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Swede1952

@[email protected]

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. Unless otherwise stated, all photographs I post are my own.

I take pictures and want to share them with you, so please follow my blog.

#TheScienceofBirds
#birds #birdwatching #photography #photographer

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Swede1952 , to random
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Little Gatherer

The mission of this little eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) seems connected to taunting Charlie who often sits at the storm door at the back. Seen here the is in the back yard, probably with an acorn in its tiny hands.

An eastern gray squirrel stands on grass, its fur a blend of grays and browns. Its bushy tail curves behind, catching sunlight. Front paws delicately grasp something. Alert ears twitch, attuned to distant sounds. The scene exudes tranquility—a fleeting snapshot of nature’s beauty.
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    Who Needs Detail

    This photo of a cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) was a bit under exposed. They like an oak tree behind my wife's quilt shop and were showing up there late afternoon. Maybe because they can see the berries at the edge of the surrounding forest. Hmmm ... I could almost past this off as a watercolor.

    You know, the photographs that I post here are not quite a vivid as the same photographs that I post at my pixel's gallery, because here, I reduce the size of the photos and usually make a slight reduction in the quality of the photos to make them easier to load.

    Take a look:
    https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

    "In this captivating photograph, a Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) perches gracefully on a slender branch of an oak tree. The bird’s back is turned toward the camera, revealing its exquisite plumage. Here are the key features: The Cedar Waxwing’s feathers exhibit a subtle gradient of colors, transitioning from warm brown tones to soft grey. These muted hues create an elegant contrast against the bare branches of the oak tree. Its wings are sleek and well-defined, with a slightly pointed shape. The bird’s tail feathers are particularly striking: they end in bright yellow tips, adding a touch of vibrancy to its appearance. The Cedar Waxwing’s head is turned to the right, allowing us to appreciate its sleek profile. Its beak is slender and pointed, ideal for capturing insects and berries. Around its eyes, there’s a distinctive black mask-like marking, which adds character to its face. This feature is a hallmark of Cedar Waxwings. The intricate network of bare oak branches surrounds the bird. These branches appear delicate and fragile, emphasizing the bird’s resilience in the winter landscape. The sky in the background is overcast, creating a soft, diffused light that highlights the bird’s form. Overall, this image captures the Cedar Waxwing’s elegance, blending harmoniously with the natural elements of the oak tree. It’s a testament to the beauty of our feathered friends in their natural habitat. 🌿🐩 Image credit: Swede’s Photographs" - Copilot
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    Swede1952 OP ,
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    @tillymari đŸ„œđŸ˜Š

    Swede1952 OP ,
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    @kalfatermann My pleasure 😄

    Swede1952 OP ,
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    @BobDoodle It’s my pleasure 😀

    Swede1952 , to random
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    Good morning. 🎓🎓🎓

    9 May 2024

    My wife and I are traveling today to attend the graduations of two granddaughters. One from high school, Valedictorian, no less; and the other is graduating college with a master's degree. Both formable accomplishments. We're very proud, credit goes to their mother.

    I'll take Ben and Charlie to the vet for boarding after their morning meal. I really hate leaving them, even for a few days. Some people might say that they are just dogs, but they're not, they are my dogs. Hmmm ... if it was just Ben, I could leave him with the neighbors across the street who have small dogs. But Charlie is another story, he isn't gigantic, but he is a larger jealous dog.

    “You won’t be able to do this ten years from now—just leave everything behind and go.” - Rachel Kapelke-Dale, Graduates in Wonderland: The International Misadventures of Two (Almost) Adults

    Swede1952 OP ,
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    @Beasley 😄

    Swede1952 , to random
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    Just Going to Fly Away

    Last fall, I was working my way around some thick brush surrounding a pond in Albany, Georgia. I came across this ruby crowned kinglet (Corthylio calendula). I may have startled the bird, or maybe I was getting too close to a nest.

    "A tiny bird seemingly overflowing with energy, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet forages almost frantically through lower branches of shrubs and trees. Its habit of constantly flicking its wings is a key identification clue. Smaller than a warbler or chickadee, this plain green-gray bird has a white eyering and a white bar on the wing. Alas, the male’s brilliant ruby crown patch usually stays hidden—your best chance to see it is to find an excited male singing in spring or summer." - allaboutbirds.org

    "The image captures a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, a small bird known for its vibrant plumage and lively behavior. This species, part of the family Regulidae, is native to North America. The bird’s overall coloration is olive-green, which blends well with the surrounding foliage. Its feathers appear soft and well-groomed. The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is perched on a thin branch, which seems delicate and slightly curved, providing a natural setting. Its wings are slightly spread, revealing the lighter coloration on the underside. The wing feathers have subtle markings. Although not visible in the image, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet gets its name from the ruby-red crown patch on its head. When excited or agitated, this crown becomes more prominent. The bird appears alert and focused, typical of its energetic nature. Ruby-crowned Kinglets are known for their quick movements as they forage for insects and small prey. The soft-focused background consists of slender branches and delicate green leaves, enhancing the bird’s prominence. The photographer has credited the image as “Swedei’s Photographs.”" - Copilot
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    Working On It

    This tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) found the perfect spot to stop and open a sunflower seed. I have no doubts that, that is what it is doing in the picture even though the sunflower seed is hidden behind a branch and feet.

    I don't post all of the photos that I post here to my Pixels gallery, but I post the photos I like best. Some don't make the cut. I most likely will post this one to the gallery. usually wait a couple of days to see how I feel about it then.

    You can check out my gallery at: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

    This tufted titmouse perches facing to the right among a knot of tree branches, its right side faces the camera. The bird's head is bent down looking between its feet where undoubtedly and hidden sunflower seed wedges. The bird's small glossy black beak opens slightly, and a light pink tongue is visible, and its glossy black eyes focus on the task at hand. The plumage on its head is black, gray, and white. Black feathers adorn the top of its crest which lays back atop its heat and stick out behind. Gray feathers run from the back of the bird's head down the back and wings, and the tail. Fluffy white feathers surround its black right eye, and progress up its throat, cover its lower body to the base of its tail and upper legs. Its gray folded tail stick straight back. Grey legs reach down to gray feet with black talons that grip the branch.
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    Good morning. đŸ«đŸ«đŸ«

    8 May 2024

    Hurray, it's Hump Day. Hmmm ... I haven't seen that commercial, in a while, you know, the one with the camel strolling through an office yelling that it is Hump Day. I can't quite recall what the commercial was for ... an insurance company, perhaps GEICO.

    I splurged and rented the movie Abigail last night. It is one that I've been anticipating and wanting to see, and I wasn't disappointed. If you like a good horror movie, I recommend it. There is a little bit of gore and also subtle humor spread throughout the movie. I give the movie a five-vulture rating.

    “Wendy? Darling? Light, of my life. I'm not gonna hurt ya. I'm just going to bash your brains in.” - Stephen King, The Shining

    In this striking photograph, a flock of black skimmers takes center stage against a backdrop of a cloudy sky. Their graceful flight patterns are beautifully depicted, emphasizing their unique features. Here’s a breakdown of the scene: The black skimmers, with their elongated bodies and slender necks, glide effortlessly through the air. Their wings are outstretched, showcasing an impressive wingspan. These birds are known for their distinctive pointed beaks, which play a crucial role in their feeding behavior. Soft lighting casts the skimmers in silhouette, creating a stark contrast against the lighter tones of the sky. Even without color cues, their dark profiles stand out, making them easily discernible. The layered clouds in the sky hint at movement and depth, adding to the overall composition. The mood is tranquil yet dynamic, capturing the essence of these aerial acrobats. A discreet watermark at the bottom right corner credits the photographer: “©Swede’s Photography.”
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    Walking Down the Street One Day, In the Very Merry Month of May.

    I was tickled watching this downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) walk across this branch like it was a sidewalk.

    "In winter Downy Woodpeckers are frequent members of mixed species flocks. Advantages of flocking include having to spend less time watching out for predators and better luck finding food from having other birds around." - allaboutbirds.org

    A male downy woodpecker confidently strides along a sturdy tree branch, his monochrome plumage contrasting sharply against the bark. As he moves from right to left, his short, pointed black beak leads the way, probing crevices for hidden insects. The camera captures his profile, revealing a striking red spot on the back of his otherwise black-and-white head—a vivid accent against the muted palette. His back and wings exhibit a harmonious pattern: predominantly black with rows of delicate white dots, reminiscent of a finely crafted monochrome mosaic. However, the piĂšce de rĂ©sistance lies down the center of his back—a thick, pristine white stripe that commands attention. It’s as if nature herself painted this avian masterpiece with meticulous strokes. The feathers visible on his front side are pure white, a stark contrast to the ebony plumage that envelops him. His left leg and foot are gracefully lifted mid-step, frozen in time—a testament to his agility and purposeful movement. In this fleeting moment, the downy woodpecker embodies resilience, elegance, and the quiet determination of a woodland artist.
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    Cool Sprit

    I took this rather hazy photo of the container ship Cool Spirit, plowing along on the Gulf of Mexico, July 2023.

    Swede1952 OP ,
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    @kalfatermann 😆

    Swede1952 , to random
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    Who Wants to Lay Her Eggs in Another Bird's Nest

    Here, a female brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) seemingly raises one wing to answer the question. Or say "let me. let me." Brown-headed cowbirds are brood parasites and do lay their eggs in the nests of other species of birds.

    As I've mentioned, I have a gallery of my favorite photos at: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

    Go there and take a look. Prints are for sale along with other doodads and I suppose it is kind of a business for me. But it's the kind of business where I don't care whether I sale anything or not. If you want something, by all means you are welcome to make a purchase. But I just want you to visit and maybe mark your favorites or leave a comment. Cheers 😄

    In this photograph, a female brown-headed cowbird lands on the top arch of a black metal shepherds hook with her left front facing the camera. She is still in the process of steading herself as her left foot is not yet on top of the perch, her left wing is raised up in the air ready to give a little push to complete the landing. "Brown-headed Cowbirds are smallish blackbirds, with a shorter tail and thicker head than most other blackbirds. The bill has a distinctive shape: it’s much shorter and thicker-based than other blackbirds', almost finch-like at first glance. In flight, look for the shorter tail. ... Female Brown-headed Cowbirds are plain brown birds, lightest on the head and underparts, with fine streaking on the belly and a dark eye." - allaboutbirds.org
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    @WingedSnake 😄

    Swede1952 , to random
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    Black and orange butterfly.

    This, I believe, is a Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa atalanta).

    This butterfly is on the ground amidst grass and dried pine needles with its wings spread. The top of the butterfly is visible. The top of the butterfly is mostly black, in some places the black has a brownish tint. There are two long, narrow antenna sticking up from its head, each antenna has a bright white spot on the end. The forewings have an orange stripe that arcs outward, and the tips of the forewings have several white dots. The design is mirrored between the wings. The rear edges of the rear wings are also orange and shaped in such a way that the arc from the forewings seems to continue through the rear wings. The orange edge of each rear wing has three black dots.
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    Red Spotted Admiral (Limenitis arthemis)

    I chased this butterfly around yesterday during our walk. I'm pretty sure it's a red spotted admiral, I've photographed one of these before. I was trying to get a photo in flight, but no luck. It's harder than you might think. They flitter about here and there constantly never headed in a single direction. But they do land for a few seconds or minutes. In this photo the butterfly is on a Chinese tallow leaf.

    This butterfly sits on a Chinese tallow leaf among many leaves. The butterfly faces to the upper right, the tops of its wings are visible. The butterfly's body, head, and legs black. Its wings are multicolored with an elaborate design of light blue, white, and black around the edges of the wings. Closer to the body, the colors are darker, fading from dark blue to black. At the tips of the upper wings, there are orange spots; I think this is where the red spotted designation originates from.
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    I've had several inquiries about how to get a print of some my photographs. This is a hobby for me, so I haven't been equipped to handle those requests. But I enjoy what I'm doing and want to share my photographs.

    So, I set up an account and website with pixels. My website is: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

    If you want a print of one of my photographs, you can get it there, If I haven't loaded it, let me know which one it is, and I'll gladly load it there for you.

    The prices they charge for prints aren't horrible, they start at about $20 or less. But they will also do framing or canvas stretching for you, at a price of course. There are also other trinkets that they sell with photographs that you select printed on them.

    Cheers!

    Swede1952 , to random
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    This is my house.

    This is a female rose-breasted grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus). She is perched on the roof of one of my hanging bird feeders. She looks a lot like a female house finch, but bigger, and I think her coloring is more vivid.

    This grosbeak is perched on the corner of the light wood roof of a hanging bird feeder. Only the right corner of the bird feeder is visible on the bottom left. The cable holding the feeder is seen angling off to the left. A white fence is in the background. The grosbeak is facing the camera turned slightly to her right, but her head is turned to her left so that the right side of her head is facing the camera. She has a large conical pink beak at the base of the beak there is a raised area on the lower mandible and a corresponding recess in the upper mandible. The top of her head is dark brown cap that runs to back of her head; then there is a tan stripe that passes over the top of her black eye and curves down the back of her head. Under the eye is tan skin then her cheeks are dark brown. Her neck and body are tan but just at the base of the neck there is a yellow tint. Running from the below the neck to more than halfway down her body are a series of dark brown elongated spots. Only the edge of her dark brow left wing is visible but there are two white wing bars crossing the wing. The underside of her tail is visible and is a lighter shade of brown. Her black legs push forward at an angle and talons from both feet lay across the roof's top.
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    American Robin

    I happened to catch this robin just taking off - it had kind of a Superman vibe going on.

    It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a robin! 😅

    "The oldest recorded American Robin was 13 years and 11 months old." - allaboutbirds.org

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    @Beasley 😄

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