Brutkey

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com
Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Commitment to the Deep

This image of a brown pelican diving was originally out of focus, but post-processing brought out a crisper, more defined look—though in an abstract, painterly sort of way. I like it.

"A brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is frozen mid-dive, its body angled sharply downward in a moment of pure commitment. The wings, once outstretched in flight, are now partially folded—like sails drawn in before impact—while its long beak leads the descent, a spear of instinct and precision aimed at the ocean below. Though the original image lacked crisp focus, post-processing has introduced a painterly clarity: edges are subtly sharpened, yet the overall impression remains abstract. The pelican’s form is defined not by detail, but by gesture—its silhouette etched in motion, like a figure rendered in oil on canvas. The feathers ripple with texture, not photographic realism, but the kind born of brushstrokes and light. The ocean beneath is implied more than shown, a soft wash of color that suggests depth and destination. The sky above is a muted backdrop, allowing the pelican’s dark plumage to stand out in bold contrast. The entire image feels like a study in movement and transformation—where a bird becomes a blur, a dive becomes a dance, and the photograph becomes a painting." - Copilot
Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Feathered Silence

Charlie and I took our usual Wednesday walk this morning, camera in hand as always. As we passed a small park, a great egret (Ardea alba) suddenly rose from a narrow stream bed, startled by a passing cyclist. I wasn’t quite ready, but I managed to catch a couple of usable shots before it vanished into the sky. In the light, you can see the silhouettes of its wing bones etched through the feathers—an elegant glimpse into the architecture of flight.

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 #heron #egret #GreatEgret

"A great egret (Ardea alba) glides through a clear blue sky, its wings fully extended in a sweeping arc that radiates grace and precision. The bird’s long neck is gently curved, leading to a sharp orange beak that points forward like an arrow in motion. Its plumage is pure white, glowing in the sunlight with a soft, luminous sheen that outlines each feather in delicate detail. The egret’s wings are a marvel of structure—layered and fanned, with primary feathers splayed like fingers reaching into the wind. The lighting casts subtle shadows along its body and wings, enhancing the sense of depth and motion. Captured mid-flight, the bird seems suspended in a moment of effortless elegance, its form both powerful and serene. Against the backdrop of a cloudless sky, the egret appears almost sculptural—an embodiment of balance and beauty in motion. The image invites quiet admiration, offering a glimpse into the poetry of flight." - Copilot
Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Good morning. 🐿🐿️🐿🐿️🐿🐿️

6 August 2025

Yesterday, I finally took the time to mount my new bird feeder atop the post in the middle of the yard. I shored up the post with some short cedar pieces I picked up from Lowe’s ages ago. Funny thing—they’ve been sitting in the backyard shed for years, just waiting for me to get around to it. Kind of like the computer behind me, close enough to touch, with a new fan ready to be installed. I procrastinate sometimes.

Truth is, I take my leisure time more seriously than I used to. My philosophy? If you own a recliner, you’d better use it—otherwise, it’s just going to waste. That’s an important truth, straight from the Drama Llama.

“You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood. What mood is that? Last-minute panic.” — Bill Watterson

#morning #squirrel #EasternGraySquirrel #procrastination #BirdfFeeder #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #leisure

"In this striking black and white photograph, an eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is caught mid-motion, descending the side of a tall, rugged tree trunk. The squirrel clings effortlessly to the bark, its nimble claws gripping the vertical surface with confidence. Its bushy tail arcs above, a silken plume that seems to shimmer in grayscale against the blurred background. The texture of the tree bark is coarse and deeply grooved, creating a stark contrast to the squirrel’s smooth, silvery fur. The squirrel’s face is turned slightly toward the camera, wide eyes alert, whiskers reaching forward like tiny antennae sensing the world below. Light filters from the side, casting soft shadows that highlight the tension and grace in its poised movement. There’s a quiet urgency in the scene—a silent drama played out in tones of shadow and light." - Copilot
Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Moon 20250805

August 5
Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 86%

#moon

"The Moon fills the frame in stunning clarity, its cratered surface etched with the scars of ancient collisions and cosmic time. Each crater tells a story—some small and shallow, others vast and deep, with bright rays of ejecta radiating outward like frozen explosions. The texture of the lunar surface is rough and pitted, resembling weathered stone or the surface of a forgotten planet, untouched by wind or water. Shadow and light play across the terrain, revealing ridges, basins, and subtle variations in elevation. The image captures the Moon not as a smooth orb in the sky, but as a rugged, complex world—silent, airless, and hauntingly beautiful. Its grayscale palette enhances the sense of timelessness, as if the Moon exists outside the reach of seasons or decay. The photograph, signed “Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom left corner, offers more than a view—it invites contemplation. This is Earth’s only natural satellite, seen not as a distant glow, but as a textured relic of the solar system’s ancient past." - Copilot
Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Sky Shadow

This vulture soared above, its silhouette slicing the sky. Thoughtful edits brought out its rugged essence—feathers textured like brushstrokes, colors echoing a western palette. The final image blends realism with painterly grace.

"A turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) soars overhead, its wings fully extended in a sweeping, aerodynamic arc that commands the frame. Captured from below against a stark white background, the bird’s silhouette is bold and unmistakable—broad wings, slightly upturned at the tips, and a body built for gliding on thermals with minimal effort. The plumage is unexpectedly vibrant: deep blue feathers cloak the body and wings, while the outermost flight feathers shimmer with a gradient of iridescent hues—green melting into gold like sunlight refracted through storm clouds. The feather patterns are sharply defined, each one etched with texture and motion, revealing the intricate architecture that allows this scavenger to ride the wind with eerie grace. The vulture’s pose is dynamic, mid-glide, as if frozen in a moment of silent surveillance. Its head is small and streamlined, tucked into the posture of flight, and though the face isn’t visible, the overall form evokes a sense of purpose and quiet mastery of the skies. The plain white background isolates the bird, turning its flight into a kind of living sculpture—every curve, every color, every feather elevated into focus. The watermark “© Swede’s Photographs” rests in the bottom right corner, a subtle signature to this arresting portrait of motion and form." - Copilot
Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Prehistoric

This is a magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), likely a first-year juvenile, identifiable by its white head and breast. I just realized—I’m not sure I’ve ever seen an adult. I’ll have to go back through my photos and take a closer look.

By order of the Galactic Empire, your presence is commanded at my photo gallery:

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #MagnificentFrigatebird

"A magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) glides through a cloudless sky, its wings stretched wide in a sweeping arc that defies gravity. The bird’s silhouette is striking—long, slender wings tapering to sharp points, dark as polished obsidian, framing a stark contrast against its white head and chest. Its beak, long and gently curved, is a pale bluish-gray, like driftwood bleached by sun and sea. At the base of the beak, a small, dark eye gleams—deep, glossy black like a drop of ink suspended in light. Trailing behind is its deeply forked tail, split like a pair of black ribbons fluttering in the wind. The tail’s shape adds to the bird’s aerodynamic finesse, acting like a rudder that helps it steer with precision through open skies. It curves and flexes subtly as the bird adjusts its glide, a quiet choreography between feather and air. Suspended in midair, the frigatebird appears almost motionless, yet its posture speaks of mastery over the wind. The wings, spanning over seven feet, are built for soaring—allowing it to ride thermals for hours without a single flap. The white plumage on its head and chest gleams against the deep sky, drawing the eye to its regal profile. There’s a sense of quiet power in the image, as if the bird is both observer and wanderer, tracing invisible paths through the atmosphere. The photograph, signed “Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom right corner, captures not just a moment of flight, but the essence of freedom and grace." - Copilot
Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Steps of Stillness

There’s a quiet serenity in watching a lone great blue heron (Ardea herodias) stride across the beach in the soft light of morning. Its presence distills the essence of solitude—graceful, unhurried, and profoundly still.

"A great blue heron (Ardea herodias) strides across a sunlit sandbar, its long legs moving with deliberate grace against the backdrop of a gently rippling shoreline. Captured in side profile, the heron’s posture is statuesque—its slender neck curved in a subtle S-shape, leading to a sharp, dagger-like beak poised as if mid-thought. Its plumage is a tapestry of blue-gray tones, layered with soft black accents and crisp white markings that catch the light like brushed steel. The feathers along its back and wings drape elegantly, giving the bird a regal, almost prehistoric silhouette. Each step seems measured, as if the heron is both part of the landscape and somehow above it—an ancient sentinel of the shore. Behind the bird, the water stretches out in muted blues and silvers, adding a sense of depth and quiet motion. The sand beneath its feet is pale and textured, scattered with subtle shadows that echo the heron’s form. The image is signed “Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom right corner, a gentle nod to the artist behind the lens. This moment captures not just a bird, but a mood—one of solitude, elegance, and timeless presence." - Copilot
Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Gentle Forager

This image captures an American avocet (Recurvirostra americana) foraging in the tranquil waters of the bayou at Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana.

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 #shorebird #AmericanAvocet

"An American avocet (Recurvirostra americana) stands in the shallow waters of a bayou, its long, slender legs barely disturbing the surface as it forages with quiet intent. The bird’s plumage is a graceful blend of crisp white and warm cinnamon-brown, with soft patches of color brushed across its wings and back like a watercolor painting. Its signature beak—long, thin, and elegantly upturned—extends forward, and at its very tip, a single droplet of water clings, suspended in a moment of stillness. That droplet, glinting in the light, captures the delicacy of the avocet’s motion: precise, patient, and attuned to the rhythms of the bayou. Beneath the bird, the water reflects its form with near-perfect clarity, doubling the curve of its beak and the gentle slope of its body. Ripples and tiny bubbles gather around its legs, hinting at subtle movement in an otherwise tranquil scene. In the background, a weathered wooden structure—perhaps a dock or pier—adds a rustic frame to the composition, grounding the image in place and time. The avocet, caught mid-search, becomes a symbol of quiet grace, its mirrored reflection and beaded beak offering a moment of poetic stillness in the watery world it inhabits." - Copilot
Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Good morning, friends. 🌸🌸💮💮🌻🌻

5 August 2025

There aren’t a lot of restaurant choices where I live, but we do have a few. Whenever a new spot opens in town, it causes a bit of a stir—the biggest hoopla was when a Chili’s popped up near Walmart. That one gave the whole town a “we’ve arrived” kind of feeling. 😂😂

Yesterday, my wife and I grabbed lunch at a local Chinese buffet after a medical appointment. The best thing about buffets? No waiting. You walk in, grab a plate, eat, and head out—after paying the bill, of course. No waiting to order, no flagging down a server for the check. It’s all automatic, and the bill usually shows up just as you’re about ready to leave.

At this particular buffet, we always get fortune cookies. Mine always says the same thing, and I read it aloud at the table every time: “Your wife is a very lucky woman.” It never gets old.

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” — James Beard

#morning #restaurant #flowers #floral #food #photo #photography

Crimson Whispers "A lively burst of color fills the frame, where nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) take center stage in a radiant floral arrangement. The dominant red blossoms glow with intensity, their rounded petals unfolding like silk fans. Each petal is etched with delicate veins, leading the eye toward golden-yellow centers that seem to pulse with warmth. Among the red blooms, a scattering of white and purple flowers adds contrast and depth, like brushstrokes on a painter’s canvas. The purple petals are rich and velvety, while the white ones offer a soft, luminous counterpoint. Interwoven throughout are lush green leaves—broad and slightly waxy, with a gentle ripple at the edges—providing a grounding backdrop to the vivid display. The composition feels both wild and intentional, as if nature arranged itself just so for the camera. The image is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the top right corner, a subtle signature that doesn’t distract from the floral symphony." - Copilot
Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com
Curious Cardinal Fledgling "A fledgling northern cardinal stands poised on the edge of a birdbath, its small body a blend of soft browns and muted reds. The red hues shimmer more brightly on its wings and tail, hinting at the vibrant adult plumage to come. Its crest—a signature feature—is slightly raised, giving the young bird a look of curiosity and alertness. A stout, conical beak juts forward, and its dark eyes seem to scan the surroundings with quiet intensity. The bird grips the rim of the birdbath with delicate feet, balancing confidently. The bath itself is weathered, with small holes along its edge, and the background blurs into a gentle wash of greens and browns, evoking a peaceful outdoor setting. The image bears the signature “© Swede’s Photographs” in the bottom left corner." - Copilot