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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. ☕☕☕

10 October 2025

Last night, we attended our nephew’s graduation from the Basic Peace Officer’s Course—a police academy run by a Texas sheriff’s department. He’s now officially a deputy. ...

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#morning #RiteOfPassage #grass #photo
Ivory in Motion "A dense congregation of fountain grass stands tall and alive, its slender green blades arching and weaving like a ceremonial curtain stirred by breath. Rising from this verdant base are dozens of feathery flower spikes—soft plumes that shimmer in hues of pale lavender, ivory, and silvery white. Each plume catches the light like a whisper, their airy textures reminiscent of brushed velvet or wind-swept fur. The spikes tilt and sway, some upright like sentinels, others leaning gently as if mid-bow in a ritual of wind and time. The entire cluster feels animate—like a mythic gathering of vegetal elders, each plume a scroll of seasonal memory. The interplay of light and shadow across the blades and tufts creates a rhythmic pattern, a visual hymn to movement and softness. There’s no hard edge here, only the gentle choreography of nature’s breath. In the bottom left corner, a watermark reads “© Swede’s Photographs,” anchoring the image in authorship without disturbing its quiet ceremony." - Microsoft Copilot
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 1d
Whistlers in the Haze

On 9 October 2025, I encountered a large flock of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis).

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#photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #waterfowl #ducks #BlackBelliedWhistlingDucks
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 1d
Sentinel on the Rock

I really should have tried to get closer to this killdeer to get this shot. I like the composition though, bird, rock, and lake.
"A solitary Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) stands poised atop a mottled rock at the edge of a calm lake, its slender frame angled away from the viewer, gazing toward the water as if in quiet contemplation. The bird’s plumage is a study in contrast—warm brown upperparts, crisp white underbelly, and two bold black bands that wrap across its chest like ceremonial sashes. Its long legs and upright posture give it a sentinel-like presence, as though it were guarding the threshold between land and water. The lake behind it stretches out in soft hues of pale blue, its surface smooth and lightly rippled, reflecting the sky with a gentle shimmer. Surrounding the rock are tufts of grass and scattered stones, grounding the scene in a natural palette of greens, grays, and earth tones. The composition feels balanced yet intimate—an invitation to pause and witness a moment of stillness. The Killdeer’s gaze, though unseen, seems deliberate. It does not perform; it presides. The image evokes solitude, watchfulness, and the quiet dignity of a creature attuned to its surroundings. A watermark in the top left corner reads “Swede’s Photographs,” subtly 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
Morning Glories in the Meadow Choir

This photograph captures a small field of wildflowers—primarily yellow bitter sneezeweeds (Helenium amarum)—their bright blooms clustered like sunlit confetti ...

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#photo #photography #photographer #photographylove #nature #wildflowers #flowers
"A radiant field of yellow wildflowers stretches across the frame like a sunlit tapestry, each bloom small and densely packed, their petals glowing with warmth and cheer. The yellow dominates, creating a golden sea that seems to hum with late-season energy. Beneath the blossoms, slender green stems and leaves weave a subtle underlayer, grounding the scene in earthy rhythm. Amid this golden expanse, a few purple morning glory flowers rise like ceremonial accents—bold, trumpet-shaped, and unmistakably regal. Their deep violet hue contrasts sharply with the yellow, drawing the eye like glyphs of mystery in a field of light. The morning glories appear scattered but intentional, like emissaries from a different ministry of bloom. The composition feels both wild and harmonious, as if nature had choreographed a dance of color and texture. The interplay between the dominant yellow and the striking purple evokes a sense of balance—joy tempered by depth, brightness softened by shadow." - Microsoft Copilot
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 1d
Flower Child

This photograph captures the striking beauty of purple false foxgloves (Purple Gerardia), wildflowers I encountered in the area. To enhance its visual appeal, I creatively adjusted the light properties. The result is an image with a captivating, 60s-inspired psychedelic aesthetic.
"This image showcases a close-up view of a flowering plant with purple blossoms and buds. The flowers have a delicate, slightly translucent quality to their petals. Surrounding the plant is a vivid, colorful background with shades of red, yellow, green, and blue, making the composition dynamic and artistic. The stems and buds are detailed, showing natural veins and a lush green hue. The combination of vibrant colors and soft floral textures creates a striking visual appeal." - Copilot
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Reposted by @Swede1952
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 16h
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 · 15h
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 · 14h
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 · 11h
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 · 7h
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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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 6h
Is that insane. or what
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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 7h
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
4 160
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 8h
✌️
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 8h
😊
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 8h
There are 61 species that appear blue, but none are truly blue. The appearance has something to do white light blending properties of their plumage.
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 11h
If you’re captivated by blue grosbeaks and other members of the Cardinalidae family—better known as the cardinal family—step into my photo gallery for a visual feast. Come take a look:

swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 11h
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.

1/2

#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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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 12h
I believe this is a Texan goose.
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 14h
As it turns out, the figures were a ragtag band of domestic geese and ducks, drifting about and landing on backyard shores like raiding pirates—unruly, unbothered, and oddly ceremonial in their arrival.

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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 14h
Their silhouettes were vague, their honks echoing across the water like distant signals. I did a bit of quick research, thinking they might be snow geese, given the pale plumage and nocturnal presence. But I hadn’t really seen them—only their spectral outlines and voices. ...

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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 14h
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. ...

1/3
"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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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 15h
couple of images as it passed. It turned out to be a Neotropic Cormorant, its silhouette etched against the sky like a glyph in motion.

If you enjoy wildlife and nature photography, check out my photo gallery here:

swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 15h
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 ...

1/2

#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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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 16h
“Memories of childhood were the dreams that stayed with you after you woke.” — Julian Barnes

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is.” — Albert Einstein

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swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 16h
Was it divine intervention, or simply a child’s mind reasoning its way through uncertainty? I still wonder, even after all these years. The moment feels suspended between faith and instinct—an echo of something quietly profound. ...

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