in contrast to the smooth, muted background. The sparrow’s feet grip the edge lightly, ready to spring away at the slightest shift in the world. The whole image feels intimate—quiet, close, and attentive to the small beauty of a bird that many people overlook unless they pause long enough to really see it." - Microsoft Copilot
February 5, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Twilight Hawk, A Blackhawk Evening Patrol

This is the silhouette of a Black Hawk helicopter flying through an orange sky.

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #silhouette #twilight #aorcraft #helicopter #blackhawk
"A Black Hawk helicopter cuts across a sky that looks as if it’s been set on fire by the rising or setting sun. The entire backdrop glows in deep oranges and molten yellows, the kind of light that turns the air itself into a warm haze. Against that brilliance, the helicopter appears as a perfect silhouette—sharp, dark, and unmistakably purposeful. You can make out the broad main rotor, frozen mid‑spin in the still image, and the smaller tail rotor at the back. The landing gear hangs beneath the fuselage, giving the aircraft a slightly predatory posture, as if it’s ready to drop into action at any moment. The silhouette is crisp enough that every angle and contour reads clearly, even without visible detail. It feels like motion suspended—an instant of power and precision held in the glow of a dramatic sky. The contrast between the fiery background and the dark aircraft gives the scene a cinematic intensity. It’s a moment that feels both calm and charged, as if the helicopter is moving through the last breath of daylight or the first breath of morning." - Microsoft Copilot
February 6, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
Trees Against the Setting Sun
"The sky glows like a sheet of molten amber, the kind of sunset that seems to warm the air even in a still photograph. Deep oranges melt into soft yellows, creating a luminous backdrop that feels both vast and intimate. Against this glowing canvas, the trees stand in dark silhouette—quiet, unmoving witnesses to the day’s last light. Some branches are bare, their thin lines reaching upward like delicate ink strokes. Others belong to evergreens, fuller and more grounded, their shapes forming a gentle contrast to the spindly limbs beside them. Together they create a layered foreground, a natural frame that draws the eye deeper into the glowing horizon. The scene is calm, almost meditative. There’s no movement, no sound—just the quiet transition from day to night, captured in a moment where the world seems to pause and breathe." - Microsoft Copilot
February 6, 2026 at 2:27 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Trees Against the Setting Sun
"The sky glows like a sheet of molten amber, the kind of sunset that seems to warm the air even in a still photograph. Deep oranges melt into soft yellows, creating a luminous backdrop that feels both vast and intimate. Against this glowing canvas, the trees stand in dark silhouette—quiet, unmoving witnesses to the day’s last light. Some branches are bare, their thin lines reaching upward like delicate ink strokes. Others belong to evergreens, fuller and more grounded, their shapes forming a gentle contrast to the spindly limbs beside them. Together they create a layered foreground, a natural frame that draws the eye deeper into the glowing horizon. The scene is calm, almost meditative. There’s no movement, no sound—just the quiet transition from day to night, captured in a moment where the world seems to pause and breathe." - Microsoft Copilot
February 6, 2026 at 2:27 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Twilight Hawk, A Blackhawk Evening Patrol

This is the silhouette of a Black Hawk helicopter flying through an orange sky.

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #silhouette #twilight #aorcraft #helicopter #blackhawk
"A Black Hawk helicopter cuts across a sky that looks as if it’s been set on fire by the rising or setting sun. The entire backdrop glows in deep oranges and molten yellows, the kind of light that turns the air itself into a warm haze. Against that brilliance, the helicopter appears as a perfect silhouette—sharp, dark, and unmistakably purposeful. You can make out the broad main rotor, frozen mid‑spin in the still image, and the smaller tail rotor at the back. The landing gear hangs beneath the fuselage, giving the aircraft a slightly predatory posture, as if it’s ready to drop into action at any moment. The silhouette is crisp enough that every angle and contour reads clearly, even without visible detail. It feels like motion suspended—an instant of power and precision held in the glow of a dramatic sky. The contrast between the fiery background and the dark aircraft gives the scene a cinematic intensity. It’s a moment that feels both calm and charged, as if the helicopter is moving through the last breath of daylight or the first breath of morning." - Microsoft Copilot
February 6, 2026 at 1:28 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Ember-Crowned Sparrow

I love the little tough‑looking cap on this chipping sparrow.
"A chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) stands perched on a dark, textured surface, its tiny body held with the kind of alert stillness only small birds can manage. The background melts into a soft blur, so the sparrow appears almost spotlighted—every feather crisp, every detail clean. Its most striking feature is the warm, rusty-red cap that sits atop its head like a tiny ember. Below that, a thin dark line runs through the eye, giving the bird a focused, almost thoughtful expression. The throat is bright and white, a small patch of clarity against the subtle gray of its face and breast. Its wings are patterned in fine streaks of brown and black, each line delicate but purposeful, like careful brushwork. The perch beneath it is dark and slightly rough, grounding the bird in contrast to the smooth, muted background. The sparrow’s feet grip the edge lightly, ready to spring away at the slightest shift in the world. The whole image feels intimate—quiet, close, and attentive to the small beauty of a bird that many people overlook unless they pause long enough to really see it." - Microsoft Copilot
February 5, 2026 at 6:01 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Perched Between Seasons

Just a couple of days ago I wrote about how I hadn’t seen any American robins (Turdus migratorius) around for a while. ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #thrush #AmericanRobin
"An American robin perches on a bare branch as if it has claimed the morning for itself. The sky behind it is a clear, uninterrupted blue—so smooth it feels like a backdrop painted just for this bird. With no leaves to compete for attention, the robin stands out in crisp silhouette and color. Its breast glows a deep, warm orange, the kind that looks almost sunlit even when the light is soft. The head is dark, nearly charcoal, giving the bird a sharp, alert profile. Gray wings fold neatly along its sides, each feather catching just enough light to show texture without breaking the simplicity of the scene. The branch beneath it is rough and weathered, a tangle of winter limbs reaching upward like a quiet scaffolding. The robin looks outward, chest lifted, as if listening for the first hint of movement in the stillness. The whole image feels like a pause between seasons—winter’s bare architecture holding space for a bird that already carries spring in its colors." - Microsoft Copilot
February 5, 2026 at 5:47 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. 🦆🪿🦢

5 February 2026

I’m on a roll this morning—though that usually lasts only until it’s time to actually start typing. ...

1/8

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #ducks #morning #dogs #writing
Ducks at Dawn "The scene feels like dawn distilled into a single quiet gesture. Five ducks move across a sheet of water that looks less like a lake and more like brushed metal catching first light. The surface shifts between deep blue and warm gold, as if the night and the morning are still negotiating who gets to stay. The ducks appear as dark silhouettes—clean, simple shapes gliding without hurry. Two ducks in the center drift so close that their necks lean toward one another, forming a soft, accidental heart shape. It’s subtle, the kind of moment you’d miss if you blinked, but once you notice it, the whole image feels like a small ceremony of connection. The ducks ahead and behind stretch the line into a gentle rhythm, each silhouette spaced just enough to suggest quiet companionship rather than formation. The water carries the light in long, trembling streaks, so every ripple becomes a brushstroke. Nothing in the frame is loud. It’s all restraint—shape, shadow, reflection—letting the warmth of dawn do the storytelling. The photograph feels like a breath taken before the day begins." - Microsoft Copilot
February 5, 2026 at 2:08 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Reflections of Nature

Here is a great blue heron (Ardea herodias). I photographed it at a local lake.
"The heron stands at the water’s edge like a quiet sentinel, tall and composed, its long body rising from the bank in a single elegant line. Its slate‑blue feathers catch the light in soft gradients—smoke, steel, and pale ash blending across its wings and back. The bird’s neck forms a gentle S‑curve, held halfway between rest and readiness, and its dagger‑straight bill points slightly downward as if measuring the stillness around it. Behind the heron, dense green vegetation presses close: tall grasses, leafy stems, and tangled undergrowth forming a textured wall of living color. The greens range from deep forest to bright spring, layered so thickly that the bird seems carved into a niche of wildness. The water below is perfectly calm, a dark mirror that doubles the scene with uncanny clarity. The heron’s reflection stretches downward—every feather, every angle of its posture echoed in the surface. The mirrored grasses frame it, creating a near‑symmetrical world where the boundary between bird and reflection feels almost imaginary. The overall mood is hushed and contemplative, as if the heron has paused time itself. Nothing moves. Nothing disturbs the water. It’s a moment of pure stillness held between breath and ripple." - Microsoft Copilot
February 3, 2026 at 10:16 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Jasmine in Morning Light

We were walking yesterday when we came across some Carolina jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens), ...

1/3

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #CarolinaJasmine #flowers #plants
"The photograph captures a single, arching vine of Carolina jasmine held in crisp focus against a soft, blurred backdrop. The stem is a warm reddish‑brown, slender and slightly curved, almost like a brushstroke suspended in the air. Along it, narrow, glossy green leaves reach outward in alternating directions, their surfaces catching the light with a gentle sheen. Two bright yellow blossoms command the center of the frame. Each flower is shaped like a small trumpet opening toward the viewer, with five rounded petals forming a soft star. The petals glow with a saturated, sunlit yellow—rich, warm, and almost luminous—creating a striking contrast against the deep greens of the leaves and the muted background. The flowers appear delicate but confident, as if they’re quietly announcing spring." - Microsoft Copilot
February 3, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Reposted by @Swede1952
maxxxdoubt.bsky.social
In central Illinois we can expect to see Robins just about any time of year, although they're much more secluded in the winters. I sometimes catch them eating from the ornamental crab-apple type of dried fruit trees. Hey, what else can you do when the worms are frozen under the ground? 🙂
February 3, 2026 at 6:52 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Skyline of Wings

I’ve looked past this image of black skimmers (Rynchops niger) a dozen times, but when I glanced at it this morning, I finally noticed the depth created by the flock stretching into the distance.
"A wide sweep of sky fills the frame, pale and softly clouded, and across it moves a flock of black skimmers in full, fluid flight. The birds are captured mid‑motion, each one angled slightly differently, so the flock feels alive—like a single organism made of many wings. Their bodies are long and slender, painted in sharp contrasts: deep black across the back and wings, bright white along the underside, and that unmistakable flash of orange‑red at the beak. Because skimmers have such distinctive bills—top half shorter than the bottom—their silhouettes look almost stylized, like brushstrokes cutting through the air. Wings stretch wide and pointed, some lifted high, others dipping low, giving the flock a sense of rhythm and choreography. They’re not packed tightly; instead, they’re spaced in a loose, drifting pattern, as if the wind itself is arranging them. The sky behind them is muted, a soft wash of gray and white, which makes the birds’ dark wings and bright beaks stand out even more. There’s no land or water visible—just birds and sky—so the whole scene feels weightless, suspended, a moment of pure motion frozen in time." - Microsoft Copilot
February 3, 2026 at 6:10 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Robin at Attention

I haven’t seen any American robins (Turdus migratorius) for quite a while, though Merlin keeps reminding me they’re still ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #thrush #AmericanRobin
"An American robin stands squarely on a patch of early‑season grass, facing the camera with the kind of direct, unhurried confidence this species carries so naturally. Its body fills the frame, making the bird feel close enough to touch. The robin’s breast is a deep, warm orange—rich and saturated, like the color of a ripe persimmon. That bold chest meets a dark, almost charcoal‑black head, giving the bird a crisp, clean contrast. Its eyes are bright and alert, set beneath a thin white eye‑ring that reads almost like a subtle highlight. The beak is slender and yellow, pointed slightly downward as if the bird has paused mid‑stride to assess the world. The wings and back are a smooth gray, each feather lying neatly in place, creating a soft gradient from slate to smoke. The robin’s legs are thin but sturdy, gripping the mixed green‑and‑brown grass beneath it. The ground is textured—some blades upright, others flattened—suggesting a natural, lived‑in patch of earth. The background stays close and simple, keeping all attention on the bird’s posture, color, and presence. A small photographer’s signature rests in the upper corner, marking the image as a deliberate, careful capture of a familiar but striking species. The overall feeling is one of quiet readiness, as if the robin is about to hop forward, tilt its head, and listen for the faint movement of a worm beneath the soil." - Microsoft Copilot
February 3, 2026 at 5:48 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. 🕊️🕊️🕊️

3 February 2026

Do you remember how, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, bell‑bottom trousers were just about the only thing you could buy? ...

1/8

#photo #photography #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #RockPigeons #RockDoves #pigeons #doves #morning #fashion #bellbottoms
Feast on the Platform "A tight cluster of rock pigeons (Columba livia) crowds around a wooden bird feeder, their bodies forming a living ring of gray, charcoal, and soft iridescent greens. The feeder itself is simple and sturdy: a square wooden platform with a clear central column filled with seed, the kind that releases food slowly as the birds eat. The pigeons stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder, so close their wings overlap like layered shingles. Most of the birds have their heads bowed, beaks buried in the scattered seed. From this angle, their neck feathers catch the light in shifting colors — a wash of green that turns violet as they move. Their bodies are plump and rounded, the slate‑gray wings edged with darker bars. Their feet, a vivid red against the pale wood, grip the feeder’s rim with a mix of balance and urgency. The scene feels intimate and bustling. You can almost hear the soft rustle of feathers, the quick tapping of beaks on wood, and the low cooing that pigeons make when they’re comfortable and focused on food. The background is blurred into warm, gentle tones, pulling all attention toward the small, communal feast at the center. The photograph carries the signature “© Swede’s Photographe” in the lower right corner, marking it as a crafted, intentional capture of everyday urban wildlife." - Microsoft Copilot
February 3, 2026 at 2:44 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Thrasher Forest

This brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) was perched in an oak tree in the forest behind my house. These birds are mostly found in the Eastern United States, though individuals do turn up in other regions from time to time.
"A brown thrasher stands alert on a branch, its long body angled slightly forward as if listening for the next rustle in the leaves. The bird’s rich brown back glows warmly in the sunlight, while its chest and belly are a bright, clean white streaked with bold, dark lines—each streak sharp enough to feel almost hand‑drawn. Its yellow eyes shine with a fierce, intelligent brightness, giving the thrasher a look of constant awareness. The bird’s long tail extends behind it like a rudder, balancing its weight on the branch. Two crisp white wing bars cut across its folded wings, adding contrast to the warm tones of its plumage. Around the bird, green leaves frame the scene, some catching the light, others casting soft shadows. Behind it all stretches a clear blue sky, making the thrasher’s colors stand out even more vividly. The whole moment feels alive and alert—sunlight, leaves, and a bird built for quick movement and sharp observation, pausing just long enough to be seen." - Microsoft Copilot
February 2, 2026 at 2:48 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Red in the Green

Here is a male northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), clearly photographed in spring or summer.
"A northern cardinal perches on a slender branch, its body a brilliant flare of red against a soft, green blur of background. The bird’s plumage is rich and saturated, every feather catching the light in a way that makes the red seem almost warm to the touch. Its black mask—a sharp, velvety patch around the beak and eyes—gives the cardinal an expression of alert confidence, as though it’s surveying its territory with quiet authority. The branch beneath it is thin and slightly curved, dotted with a few small leaves that frame the bird without distracting from it. The tree’s trunk rises nearby, textured and rough, grounding the scene in a sense of place. The background melts into gentle greens and yellows, creating a soft halo that makes the cardinal stand out even more vividly. The bird holds itself with a kind of poised stillness—head lifted, crest slightly raised, body angled forward as if ready to leap into flight at the slightest rustle. It’s a moment of bright, living color suspended in a calm, natural world." - Microsoft Copilot
February 2, 2026 at 2:30 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Pine Warbler in the Thicket

While I was clicking away at goldfinches, I happened to capture this image of a pine warbler (Setophaga pinus) ...

1/3

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #PineWarbler
"A pine warbler perches among a tangle of thin branches, its small body glowing with warm yellow tones that stand out against the muted background. The bird’s breast and face are washed in a soft, golden yellow, deepening slightly toward the throat. Fine, dark streaks run down its sides, giving texture and depth to its plumage. Its wings are darker—olive and charcoal—with two crisp white wing bars that catch the light and frame the bird’s posture. The warbler’s bill is slender and pointed, built for gleaning insects from bark and needles. It grips the branch with delicate claws, steady and balanced despite the maze of twigs around it. The background melts into gentle browns and grays, making the bird appear almost luminous, as if it carries its own small pocket of sunlight into the winter woods. There’s a sense of quiet alertness in the way it holds itself—head slightly lifted, body angled forward—as though it’s listening for the next rustle of movement in the branches. The whole scene feels intimate and alive, a brief moment of brightness perched in a subdued landscape." - Microsoft Copilot
February 1, 2026 at 5:42 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Through the Branches

I really like this image of a northern cardinal and a chipping sparrow. It’s a shame the sparrow decided to look away— ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #NorthernCardinal #ChippingSparrow
"A chipping sparrow sits forward in the frame, perched lightly on a thin, leafless branch beaded with frozen droplets. Its small body is angled away, head turned just enough that you catch only the soft curve of its cheek and the faint russet cap that marks its species. The feathers along its back form a delicate pattern of warm browns and pale grays, blending into the tangle of branches around it. Beyond that lattice of twigs, softened by distance and moisture in the air, a northern cardinal approaches. Its red plumage glows through the haze like a warm ember behind frosted glass. The contrast between the sparrow’s subtle earth tones and the cardinal’s vivid presence creates a sense of depth—two birds sharing the same winter world, each holding its own quiet space within it." - Microsoft Copilot
February 1, 2026 at 5:22 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. 🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛

1 February 2026

Well, we made it through January—more or less. I must have, anyway, ...

1/8

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotograph #morning #AmericanCrow #silouhettes #solitude
Crow in the Bare Tree "An American crow sits perched on a bare branch, its entire form rendered in deep silhouette against a pale, cloud‑washed sky. The bird’s shape is unmistakable: the strong, slightly arched back; the thick neck; the heavy, intelligent beak pointing outward as if testing the air. Every feather blends into a single dark outline, giving the crow a quiet, statuesque presence. The tree it rests on is leafless, its branches thin and angular, reaching in every direction like a web of ink strokes. The starkness of the branches frames the crow, making it appear both solitary and central—an anchor in an otherwise open, drifting sky. The light behind the bird is soft and muted, turning the whole scene into a study of contrast: dark against light, stillness against the slow movement of clouds. There’s a contemplative mood to the image, as if the crow is keeping watch over a quiet morning, or simply taking a moment to exist in the cold air. The simplicity of the composition makes the crow’s presence feel almost symbolic—endurance, awareness, and a touch of mystery perched on a winter branch." - Microsoft Copilot
February 1, 2026 at 1:08 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Sunset Hues

Here’s another goldfinch (Spinus tristis). I think they may be getting ready to move on—there haven’t been as many around these past few days.
"A goldfinch perches on a bare branch, its small body a bright point of color against a washed‑out, winter‑bright background. The bird’s head and chest glow with a soft yellow, muted but still warm, like the memory of sunlight on a cold day. Its wings are darker—deep browns and charcoal—broken by clean white wing bars that stand out sharply against the feathers. The branch beneath it is thin and leafless, the kind of branch that creaks in a winter breeze. The bird grips it with delicate claws, steady and sure. Its posture is alert but calm, as if it has paused only for a moment before moving on. The overexposed light behind it turns the world into a pale haze, making the goldfinch and the dark lines of the branches appear almost like ink on paper—simple, stark, and beautiful. The whole scene feels quiet, suspended, as though the bird is the only warm thing in a cold morning." - Microsoft Copilot
January 30, 2026 at 9:10 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Red Rose in Darkness

I studied this close view of a red rose and wondered whether I should try to tighten the focus. In the end, ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #plant #flower #rose
"A single red rose fills the frame, unfolding in a slow, deliberate spiral from its tightly curled center to its broad outer petals. The red is deep and velvety—rich enough to feel almost warm, as if the flower is lit from within. Each petal curves with a softness that suggests both strength and fragility, their edges gently lifting and folding like fabric caught in a quiet breath. The background falls away into darkness, making the rose appear almost luminous against it. With no distractions around it, the flower becomes a world unto itself—layers of crimson, each one catching a hint of light, each one shaped with natural precision. The texture is so clear you can almost imagine the cool, smooth feel of the petals under your fingertips." - Microsoft Copilot
January 30, 2026 at 8:58 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Thoughtful Goldfinch
"A small goldfinch perches on the edge of a wooden surface, its body angled slightly downward as if studying something just out of view. The bird’s head and chest glow with a warm, buttery yellow, the kind of color that feels sunlit even in shade. Its wings are darker—deep charcoal and brown—broken by crisp white wing bars that look almost painted on. The contrast makes the yellow even more striking. The goldfinch’s tiny claws grip the wood with delicate precision, each toe curved and sure. The feathers along its back and wings lie in neat, layered rows, giving the bird a soft, textured look, like a finely woven fabric. Its posture is gentle and intent, as though it has paused mid‑thought. Behind the bird, the background melts into a smooth blur of muted tones, making the goldfinch stand out sharply—bright, alive, and full of quiet presence. The whole scene feels intimate, as if you’ve stepped close enough to hear the faint rustle of feathers." - Microsoft Copilot
January 30, 2026 at 6:28 PM