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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2026-04-27T22:52:55+02:00 Event JSON
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Last Notes npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🍵🍵🍵 7 May 2026 While feeding Charlie this morning, I discovered Roomba wedged under the breakfast table. It must have gotten stuck yesterday during its rounds, and I only just noticed — meaning it had been stranded for nearly twenty‑four hours. The suffering it must have endured is unimaginable. The thought of being pinned between a table leg and a chair for that long is simply horrid. Naturally, I blame myself for being so unobservant that I didn’t hear its cries for help. It was neglect on my part, and I feel deep regret. In my defense, the moment I spotted Roomba lying lifeless under the table, I immediately extricated it and rushed it to its base station, where it is now receiving the resuscitating care it deserves. As you can see, the excitement of mornings in this household knows no bounds. Mine begins with the sudden realization that I am, in fact, still here — awake, with ambient light filtering through the curtains. When I say I “discover” I’m still here, it’s because seconds earlier I was somewhere else entirely, in a world that exists only in my mind. Or does it. I get up, stagger into the bathroom, and revive myself with a toothbrush after the night’s sleep. When I open the bedroom door and step into the rest of the house, Charlie is waiting. The moment he sees me, he turns and thunders toward the back door, fully confident that I will follow and let him out. And now, somehow, I’m already out of space this morning, so I’ll have to end it here. That’s all the chaos my morning budget allows. “Normality is a paved road: it’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.” — Van Gogh “The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” — Yeats “The universe is full of things that are patiently waiting for us to notice them.” — Eden Phillpotts #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #spanishmoss #roomba https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/116/533/352/408/438/491/original/ec1fa637efcd2f98.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Jay on the Move The easiest way to catch a bird on the move is to already be snapping pictures when it leaves a known perch. Like this blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) leaping from a swing‑shaped feeder with a whole peanut in its beak. Honestly, it might have two. If you're enchanted by images of blue jays and other captivating corvids, dive into my photo gallery for a visual treat! Take a peek: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #corvids #bluejay https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/116/387/137/478/129/191/original/ac2f3ecbaeb6d416.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🌹🌹🌹 9 April 2026 I just set out a sprinkler to start watering the lawn. We haven’t had many rainy days lately. I don’t have an irrigation system I can just switch on—I still have to do the whole hose‑drag routine. It’s a little exercise, at least. It takes me three days to cover my whole target area, which still isn’t the entire yard. This morning I noticed that the years‑old hose on the east side of the house has a leak. My reaction was basically … eh. I had to laugh, because not so many years ago my self‑diagnosed OCD would’ve had me freaking out and scrambling for the truck to race to Lowe’s for a replacement. Now? I recognize that the earth isn’t going to stop spinning over a leaky hose. I’ll replace it, of course—just when I get around to it. It’s funny how we tend to overthink our problems and make them seem bigger than they really are. I think that tendency worsens as we age—purely a layman’s opinion—but it is documented that episodes of anxiety increase over time. Some of that is probably chemistry, but I wonder how much comes from simply spending more time ruminating. It helps to compartmentalize, to tuck problems into a drawer until it’s actually time to deal with them, so we can live our lives without carrying them around all day. I think we were better at that when we were young, when something like a traffic ticket barely even registered. We dealt with it and moved on. “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” — William James “Rule number one: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Rule number two: It’s all small stuff.” — Richard Carlson “Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.” — Stanislaw Jerzy Lec #photo #photography #nature #morning #flower #rose #anxiety https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/116/375/167/312/391/698/original/ce41042c54eb42c5.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs The Takeover I thought you might enjoy this shot of chipping sparrows taking over the feeder. You’ve got to watch out for the street gangs in my backyard. 😉 https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/116/371/786/822/199/633/original/9be9637bd34dc77e.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Cry of the Red-Shouldered Hawk Here is a photo of a Red‑shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) that I took in the summer of 2023. Check out breathtaking photos of magnificent birds of prey, visit my photo gallery here: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #birdofprey #raptor #hawk #RedShoulderedHawk https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/116/279/071/567/737/400/original/7428ca5ee78e4fcf.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Bronze Breasted Arboreal Beauty This female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has been around for a while — she probably still is. They show up regularly, usually early in the morning or again around dusk, though I spot them at other times as well. If you’re captivated by northern cardinals 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: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #northerncardinal https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/116/257/149/548/350/481/original/fc22b771a1056201.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Ember-Crowned Sparrow I love the little tough‑looking cap on this chipping sparrow. https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/116/019/310/084/874/753/original/5745fda7e1ca2181.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Perched in Blue This is a Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) that visited last spring. I’m hoping they return again this year. https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/115/940/277/251/727/858/original/8816839d6da4f9f6.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Black and White Witness https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/115/452/653/828/527/614/original/fcb82eac691a3a15.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Heron in Duplicate I took this image of a great blue heron (Ardea herodias) a few years ago. What struck me most was its reflection in the water—so clear it felt like the bird had a twin, suspended just beneath the surface. The photographs I share here don’t appear as vivid as they do in my Pixel’s gallery. To make them load more easily, I reduce their size and slightly lower their quality. Take a look: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #GreatBlueHeron https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/115/158/530/239/088/771/original/00adb6fe3713a00c.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 😴⏰☕ 25 August 2025 Wow—it's in the 60s this morning. My phone says 69°F, my computer says 66°F. Both are, of course, Fahrenheit readings, because for some reason the metric system never quite took root here in the United States—except in scientific circles, where logic still occasionally prevails. Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if someone tried to ban the metric system outright for being “un-American.” (That’s sarcasm, in case it wasn’t obvious.) It’s the same kind of thinking that leads to renaming international geographic features by royal decree—pointless and performative. But maybe that’s the point. In a time when up equals down, light equals dark, and absurdity passes for virtue, it’s clear the lunatics have taken over the asylum. “Tell people there's an invisible man in the sky who created the universe, and the vast majority will believe you. Tell them the paint is wet, and they have to touch it to be sure.” - George Carlin #morning #metricsystem #landscape https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/115/089/199/038/874/805/original/dbb2a88cabb52fee.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Red at the Crown Finally—a male summer tanager (Piranga rubra). I’ve photographed a few females before, but this is the first male to grace my lens. He perched high atop a tall oak at the forest’s edge, just out of reach. Still, with a telescopic lens and a generous helping of megapixels, I managed a usable image or two. If you’re captivated by summer tanagers 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: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #Cardinalidae #SummerTanager https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/115/067/254/169/670/490/original/cdc8e46776098442.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. ☕☕☕ 16 August 2025 Do you remember the movie Witness with Harrison Ford? He plays a detective who’s wounded while protecting a young Amish boy and his mother from corrupt cops and ends up living with their family. There’s a line in the film that’s always stuck with me: “You be careful out there among the English.” That’s when I first learned the Amish often refer to non-Amish people as “the English.” I’ve adopted the phrase in my own quirky way. Sometimes, when my wife heads out, I’ll say it to her—half-joking, half-affectionate. We spend a lot of time at home, and at times we feel a little removed from the outside world. So, when she steps out, it’s my way of acknowledging that distance, with a wink. It’s just a sliver of my odd sense of humor—one that not everyone gets, but it feels like ours." Copilot “Sometimes you have to get to know someone really well to realize you're really strangers.” — Mary Tyler Moore #morning #movie #landscape #humor https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/115/038/344/099/814/130/original/17125f1b58ad561c.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Noem, along with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, defended the incident as a security matter, claiming Padilla hadn’t properly identified himself—which is plainly false. The moment was disturbing enough that I immediately wrote to Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, as well as Speaker Mike Johnson, urging them to investigate this egregious and unsettling event. "If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter." — George Washington 2/2 npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs They are 😆 npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Watchful Killdeer This is an image of a Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) that I captured some time ago, likely during the early days of my photography journey. "A shorebird you can see without going to the beach, Killdeer are graceful plovers common to lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and parking lots. These tawny birds run across the ground in spurts, stopping with a jolt every so often to check their progress, or to see if they’ve startled up any insect prey. Their voice, a far-carrying, excited kill-deer, is a common sound even after dark, often given in flight as the bird circles overhead on slender wings." - allaboutbirds.org #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #killdeer #plovers https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/462/940/139/118/335/original/f5228defd545b94f.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🦆🦆🦆 4 May 2025 I got an update on Ben yesterday. The vet called and confirmed what I already suspected—it’s lymphoma. Since last Thursday, I’ve been giving him Prednisone and gabapentin, hoping to ease his discomfort. After some thought, we decided to try Laverdia, a newer oral treatment approved for dogs. It’s a less aggressive option compared to chemotherapy, and we’re hoping it gives him more good days. Early this morning, just after four, Ben woke my wife by pacing around the room, and she woke me. I got up, let him and Charlie outside, then dozed off in my chair after bringing them back in. At 5:30, they both woke me again, staring me down—clearly ready for another trip outside. So, rinse and repeat. It’s all good. We’ve always had a simple understanding: they tell me what they need, and I make it happen. "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." — Roger Caras #photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #ducks #dogs #morning https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/449/689/116/547/176/original/fdee8a3b32f22488.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning, friends. 🌹🥀💐 2 May 2025 A couple of days ago, my wife noticed that Ben's lymph nodes beneath his jaw were swollen. I took him to the veterinarian yesterday and, unfortunately, didn’t receive good news. There’s no definitive diagnosis yet—the vet sent samples to a pathologist, and I should hear something today. Ben is 16, and I fear the inevitable may be approaching. Still, he remains his calm, steady self. I think of him as a gentle giant, despite his small size. It takes a lot to ruffle him, except for my other dog, Charlie, who—every so often—manages to find that one nerve to step on. The dynamic at home is what I cherish most, and I struggle with the thought of change. "A dog will teach you unconditional love. If you can have that in your life, things won’t be too bad." — Robert Wagner #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #dogs #flowers #difficulty https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/438/122/039/862/919/original/7bf02a33753166d9.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Eastern Phoebe Against a Blue Canvas Over two years ago, while strolling with my dogs, Ben and Charlie, I spotted an eastern phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) perched gracefully along my path. "One of our most familiar eastern flycatchers, the Eastern Phoebe’s raspy “phoebe” call is a frequent sound around yards and farms in spring and summer. These brown-and-white songbirds sit upright and wag their tails from prominent, low perches. They typically place their mud-and-grass nests in protected nooks on bridges, barns, and houses, which adds to the species’ familiarity to humans. Hardy birds, Eastern Phoebes winter farther north than most other flycatchers and are one of the earliest returning migrants in spring." - allaboutbirds.org If you enjoy wildlife and nature photography, check out my photo gallery here: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #EasternPhoebe https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/434/870/714/331/605/original/e4f648e8c5eb93f3.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs I sometimes wonder what is inside. npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/433/210/032/989/761/original/fa7e06cefc4de9c0.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🌳🌙🌳 30 April 2025 Oh my, April flew by. Do you remember pulling your phone out of your back pocket to text your friends in high school? Neither do I. How did we survive that era without instant communication at our fingertips? Dick Tracy was ahead of his time with his fancy wristwatch communicator, and now, many people are following suit with the Apple Watch. It’s a neat little device, I suppose. I’ve considered buying one, but honestly, I can’t think of a reason when my iPhone is always within reach. I suppose if I were a private investigator, it might come in handy—maybe I could use one to track mileage for runs I no longer take. "I wanted Tracy to have something that set him apart—a tool that made him more than just a detective. The wrist radio was ahead of its time." - Chester Gould #photo #photos #photography #photographer #morning #moon #trees #DickTracy #CellularPhone #SmartWatch https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/426/791/528/296/362/original/863e3f95a4cbc521.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Folsom Boulevard makes me think of Folsom Prision, a place I've never been, by the way. I suspect the prison is along or near the same road just a little northeast of the station that you described. I spent my teens a bit south of Sacramento in one of those little towns that dot Highway 99. npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/416/167/150/022/696/original/76d91091f13736af.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs It is much harder to find a phone book nowadays. You can't just stop at a phonebooth. 😆 npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🌻🌻🌻 26 April 2025 Do you remember traveling with a paper map in hand? It feels like such a relic of the 20th century now. I still have a stack of those tucked away in a cabinet above my desk—just in case I ever need them again. Do gas stations along the road even sell those anymore? Back then, you had to study the map carefully before starting a trip and pull it out at every stop to stay on track. It wasn’t too challenging, but missing a turn could cause real headaches. Nowadays, cars come equipped with built-in navigation systems that guide you seamlessly from start to finish. And if your car doesn’t have one, your phone can easily step in and do the job. Oh, and let’s not forget my old Garmin GPS—it's been collecting dust on top of my desk cabinet for years now. "Maps encourage boldness. They’re like cryptic love letters. They make anything seem possible." – Rebecca Solnit #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature # morning #flower #maps #gps https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/404/148/210/004/497/original/1227d2bc1a209406.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Six Glimmers of Gold I'm uncertain about how I feel about this image—it carries a somewhat abstract quality. The birds are goldfinches I spotted in a hazy treetop, and I was determined to make use of the picture. The interplay of gold and blue, one of my favorite contrasting color schemes, gives it a striking charm. If you enjoy wildlife and nature photography, check out my photo gallery here: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #goldfinches https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/377/182/965/478/718/original/fdd44db0ad090fba.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs A one-legged grackle, she must have been pirate. 🦜🏴☠️ npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Finch's Fancy Feet Have you ever witnessed a bird showing off its tap-dancing skills? This image captures a female house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) striking a pose that resembles the classic "soft shoe" routine. Her graceful stance is nothing short of enchanting! I don't always take great photographs, but when I do, you can find them at: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #HouseFinch https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/349/462/518/398/948/original/e81f51ac109bcd72.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Thanks Barbra! They are among my favorites as well; I'm in awe every time I see one. I get how they remind people of dinosaurs. For me it depends on their pose, it's either dragon or something Egyptian. npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Thanks Ben! npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/348/408/511/522/004/original/7c614f6ae8ff59be.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Blue-Gray Delight A blue-gray gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) made an appearance in my backyard this morning, darting energetically among the branches. There might have been two, but it's hard to tell since they move around so quickly. These tiny birds are smaller than a chickadee yet slightly larger than a hummingbird, making their swift movements even more captivating. Step into a world where even the smallest moments—like the glint in a bird's eye—tell their own story. https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #BlueGrayGnatcatcher https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/348/304/886/163/738/original/ab04b7f98d24cfe4.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🦆🦆🦆 16 April 2025 I still remember my first record player. It was green, a portable model that could be closed up and carried by its handle. I have no idea what became of it. When I joined the Marines, I relinquished all claims to my worldly possessions, and the player simply faded away. I had a few albums back then—The Young Rascals, Country Joe and the Fish, and some others I can no longer recall. Funny enough, it's possible those records are still tucked away somewhere in the back of my small garage. Now that I think about it, the green record player might not have been my first; if there was one before it, I don’t remember. Memory is such a peculiar thing—far from perfect. “Right now, I’m having amnesia and déjà vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before.” - Steven Wright #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #HoodedMergansers #morning #memories https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/347/736/709/924/281/original/c99918c270a30203.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs 😃 npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs 😃 npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Shrimp Thief In this image, a laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) is captured mid-flight, having just snatched a shrimp from the water. Upon closer inspection, the shrimp is visible in the gull's beak, along with droplets of water suspended in the air from its dramatic takeoff. Meanwhile, in the lower left corner, a sanderling (Calidris alba) strolls by, passing a piece of driftwood resting on the sandy shore. If you enjoy wildlife and nature photography, check out my photo gallery here: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #LaughingGull #sanderling https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/344/274/052/652/979/original/c9dea5cc6fa8fcfd.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/342/563/489/868/465/original/ecb9b6ceeb8c2686.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Grackle's Bayou Forage Grackles are fascinating birds, known for behaviors that demonstrate intelligence similar to that of crows. They are not corvids though, they are members of the blackbird family, Icteridae. Common grackles often form large flocks that, according to accounts, can seemingly fill the skies of central Texas. This particular bird, however, is a boat-tailed grackle (Quiscalus major), which is found exclusively near the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean in the United States. Grackles belong to the blackbird family. To view images of these striking birds and other members of their family, visit my photo gallery at: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #BoatTailedGrackle https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/342/450/976/917/285/original/ac7fddbcbe7dcf72.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning, friends. 🌹🌹🌹 15 April 2025 Several boards on my utility trailer need to be replaced. I've been keeping an eye on them for a few months, and the other day, I noticed that one had deteriorated to the point where it now has a hole. The boards are secured at both ends with top and bottom enclosures, making their removal and replacement a bit of a challenge. To replace a board, you use what's known as the "teeter-totter" method. This involves sliding one end of the board into position, placing a block underneath to bend the board enough for the other end to clear the metal lip of the trailer, and then removing the block to let the board settle into place. It reminds me of my old saying: "nothing is ever easy." “Everything is difficult," she whispered. "Maybe that's something else that I've learned.” - Alison Croggon, The Singing #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #morning #rose #difficult #trailer https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/341/629/660/540/179/original/aef5e750ee98b47a.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Dragon at Dawn This image of a great blue heron (Ardea herodias) evokes the image of a dragon soaring above the sea. In reality, it is indeed flying over an ocean—the Gulf of Mexico—just off the beach in Gulfport, Mississippi. Explore a curated collection of heron and egret images in my photo gallery. Take a look! https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #GreatBlueHeron https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/338/290/164/714/732/original/6acd048b1f5849d7.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Ostrich on the Path During our visit to the Gone Wild Safari near Alexandria, Louisiana, we came across an ostrich (Struthio camelus). I stopped the car to take a picture, and the ostrich began approaching, clearly hoping for some feed. Unfortunately, my cup of feed had already been stolen—thanks to the camel at the entrance. That camel was a real thug! photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #ostrich https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/337/191/996/706/630/original/e1b21bd76b799e09.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Nature's Aeronaut Brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) are fascinating to observe. I captured this image as one of these remarkable birds ventured close to the shore in Gulfport, Mississippi. Earlier, I had been watching it farther out, diving for dinner—a truly awe-inspiring sight. Discover nature's fleeting moments through my lens—visit my photo gallery to see more. https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #BrownPelican #pelicans https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/337/097/525/784/138/original/14f1eb41db90fd88.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs I’m dirty that happened to you, Brian. I hope things get better. npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. ☕☕☕ 14 April 2025 Do you ever feel that sense of morning haze, where all you want is to lie back, stare into space, and empty your mind? I believe it’s often referred to as “mind fog.” It feels as though your brain hasn’t quite shifted into gear to take on the day. That’s exactly where I’m at right now. This morning, when I opened the door to let Ben and Charlie out, birds and squirrels scattered in every direction, leaving the bird feeder toppled on the ground. I just looked at it and thought, “Eh.” Struggling through morning tasks feels a lot like drifting aimlessly from one thing to another, waiting to land in a chair—like a butterfly coming to rest on a flower. It must be Monday morning. "Hello, Monday! May I ask you a question? Why are you always back so quickly? Don’t you have a hobby?" - Unknown #photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #morning #monday #BlackSkimmers #BlackandWhite #BrainFog https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/336/438/329/554/763/original/1d9be36690f3ce4e.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Leap of Grace This morning, a blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) paid a visit. The image captures the bird mid-hop, transitioning gracefully from the roof of a rustic wooden bird feeder to the lower trough. As I gaze at the photo, I find myself marveling at the precise maneuver it must have employed to achieve a safe landing. If you're enchanted by images of blue jays and other captivating corvids, dive into my photo gallery for a visual treat! Take a peek: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #BlueJay #corvid https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/310/329/354/089/691/original/f39f920fe5fea069.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🍂🌿🍃 3 April 2025 I have a framed picture above my desk, a simple print in a cheap frame that was given to me by my former employer. I've been thinking about replacing it with one of my own photographs—some of which I’ve had printed and framed by Pixels. Over the years, I’ve accumulated a collection of old framed items and mementos, mostly from my Army days. I’m not sure what to do with them. I can’t bring myself to throw them away, but I don’t have anywhere to display them, and even if I did, who would see them? They once adorned the "I Love Me" wall in my office. Now, they’ve become one of those dilemmas you tuck away in a box, promising to deal with later. What do you do with these kinds of keepsakes when you’re ready to move on from them? "Sometimes I would see them not as mementos of the blissful hours but as the tangible precious debris of the storm raging in my soul." - Orhan Pamuk #photo #photography #photographer #nature #morning #autumn #tree #mementos https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/274/167/448/721/331/original/e7690f70c1aca19b.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/264/125/758/737/802/original/dc6023708da1415b.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🌳🌳🌳 1 April 2025 I just returned from Moon Base Alpha this morning. This secret Space Force facility, located on the far side of the moon, was originally established by the German Luftwaffe in 1943 with extraterrestrial assistance. In 1945, the American Air Force covertly took control of the base. Renowned scientist and engineer Wernher von Braun played a crucial role by providing vital information that enabled the USAF to secure the base swiftly. With the creation of the Space Force as a new branch of the armed forces, management of the base naturally transitioned to them. The existence of Moon Base Alpha was recently disclosed to the public via The History Channel. Ah, and remember—on a day like this, not everything is as it seems. Happy April Fools'! "I have great faith in fools — self-confidence, my friends call it." - Edgar Allan Poe #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #AprilFool #OakTree #catkins https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/262/776/625/963/112/original/678ef4ebb0319c3c.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/258/321/014/862/872/original/ebd41265dc41926d.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning, friends. 🏵️🏵️🏵️ 31 March 2025 Everything outdoors is turning green—it feels like it's happening all at once. Boom—it's Spring! Do you remember the old electric lawn mowers? Not the modern battery-operated ones, but the kind that relied on a long extension cord. I recall we had one in Spring Valley, California, back in the 1960s. The real challenge was avoiding the cord, which was trickier than it seemed when you were mindlessly walking back and forth—or in circles—across the lawn. I wonder if they still make those. I do have a corded hedge trimmer, so maybe they do. Incidentally, my wife cut the cord the very first time she used it. "The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month." - Henry Van Dyke #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #friends #spring #lawnmower https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/257/161/469/411/754/original/1d34ca390c8d29e4.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🌳🌕🌲 27 March 2025 I was wide awake just a moment ago, but now my head is buzzing with a message to lay back down. Maybe it’s just me alone with my thoughts—or, well, with you. I received my CPAP machine yesterday and tried it for the first time last night. It has a mask that covers my nose, which will take some getting used to. I ended up taking the mask off around one this morning—baby steps. Maybe this buzzing in my head is the extra energy the doctor said I might feel. During the night, there were moments when the machine’s air pressure seemed to puff up my mouth, forcing me to open it to release the air. It’s such a strange feeling. Life takes another turn. "Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like." - Lao Tzu #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #morning #moon #life #thoughts #cpap https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/233/998/316/381/894/original/88d1cd24926eb278.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/230/484/198/842/418/original/ff9916b7838f463d.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🕊️🕊️🕊️ 26 March 2025 I really need to get off my proverbial couch and start being productive, but I just don't feel like it. I wonder if Maslow ever considered a scenario where wants take precedence over needs. For instance, when someone gets paid at the end of the week, should they prioritize buying food or upgrading to a new cellphone? Surprisingly, the choice often falls on the cellphone. In today's world of constant connectivity, one could argue that a cellphone qualifies as a necessity, though perhaps not as fundamental as food. Meanwhile, there are many in the United States whose most basic needs—food and shelter—remain unmet, forcing them to struggle daily. As the saying goes, "There but for the grace of God, go I." “It isn't normal to know what we want. It is a rare and difficult psychological achievement.” -Abraham Maslow #photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #pigeons #doves https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/228/816/330/106/059/original/dd16351cf78406b1.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs I thought that the mark on a house sparrow's chest had much to do with the pecking order of the sparrow, i.e. a larger darker spot indicating prominence. I suppose age plays a part in that. npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs How can you tell? npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. ⏰⏱️🕰️ 24 March 2025 Nowadays, I often lose track of time. Oh, I know time has passed, but events often feel more recent than they actually are. In a way, they are relatively recent. For example, when I was 10, a year ago was 1/10th of my life; when I was 20, it was 1/20th, and so on. Now, a year represents only 1/72nd of my life. I recently built myself a new computer with all the bells and whistles, but I find myself thinking that I just put it together—whether it was a year, two years ago, or even three. What once felt like a long time ago now seems like it just happened. I think what I’m describing is called the proportional theory of time. "Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind." - Nathaniel Hawthorne #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #plant #flower #time https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/217/035/085/125/948/original/aaaae1a3729ba67b.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/212/954/202/607/290/original/0dd05367251fb339.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Giraffe’s Side View Elegance Today, my wife and I took a trip to the Gone Wild Safari near Pineville, Louisiana. This small, drive-through animal experience was both fun and relatively affordable. At the gift shop, we paid for admission and bought two large cups of animal food pellets from the cashier. With those in hand, we set off on a short drive, hoping to feed some animals along the way. We didn’t have to wait long—almost immediately after entering the refuge, a large camel approached on the driver’s side, while a curious gazelle appeared on the passenger’s side. Excitedly, we held the cups of food out the windows for the animals to nibble on, but in both cases, the animals had other plans! Each one grabbed a cup of food, leaving us with empty hands and plenty of laughter. The photo I’ve shared is of a Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi)—or so I believe. I’ll be sharing more photos bit by bit in the future. #photography #wildlife #nature #giraffe #MasaiGiraffe https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/208/751/978/868/545/original/b967b9aad3161634.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/190/429/508/248/564/original/fb4d6388eed98a8e.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Tiny Titan of the Forest This morning, I spotted a tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor). I'm not sure how many of these delightful little birds are around during the mornings, but sometimes I see several. Since they are not sexually dimorphic, distinguishing between males and females is something I haven't been able to do. Tufted titmice are a favorite among a select group of bird enthusiasts. To celebrate these charming creatures, I’ve curated a special collection dedicated entirely to them in my photo gallery. Take a look! https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #TuftedTitmouse https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/185/266/860/171/747/original/75fa2dee20edb91e.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Ready to Strike The dogs took me for a walk this morning. I started to take my camera, but I didn't. It turns out that I needed it and didn't have it. There were lots of little birds about. If I'd had my camera, I might have captured an image of a species that I haven't photographed before. Oh well, here is a nice image of a snowy egret (Egretta thula) hunting in a tidal pool at Gulfport, Mississippi. Using the Force (and a bit of charm), I'm guiding you to my photo gallery at: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #SnowyEgret https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/178/544/099/737/331/original/01c8e540cdc1d297.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs You know, I live close to a library and have never been inside. I should go. npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs London Rules I recently watched an intriguing series on Apple TV titled Slow Horses. Spanning four seasons, the show features a stellar cast led by Gary Oldman, who delivers a compelling performance as Jackson Lamb, a seasoned yet shrewd MI5 agent in charge of a team of misfit spies. The series masterfully blends humor with thrilling espionage, making it irresistibly engaging—I was hooked from the very beginning. Each season is adapted from one of Mick Herron's novels in the Slough House series, with the first season closely mirroring the events of the first book, and so forth. After finishing the final season, I craved more and decided to delve into the books. I recently completed the fifth installment, London Rules, and highly recommend adding it to your reading list. Needless to say, Mick Herron has firmly secured a spot on my list of must-follow authors. #books https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/162/586/149/348/875/original/27c8a195b3bd8275.jpg https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/162/586/699/650/399/original/d7bc41fed13df085.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. ☕☕☕ 14 March 2025 Do you use a pill organizer? If you do, chances are you’re no longer a spring chicken. I remember when I was first prescribed a daily pill—it was in my forties, and my blood pressure had climbed well past the acceptable range. I was preparing for dental surgery when my dentist, a colonel, ordered me to head straight to the emergency room. At the ER, the nurse who took my blood pressure got quite excited (she did give it back), though the doctor seemed unfazed. And that’s how I ended up with my starter pack of meds. Since then, my daily regimen has grown little by little, to the point where I now struggle to fit everything into my pill organizer. "I believe in prescription drugs. I believe in feeling better." - Denis Leary #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #RedWingedBlackbird #morning #prescriptions https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/161/154/658/769/871/original/d3c087576b8bf4d6.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs 😆 npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs 👍 npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs 😊 npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs It does a little. 🙂 npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Tiny Treasures in the Snow This photo features goldfinches and chipping sparrows in the snow. I'd call it a snow day, but since I'm in Louisiana, it's the snow day. If you love locking eyes with our feathered friends, flock to my photo gallery at: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #goldfinches #ChippingSparrows https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/156/970/506/616/958/original/bb1d3f88d95e8d3c.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs 👍 npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/156/358/315/817/119/original/7429124934c7a638.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs 😊 npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Golden Celebrity I observed this goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) and couldn’t help but feel it had a certain familiarity—like a star from Hollywood’s golden age. At first, I thought of Robert Mitchum, but then it struck me: no, Jack Soo. Perspective plays tricks on us sometimes. Perhaps the resemblance lies in the bird's expressive eye. Step into a world where even the smallest moments—like the glint in a bird's eye—tell their own story. https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #goldfinch https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/140/705/716/593/526/original/399de0c23084e702.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs 😊 npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/139/447/801/426/004/original/96daf896cfeb56b4.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs That would work. But I've already labeled it with the title: "Dance of the Brown Headed Cowbirds." npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Feathered Queen I've received inquiries about how to get prints of my photographs. Since photography is just a hobby for me, I wasn't initially set up to handle these requests. However, I truly enjoy what I do and want to share my work with others. To make it easier, I’ve created an account and website with Pixels. You can visit it here: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com If you’d like a print of one of my photographs, you can find it there. If the one you’re looking for isn’t available, just let me know, and I’ll be happy to upload it for you." #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdsofmastodon #birdwatching #birdphotography #NorthernCardinal https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/138/578/168/836/264/original/6ee5edab751a5792.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs I understand that. I'm retired and even when I think of someplace to go, I usually decide that it's too much trouble. 😉;-) npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🌊🌊🌊 10 March 2025 Hmmm... I'm feeling sleepy. Somehow, Charlie figured out it was 7:30 a.m. even after we moved the clocks forward for daylight saving time. I wonder how he managed that—perhaps Grandfather Clock gave it away with its chimes. I think it starts chiming at 7:30, though I didn’t notice because I was dozing in my chair. Come to think of it, Ben was barking outside the bedroom door before 6:00 this morning, his usual time. But how did he know? To be fair, sometimes Ben wakes up extra early when he really needs to go out. Yesterday, I didn’t even realize daylight saving time had started until I noticed that my phone and the other clocks in the house didn’t match. “The sun got confused about daylight savings time. It rose twice. Everything had two shadows.” - Steven Wright #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #morning #dogs #DaylightSavingsTime #beach #shorebirds https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/138/284/495/714/816/original/84960ea682e35a26.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs I think they are unusual here as well. Also, as you said often used on large commercial vehicles, hence remnants of treads along the highway. I heard that retreads are still available for cars, though I've no idea where to get them. Somebody in a financial crunch might buy retreads or used tires, I suppose. It's been a long time since I've been in a situation like that. We have periodic safety inspections where I live, either annual or biannual - it's an option. There is generally no fine involved if a safety problem is found, including tires. They just won't issue an inspection sticker until the problem is corrected. The police, however, may issue a citation if they notice a problem especially if the inspection sticker isn't up to date. npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs I know, the photo that i post when I write out my good morning story, rarely has anything to do with what I write. npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Golden Pine Warbler Moment This morning, a pine warbler (Setophaga pinus) paid a visit to the old bird feeder nestled in the heart of my backyard. While this is the best shot I managed to capture, I'm not especially fond of the scattered seeds in the background or the view through a smudged window. I don’t upload all the photos I share here to my Pixels gallery. I only post my personal favorites, while some don’t make the cut. I usually give myself a couple of days to decide how I feel about them before uploading. Feel free to explore my gallery here: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #PineWarbler https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/122/080/166/417/351/original/534b81778e2daf09.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🦋🦋🦋 7 March 2025 Another day beneath the sun—though that’s not entirely accurate, is it? We are forever circling the sun on this spinning sphere, a feat of cosmic choreography. It’s a wonder we aren’t perpetually dizzy. Or perhaps we are, and we’ve simply adapted to consider it normal. The gravity of the situation, after all, keeps us grounded—quite literally. I often wonder what people thought about the universe before we discovered planets, solar systems, galaxies, and the vast expanse beyond. Back then, it was all firmament, waters, and heavens—oh my. We’ve come a long way since, though not all of us, perhaps. Speaking of progress, did you know astrology and astronomy share a historical connection? Fascinating, isn’t it? That’s something I’ll need to delve deeper into. "I don't believe in astrology; I'm a Sagittarius and we're skeptical." - Arthur C. Clarke #photo #photography #photographer #nature #morning #butterfly #astrology #astronomy #beliefs #science https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/121/518/511/646/664/original/3c24a3fcf90c8ba0.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Pelicans by the Shore This image shows a raft of white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). I recently learned that a group of pelicans resting in the water is called a raft. The photo isn't great—I struggled to get a good angle on the pelicans from the ferry I was on, and my camera at the time wasn't as good as the ones I use now for wildlife photography. Today, I wondered whether they were hunting or resting. White pelicans typically hunt in groups by herding fish towards the shore. However, based on their demeanor in this image, I would guess they are resting. Take a moment to explore my photo gallery, where every image captures the quiet elegance of nature—be it wading through still waters or gliding effortlessly across them. https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #WhitePelicans #WhitePelican https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/117/724/597/982/729/original/fd343e73db6b3412.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/116/807/016/785/599/original/af25cf1fcf6a0a30.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Neotropic Cormorant in Reflection I spotted this neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) at the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. The rippling water and its reflection in the image create a captivating and serene effect that I really enjoy. I don’t upload all the photos I share here to my Pixels gallery. I only post my personal favorites, while some don’t make the cut. I usually give myself a couple of days to decide how I feel about them before uploading. Feel free to explore my gallery here: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #NeotropicCormorant https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/116/366/430/481/359/original/06ed8ba08bcaaf37.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🦆🦆🦆 6 March 2025 Charlie, my border collie, has a crease extending back from his right eye caused by furled white hair. I jokingly say it's a mark left from wearing glasses—like the creases some people get on the sides of their heads from their glasses' handles. Speaking of glasses, my first pair had glass lenses. At the time, I had the option of glass or plastic and, unfortunately, I chose poorly. Glass lenses are heavy, a fact you quickly notice after carrying them around on the bridge of your nose all day. Nowadays, I don't think anyone offers glass lenses anymore. For me, lightweight lenses and frames are the way to go. "I am very short-sighted, and if I don't like a situation, I take my glasses off." - Jenny Eclair #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #morning #ducks #glasses #dogs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/115/845/001/345/899/original/c5e6fa08aaaec662.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Dance of the Butterflies Several months ago, while we were out for a walk, I spotted two white butterflies fluttering over tiny yellow flowers and was lucky enough to capture the moment on camera. I'm fairly confident they are cabbage white butterflies (Pieris rapae), but I'd love to hear from any fellow butterfly enthusiasts who can verify the species or suggest corrections. If you're captivated by the delicate beauty of butterflies and the graceful allure of dragonflies, my photo gallery is the perfect place for you. You'll find an enchanting collection of both, each image highlighting the intricate details and vibrant colors of nature's winged wonders. Come on in and explore the charm captured through my lens! https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #insects #butterflies https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/111/880/906/191/149/original/84042121c3a8846e.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs B1 Lancer While I was quietly observing the birds, an unexpected spectacle unfolded overhead—a rare sighting of a USAF B-1 Lancer in flight. The sleek, formidable bomber sliced through the sky with a powerful presence, momentarily stealing my attention away from my feathered friends. This unexpected encounter added a thrilling twist to my bird-watching experience. By order of the Galactic Imperial Decree, you are hereby summoned to explore my photo gallery at: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photos #photography #photographer #photographylovers #UnitedStatesAirForce #USAF #bomber #b1lancer https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/093/469/153/582/025/original/31a501ffd8e8f248.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs My other me agrees. 😂 Thanks! npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs This is Ours Now In my imagination, these brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) are occupying this old bird feeder as if to declare: "We claim this feeder in the name of cowbirds everywhere!" With their glossy black bodies and distinctive brown heads, these feathered conquerors seem to have taken over their rustic fortress, standing proudly as the new rulers of their domain. In the name of feathered friends everywhere, visit my photo gallery at: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdsofmastodon #birdwatching #birdphotography #BrownHeadedCowbirds https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/076/621/770/864/840/original/25a3a751eb845a71.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs "Low-Altitude Glide Occasionally, I luck out and encounter an interesting bird up close and in action. When I do, I'll take a bunch of pictures in rapid succession, like with this Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias). I bet I have over a dozen photos of this bird flying by. I tend to show them one at a time. Someday, I'll run out of photos, but not today. Discover more captivating moments like this in my photo gallery—nature's beauty awaits! https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #GreatBlueHeron https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/072/570/671/204/314/original/039a11028fd4fed6.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Misty Morning at the Beach The dreamy quality of this beach photograph evokes an Impressionistic view of life by the shore. The soft focus and gentle hues capture the essence of a tranquil day at the beach, where the line between reality and a painterly dream blurs. The scene, with its misty atmosphere and serene waves, invites us to lose ourselves in the moment and appreciate the simple beauty of nature. Much like an Impressionist painting, this photograph emphasizes the fleeting emotions and subtle nuances of the seaside experience, transforming an ordinary day at the shore into a timeless work of art. Explore my photo gallery and lose yourself in the serene whispers of the shore. https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #ocean #beach #shore https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/065/337/941/175/854/original/cca057b7d543c145.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Symmetry in Nature This image would look stunning in a tall, narrow space. It deserves a frame, possibly in gold or brown, though the choice might depend on the wall color. The photo features a great blue heron (Ardea herodias) standing alone in a tidal pool on a beach. I don't always take great photographs, but when I do, you can find them at: https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #GreatBlueHeron https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/055/463/286/801/567/original/39129ea22154a7b7.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 😴🐕☕ 23 February 2025 I woke up at five this morning because the dogs were restless. It seems like all of my wakeups are dog related. Today, it was Ben wandering around the bedroom, which disturbed my wife, who then woke me up. I got up, opened the bedroom door, and laid back down, but then Charlie came in and bothered my wife again, which inevitably bothered me. So, I got up to let the dogs out—just in case you're wondering who. I intended to go back to sleep in my recliner but ended up making coffee instead and sat down to update my computer. This is life in the fast lane. “A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of.” - Ogden Nash, The Private Dining-room and Other Verses #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #dogs #lakescape #landscape https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/053/159/711/221/945/original/81b8762db11af392.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Golden Foragers You have to look closely at this image. There are American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) and Chipping Sparrows (Spizella passerina) foraging on the ground. They are difficult to see among the blades of brown and green grasses. I think that's the point—their natural camouflage helps them survive in the wild. I took this photo yesterday morning, 21 February 2025. There were hundreds of small birds around. The beauty of nature often hides in plain sight. Discover the world through my lens by visiting my photo gallery and uncover its hidden treasures. https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #goldfinches #ChippingSparrows https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/048/394/706/808/880/original/658c00bd4dc78dd3.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning, friends. 🌸🌸🌸 22 February 2025 Do you know that I didn't leave my home at all this past week? Oh, I wanted to but couldn't think of any place I wanted to go. To think that I was once a person who couldn't stay home; it was just a place to sleep. But the world turns, doesn't it? One day you're inside a part of everything, then you're on the outside looking in. Then you're on the inside looking out like a fish in a bowl, and finally, you're not looking anymore. Or is it nevermore? Wasn't there a Nevermore Ranch somewhere? I should get out more instead of sitting here with Ben and Charlie sleeping on both sides of my chair. Shhhh, don't wake them. "'Leave my loneliness unbroken! —quit the bust above my door! Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!' Quoth the Raven 'Nevermore.'" - Edgar Allan Poe #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #morning #flower #life #EdgarAllanPoe #dogs https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/047/657/282/387/028/original/05bc24f4cdf7f499.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🍄🍄🍄 21 February 2025 Do you ever open the refrigerator door and just stand there staring, having forgotten what you wanted in the first place? I wonder if it’s the same phenomenon as the doorway effect. I did that yesterday—stood there for several seconds trying to remember why I was there. It was like that scene from the 1982 version of Poltergeist where one of the characters is drawn to the eerie, glowing refrigerator light. But then I remembered, grabbed what I wanted, and went back to my food-related tasks. "Nature alone is antique, and the oldest art a mushroom." ` Thomas Carlyle #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #mushroom #foliage #forest #DoorwayEffect #refridgerator https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/042/335/344/371/882/original/6d5e541a16e6ca96.jpg npub1wmuwvj6566q7cdlckvlww5rfe8mgvlkwj9qdkslgyxnen5exy8xqsdkxl8 Swede’s Photographs Good morning. 🐄🐄🐄 18 February 2025 At eleven or twelve years old, I was signed up for a music class and chosen to learn the trombone. It started out well, and I even began to learn how to read music, though I've completely forgotten it now. The problem was, I kept falling asleep in class. Who knew music teachers could be so finicky? My teacher eventually decided that music wasn't for me, which marked the end of my brief music career, 1-7-6-5-4-3-2-1. It turns out I'm more of an air guitar kind of guy. Looking back, I can't think of any significant talent I mastered at that age—I was definitely not a prodigy. However, I can snap my fingers on both hands and clap in sequence. "I'm perpetually curious as to what happened to all those supposed prodigies who were singled out while I and my coterie of far more interesting malcontents passed on." - Wendy Wasserstein #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #morning #cattle #prodigies #music #landscape #sky https://media.universeodon.com/media_attachments/files/114/025/570/466/116/136/original/f7a10072c05dfd79.jpg