Swede1952

Glimmerwatch

This boat-tailed grackle (Quiscalus major) was hunting along the shoreline at Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. These striking birds are found only near the coastal regions of the eastern United States—from eastern Texas, sweeping around the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, all the way north to Massachusetts.

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 #BoatTailedGrackle #grackle #blackbird

Two Notes on a Branch

This wasn’t the image I intended to work on this morning—I moved it to my working folder by mistake. But once it was there, I decided to follow its lead. The photo captures a house finch couple (Haemorhous mexicanus) perched quietly on a branch, as if pausing to gather their thoughts together.

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 #birdsofmastodon #birdwatching #birdphotography #finches #HouseFinches

Velvet & Bone

This photograph captures the vibrant red bracts of the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), dramatically accented by slender white branches rising vertically from beneath, adding a stark and graceful contrast.

My photo gallery features over 1300 carefully selected images. While most are chosen for their visual appeal, a few stand out as novelty shots. Feel free to explore my gallery at:

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com/

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #poinsetta #foliage

Tail Up, Eyes Sharp

This Carolina wren (scientific name) made a relatively rare appearance this morning. I touched don't on a small tree in front of me just long enough for me to snap this photo. This also happens to be the first post of a photo taken with my new Canon R5.

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 #CarolinaWren

Soft-Spoken Beauty

This female House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) appears lost in quiet reflection, as if caught mid-thought beneath the hush of the trees.

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 #finches #HouseFinch

White-Eyed Watcher

I took these photos a few years ago in Georgia, but only just got around to really looking at them. The bird in the image appears to be a white-eyed vireo (Vireo griseus)—at least, that’s my best guess. I’m fairly sure I was shooting with a Canon 90D paired with a SIGMA 150–600mm lens back then.

Funny enough, just yesterday I received a Canon R5 and the RF 200–800mm lens, though I haven’t properly put them to work yet. This morning, while walking with Charlie, I brought along my old Canon 6D instead. That R5 setup is just too long—and a bit too unwieldy—for a dog walk.

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 #whiteeyedvireo

Rust-Crowned Sentinel

Every time I spot a chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina), its subtle earth-toned plumage and rust-colored cap remind me of military camouflage—giving these little birds an unexpectedly rugged appearance. During the winter and early spring, they seemed to be everywhere, their numbers in the hundreds. Now, only a handful remain, occasionally seen foraging on the ground. I read that their diet shifts with the seasons, transitioning from seeds in the colder months to insects in the warmth of spring and summer.

If you enjoy photos of birds and other wildlife, take a look at my photo gallery. Sparrows are never overlooked—they're a valued and important part of my collection. Feel free to explore!

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com/

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdsofmastodon #birdwatching #birdphotography #sparrow #ChippingSparrow

Blue Jay’s Feathered Ballet

This image first struck me as reminiscent of a rooster greeting the morning with a triumphant call. The blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) appears to be landing amid the grass, possibly in search of food. More likely, however, its sharp gaze has already locked onto something of interest, and it is preparing to snatch its prize before swiftly taking flight once more.

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

Good morning. ☕☕☕

17 June 2025

My mornings are cherished moments—just sitting here in my office, enjoying the quiet, sharing a photo, and writing to you. Of course, Charlie is usually here, offering his own brand of "help," especially when it’s close to mealtime. And right now, it most certainly is.

Did you know the Whee-Lo and the Slinky are still around? Hmmm... 🤔 I suppose that makes them timeless toys for kids of all ages. 😆 I had both over 60 years ago, though in hindsight, they weren’t all that exciting. The Whee-Lo had just one trick, and that novelty wore off fast. As for the Slinky, I tried to get it to walk down the stairs like in the commercial, but unless the steps were the perfect size, the magic never quite happened. Still, I have to admit—I liked them well enough as a kid.

"In the hands of a child, a simple toy becomes a magical adventure." — Unknown

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #flowers #toys

Daffodil Delight

This wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) flourishes in our backyard, emerging each year in early spring with its radiant golden bloom.

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

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com/

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #flower #daffodil

Raptor’s Vigil

Charlie and I took a new route for this morning’s walk. My planned path was blocked, so we pivoted north instead of south. Near the turnaround point, I spotted two red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), each perched in a different tree to the southeast. Unfortunately, getting closer wasn’t an option—some areas were fenced off, while others were thick with tall brush. Wearing shorts, I wasn’t about to wade through grass and foliage.

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#hawk #RedTailedHawk #raptor #BirdofPrey

Good morning. 💮📸😑

16 June 2025

I ordered a new camera and lens from Canon USA a week ago. In hindsight, I probably should have gone with Amazon or B&H Photo—if I had, I’d already be testing the camera by now. But Canon hasn’t even shipped the items yet. Sure, they offer free 3–7-day shipping, but that only starts after the parcels actually leave their warehouse. I’ll probably call them today, though I suppose patience is a virtue. In the meantime, I’ll just close my eyes and chant Om Mani Padme Hum. It’s not like I don’t already have four other cameras. Patience, Padawan.

I ordered a Canon R5 and an RF200-800mm lens. I’ve been considering it for a while, and I finally decided—why not? You only live once. Well… 🤔 I didn’t actually decide that. That’s just how things are.

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." — Lao Tzu

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #flowers #wildflowers #patience #camera #morningglory