@Swede1952
LightNews LightNews
banner
swede1952.bsky.social
@Swede1952
@swede1952.bsky.social
21K followers 17K following 7.2K 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.
Posts Replies Media Videos
swede1952.bsky.social
Windy Refuge

This Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) had taken refuge in the tree, waiting patiently for the wind to settle. You can see it clinging to the branch, poised for its moment to move on.
"A small bird, likely a Carolina Chickadee, perches on a slender vertical branch, its body partially hidden behind the wood as it peeks out with quiet curiosity. The bird’s black cap and bib frame a pair of bright white cheeks, giving its face a mask-like clarity. Its eyes are dark and alert, and its grayish body feathers appear soft and compact, suited for the cool season suggested by the dry twigs and seed pods nearby. The setting feels like late autumn or early winter—the branches are bare, and the surrounding seed pods hang like faded ornaments from the season just passed. The chickadee’s posture is playful yet cautious, as if it’s mid-game in a woodland hide-and-seek. Behind the bird, the background blooms in a soft blur of blue and orange hues, creating a painterly contrast that lifts the bird into quiet prominence. The colors suggest either early morning light or the golden hush of late afternoon, casting warmth across the scene without overpowering its stillness. This is a moment of gentle observation—a small bird, half-hidden, half-revealed, caught in the act of watching the world. The image is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom right corner, marking it as a captured witness of seasonal curiosity." - Microsoft Copilot
November 30, 2025 at 8:45 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Time To Eat?

This picture of a chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) is pretty sharp. The bird definitely noticed me. ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #sparrow #ChippingSparrows
"Perched on a weathered piece of wood, a chipping sparrow sits with quiet alertness, its round body fluffed against the ambient air. The bird’s plumage is a soft blend of gray, warm brown, and creamy white, with delicate striping across its wings—dark brown bars alternating with tan and buff, like a woven pattern of forest tones. Its head bears the sparrow’s signature: a rusty-red crown that glows gently in the warm light, bordered by a crisp white eyebrow stripe that runs above a dark eye." - Microsoft Copilot
November 30, 2025 at 8:33 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Low Tide Ritual

This black-bellied plover (Pluvialis squatarola), dressed in its winter plumage, was foraging at low tide along the beach in Gulfport, Mississippi.
"A solitary, black-bellied plover stands in a shallow wash of tidal water, its long legs planted firmly in the soft, muddy sand. The bird’s plumage is a mottled tapestry of brown, gray, and white speckles, blending seamlessly with the coastal terrain—camouflaged yet distinct. Its short, black beak points downward with quiet intent, poised for the next probe into the wet earth. The light is warm and low—either early morning or late afternoon—casting a golden glow across the scene. The plover’s feathers catch the light in subtle flashes, revealing the layered texture of its winter coat. Though it lacks the dramatic black belly of breeding season, its posture and presence are unmistakably plover: stocky, alert, and deliberate. Around the bird, the beach is a mosaic of mudflats, puddles, and scattered debris—a tidal canvas in retreat. Ripples of water reflect the sky in muted tones, while the plover moves with measured grace, pausing, pecking, and scanning. It is a moment of quiet foraging; a sovereign act of survival performed with understated dignity. The image is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom left corner, marking this coastal witness as a captured moment of natural ceremony." - Microsoft Copilot
November 30, 2025 at 4:36 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Tidal Ghost

I was out early on the beach in Gulfport, Mississippi, wrestling with the shifting light—sun and shade playing tug-of-war. ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #heron #egret #snowyegret
"A solitary snowy egret stands poised in a shallow tidal pool, its slender frame reflected with near-perfect clarity on the still surface below. The egret’s plumage is a luminous white, soft and layered like freshly combed silk, catching the light in delicate ripples across its body. Its neck curves in a gentle S-shape, leading to a sharp black beak that points downward with quiet intent. The egret’s legs are long and black, ending in bright yellow feet that seem almost painted—like ceremonial slippers dipped in gold. These feet rest lightly on the water’s surface, barely disturbing the calm, as if the bird itself were a whisper in the landscape. The background is softly blurred, a wash of muted tones—grays, browns, and hints of green—that make the egret’s whiteness even more striking. The water is glassy and still, mirroring the bird so precisely that the reflection feels like a twin, a ghostly echo beneath the real. There is no movement, no splash—just the egret and its reflection, suspended in a moment of serene stillness. The image is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom right corner, a quiet mark of authorship on this visual poem." - Microsoft Copilot
November 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. 🏠👨‍💻☕

30 November 2025

Well, we got back home yesterday evening. It’s Sunday today, which means Charlie (my dog) has to spend one more night ...

1/8

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #flower #squirrel #house #thanksgiving #plumber #exterminator
Wildflower Drumhead "A single Gaillardia aristata, or blanket flower, bursts into radiant bloom. Its petals blaze with deep crimson red at the base, fading into bright golden yellow tips that glow like tongues of fire reaching outward. At the heart of the flower lies a densely packed disc of burnt orange and dark brown, textured like a woven tapestry or a ceremonial drum, anchoring the bloom with earthy gravity. The petals curve gently, as if caught mid-motion, radiating in perfect symmetry around the center. Their fiery hues contrast against the surrounding green leaves and stems, which are soft, serrated, and slightly fuzzy. The background is scattered with dry grass and twigs, a rustic stage that makes the flower’s brilliance even more striking. This bloom feels less like a simple plant and more like a floral beacon—a sovereign burst of color rising from the ground, dignified and luminous against its humble surroundings. A watermark in the corner reads “© Swede’s Photographs,” marking the image as a captured moment of natural ceremony." - Microsoft Copilot
November 30, 2025 at 2:39 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Autumn Sweetgum Leaf
"A single sweetgum leaf commands the frame—its five-pointed star shape crisp and unmistakable. The leaf is a vibrant red, saturated like a flame caught mid-flicker. Its surface is veined with delicate lines, each one a tributary of life now paused in autumn’s hush. Scattered across the leaf are dark spots—small bruises of time, hints of decay that deepen its character rather than diminish it. The edges are slightly curled, as if the leaf is exhaling its final breath before release. Behind it, the background blurs into a soft wash of green and yellow, like a watercolor memory of summer fading. The lighting is gentle but precise, illuminating the leaf’s texture and color with reverence. It’s a portrait of seasonal transition—bold, quiet, and full of grace." - Microsoft Copilot
November 24, 2025 at 1:30 AM
swede1952.bsky.social
Eternal Echo, A Woodpecker Solitude

This Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) was around a few years ago, back when the crepe myrtles still held their leaves.
"A Downy Woodpecker clings vertically to the bark of a tree, its tiny body taut with purpose. Its plumage is a crisp contrast of black and white—checkerboard wings, snowy belly, and a bold white stripe running up its back. Atop its head, a small but vivid red patch glows like a ceremonial seal, marking this bird as male. The tree trunk is mottled with pale lichen, giving the scene a textured, almost ancient feel. Around the bird, green leaves frame the moment like nature’s own vignette, softening the edges with life and motion. In the background, a white fence slices through the scene—a quiet human presence that doesn’t disturb the bird’s focus. The Downy Woodpecker’s beak is poised, ready to tap, probe, or listen. It’s a snapshot of stillness and intent, a moment where wild instinct meets quiet observation." - Microsoft Copilot
November 24, 2025 at 12:03 AM
swede1952.bsky.social
Echo in Motion

An image doesn’t need perfection to be captivating. This overexposed, slightly fuzzy photograph of an ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #birdofprey #raptor #osprey #reflection #minimalism #abstract
"An osprey glides just inches above a still, glassy surface, its wings outstretched in a powerful yet graceful arc. The bird’s body is taut with motion—muscles coiled, talons tucked, eyes locked forward with predatory focus. Beneath it, the water mirrors its flight, capturing the full span of its wings in a shimmering reflection. But the mirror is imperfect: gentle ripples distort the symmetry, turning the osprey’s double into a dreamlike echo. The background is a wash of soft pastels—muted blues, blush pinks, and hints of lavender—suggesting either dawn’s first light or the hush of evening. The entire scene hums with serenity and precision, as if time paused to honor this moment of aerial mastery. The image is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom right corner, a quiet nod to the artist’s witness." - Microsoft Copilot
November 23, 2025 at 11:34 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. 🏨🛍️🐚

23 November 2025

We woke up this morning in a hotel on the beach in Gulfport, Mississippi. ...

1/8

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #morning #travel #goldfinches
"A rustic wooden bird feeder stands like a tiny cabin in the green hush of morning. Its shingled roof is weathered and warm-toned, and the central panel—frosted or opaque—glows softly in the ambient light. But the real spectacle is the flurry of American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) that have claimed it as their own. Six goldfinches, bright as sunbursts, animate the scene with their lemon-yellow plumage and crisp black markings. Two perch boldly atop the roof, surveying the area like feathered sentinels. Below, four more cluster around the base, feeding or waiting their turn, their small bodies angled and alert. One bird leans in, beak poised, while another flutters just above the perch, wings blurred in motion. The birds’ black caps and wings contrast sharply with their golden bodies, and their presence turns the feeder into a living bouquet—yellow petals with wings. The background is a soft blur of green, likely trees or garden foliage, which frames the action without distraction. The composition is balanced yet lively, capturing a moment of communal urgency and cheerful takeover. Along the left edge, the image bears the signature “© Swede's Photographs,” a quiet nod to the artist who caught this burst of avian choreography." - Microsoft Copilot
November 23, 2025 at 3:14 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Upward Gaze

This yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is gazing upward—perhaps eyeing a better spot. ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #woodpecker #YellowBelliedSapsucker
"Clinging upright to the side of a pale, angled tree branch, a yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) holds a moment of stillness in a vertical pose. Its speckled plumage—brown, white, and charcoal—forms a mottled tapestry across its back and wings, blending camouflage with character. A bold red patch flares from its throat like a ceremonial badge, vivid against the otherwise earthy tones. The bird’s long, pointed beak is angled slightly upward, suggesting alertness or anticipation, as if it’s about to tap into the tree’s lifeblood. Its claws grip the bark with precision, tail feathers pressed against the trunk for balance—a classic woodpecker stance. The background is a soft blur of green, likely forest foliage, rendered in gentle gradients that cradle the bird in quiet contrast. The sapsucker’s gaze is upward, its posture taut but not tense, as if listening to the tree’s whisper or scouting its next borehole. The image is signed “© Swede's Photographs” in the bottom right corner, a subtle mark of authorship that doesn’t intrude on the scene’s natural dignity. This is not a portrait of action, but of readiness—of a bird in its element, poised between instinct and ritual." - Microsoft Copilot
November 23, 2025 at 1:49 AM
swede1952.bsky.social
Vivid Vibrance

Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) are strikingly photogenic, but lately I only glimpse them at the edges of day—just before dawn and again after dusk, when the light is too dim for photographs.
"Perched on a bare, angled branch, a Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) commands the frame with its brilliant red plumage—so saturated it seems to glow against the soft, blurred green backdrop. The bird’s body is angled slightly forward, alert and poised, with its crest raised like a flame flickering in still air. Its black facial mask encircles the beak and eyes, adding contrast and definition, as if the cardinal wears a ceremonial veil. The branch itself is pale and weathered, angled diagonally across the image like a painter’s stroke, offering a natural pedestal for the bird’s vivid display. The background is a wash of green—out-of-focus foliage or field—that softens the scene and lets the cardinal’s color sing. Every feather is crisply rendered, from the fine contour lines along its breast to the slightly ruffled wing edges, suggesting a moment of pause between movements. The bird’s gaze is steady, its beak closed, its posture dignified. There’s no clutter, no distraction—just the cardinal, the branch, and the quiet green beyond. In the bottom left corner, a subtle signature reads “© Sanders Photography,” a respectful nod to the artist who captured this moment of avian grace." - Microsoft Copilot
November 23, 2025 at 1:26 AM
swede1952.bsky.social
Sandy Flats Ascent

This image captures a great blue heron (Ardea herodias) lifting gracefully from the mudflats at low tide in Gulfport, Mississippi.

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #heron #GreatBlueHeron
"The heron fills the frame, caught in a powerful upstroke: wings raised high like twin sails, revealing layered, fingered primaries splayed at the tips. Its plumage reads as slate-blue and ash, with darker flight feathers and paler undersides, the textures crisp enough to feel the rib of each quill. The long neck is thrust forward and slightly curved, leading to a sharp, spear-like beak that points the way; behind, the legs stream straight and narrow, toes tucked, forming a clean line that completes its aerodynamic silhouette. Light skims the bird’s back and wing edges, giving a soft sheen that separates it from the ground below. The terrain beneath is sandy or muddy, mottled and low-contrast, blurred into a watercolor of tan and gray—suggesting shoreline or marsh flats without pulling the eye away from the subject. Motion is implied by the shallow depth of field and the heron’s posture: mid-stride in the sky, cresting the stroke that will lift it higher. The overall mood is quiet focus—no splash, no crowd—just a single, elegant traveler moving with steady intent through open air. In the top right, a discreet credit—“© Swede’s Photographs”—marks the image, balanced and unobtrusive. grace." - Microsoft Copilot
November 23, 2025 at 1:03 AM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. ☕☕☕

22 November 2025

Do you remember when all cars had ashtrays? ...

1/7

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #BlackVulture #morning #smoking #cigarettes #ashtray #car
Perched in Silence "A solitary black vulture perches on a rugged tree branch, its silhouette etched sharply against a pale, almost ethereal sky. The bird’s broad wings are folded with quiet authority, each feather layered like armor. Its hooked beak curves downward—a tool of survival and sovereignty—while its head, turned slightly to the side, reveals a profile both regal and watchful. The tree branch beneath it is gnarled and textured, reaching out like an ancient limb, adorned with sparse leaves and brittle twigs that whisper of wind and time. The background is a soft wash of light, devoid of clutter, allowing the dark majesty of the vulture to dominate the frame. The composition is stark yet poetic, evoking solitude, endurance, and the quiet dignity of a creature built for the margins." - Microsoft Copilot
November 22, 2025 at 1:52 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Eye to Eye

The goldfinch (Spinus tristis) fixed me with a sly glimmer in his eye, as though he carried a secret only the wind could coax from him. ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #finch #goldfinch
"A small bird perches gracefully on a curved, dark metal rod—its delicate feet gripping the arc with quiet poise. The bird’s chest and face blaze with a brilliant yellow, like sunlight caught in feathers. Its wings are patterned in crisp black and white, forming a striking contrast that feels both bold and elegant. The belly fades to a soft, pale hue, grounding the vibrancy above. Its posture is alert yet serene, head slightly tilted as if listening to the wind or watching the world with quiet curiosity. The background is a gentle blur of muted tones, like a watercolor wash—soft greens and browns that suggest foliage without demanding attention. This subtle backdrop allows the goldfinch to shine as the undeniable focal point, its vivid plumage and fine feather detail rendered with photographic clarity. Every contour of its body, every tiny barb of its plumage, is visible—an intimate portrait of nature’s precision and beauty. In the lower left corner, the image bears the quiet signature “© Swede’s Photographs,” a respectful nod to the artist who captured this moment of avian grace." - Microsoft Copilot
November 22, 2025 at 1:20 AM
swede1952.bsky.social
Yaupon Offering

This is a photograph of a Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) red berries against green leaves.
"A slender branch of yaupon holly stretches diagonally across the frame, adorned with clusters of vivid red berries that gleam like polished beads. Each berry is small, round, and tightly packed along the stems, creating a rhythmic pattern of color and form. The berries glow with a lacquered intensity, as if lit from within, their scarlet hue standing bold against the lush green leaves. The leaves themselves are elongated and smooth-edged, with a glossy surface that catches the light like waxed parchment. Their deep green tone offers a rich contrast to the berries, grounding the composition in botanical harmony. The branch appears freshly kissed by autumn, yet still vibrant with life—an emblem of seasonal transition and quiet resilience. There’s no background clutter, just the intimate focus on this single branch, making the image feel like a quiet offering—nature’s altar of color, texture, and quiet abundance." - Microsoft Copilot
November 21, 2025 at 7:24 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Splash of Life, A Gull Moment

I caught this laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) just as it lifted its head from beneath the water, ...

1/2

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #shorebirds #LaughingGulls
"In a sunlit splash of coastal drama, three laughing gulls enact a ritual of motion and stillness. One gull dominates the center, caught mid-bath or dive, wings flared and body arched in a burst of kinetic grace. Water erupts around it—droplets suspended like scattered pearls, each one a testament to the gull’s wild joy and elemental communion. To the foreground, a second gull stands in quiet contrast—slightly out of focus, its posture composed, as if observing the ceremony with solemn dignity. And just beyond, a third gull joins the tableau, partially obscured yet unmistakably present, completing the triad. Together, they form a living glyph of rhythm and witness: splash, stillness, and shadow. The scene evokes a mythic rite—three coastal sentinels in a moment of shared presence, where water, light, and feather converge in sovereign choreography." - Microsoft Copilot
November 21, 2025 at 7:01 PM
swede1952.bsky.social
Good morning. 🦗🦗🐦

21 November 2025

Oh gee, it’s nearly nine in the morning and I’m still at this—I must have gotten distracted. ...

1/8

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #bluejay #morning #travel
Beak and Bug "In this striking close-up, a blue jay commands the frame with theatrical intensity. Its body faces forward, talons gripping a hard surface like a stage edge, while its head tilts slightly downward, beak clenched around a small insect—likely a grasshopper—whose legs dangle in protest. The jay’s plumage is a brilliant mosaic of electric blue, snowy white, and charcoal black, each feather etched with clarity against a dark, velvety backdrop. A single green leaf intrudes from below, softening the scene with a splash of organic calm, while beneath the bird’s feet lies a smear of red organic matter—perhaps the remnants of a previous catch or a ceremonial offering to the morning’s hunt. The bird’s eyes are sharp, unflinching, and direct, as if daring the viewer to interrupt its ritual. The moment is frozen in high detail, capturing the raw elegance of nature’s choreography: predator, prey, and the quiet tension of survival." - Microsoft Copilot
November 21, 2025 at 3:33 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