Notes | Brutkey

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Tufted and Tenacious

I caught this tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) in the act—fleeing the feeder like a feathered bandit, a peanut tucked triumphantly in its beak.

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

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Good morning. ☕📸🐦

8 August 2025

I probably spend way too much on camera gear—but it keeps me busy. Just yesterday, I added a Canon RF 1.4x Extender to my setup, pairing it with the Canon R5 and the 200–800mm lens. That bumps my maximum focal length up to 1120mm, effectively bringing me about 40% closer to the subject—usually birds. I gave it a quick test last night with a snapshot of the moon (you can find it somewhere in my threads). I’ll need more time with it before I can judge how much it affects image quality, though everything I’ve read suggests the impact is minimal. I joke about overspending, but honestly, the gear gives me purpose. It’s like running a quiet workshop where no one pays, but the craft keeps calling—each photo a piece laid gently on the bench, shaped by light and patience.

“A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away.” — Phyllis McGinley

#photo #photography #photographer #nature #morning #hobbies #cameras #bayou #marsh #marshmaddness #swamp #landscape

Bayou Stillness

"A slender channel of water winds gently through the heart of the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, like a quiet breath drawn between the tall grasses of the bayou. The water’s surface is smooth and glassy, mirroring the sky above—a soft tapestry of pale blue streaked with drifting clouds that seem to pause in reflection. On either side of the channel, the banks rise just slightly, clothed in dense, golden grasses that sway with a whisper in the breeze. Their color hints at late summer or early autumn, a warm yellow tinged with green and brown.

Bushes dot the edges here and there, adding texture and depth to the scene, their leaves tangled and wild, untouched by human hands. The landscape feels still, as if time has slowed to honor the quiet dignity of this wetland. There are no signs of movement—no birds in flight, no ripples from passing fish—just the hush of nature holding its breath. The image captures a moment of pure tranquility, where water, sky, and earth meet in gentle harmony." - Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Moon 20250807

August 7
Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 97%

#moon

"The Moon fills the frame like a celestial monument—silent, ancient, and intricately scarred. Its surface is a tapestry of craters, ridges, and plains, each etched by time and cosmic impact. Some craters are deep and shadowed, like sunken eyes in a weathered face, while others are shallow and wide, their rims softened by eons of dust and silence. The texture is rough and pitted, yet strangely elegant, like stone carved by invisible hands.

Light falls across the lunar surface at a gentle angle, casting long shadows that accentuate the terrain’s depth and drama. The highlands gleam faintly, while the darker maria—vast basaltic plains—stretch like ancient scars across the Moon’s face. There’s no color here, only shades of gray and silver, but the contrast is rich and expressive, revealing the Moon’s layered history.

The image feels both intimate and immense, as if the viewer is hovering just above this distant world, close enough to trace its contours with a fingertip. In the bottom left corner, the credit “Swede’s Photographs” is quietly inscribed, grounding this cosmic portrait in human artistry." - Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Six in the Sky

Six brown pelicans soar above the waters off Holly Beach, Louisiana, along the Gulf of Mexico.

"Six brown pelicans soar above a tranquil sea, their wings wide and unwavering as they ride invisible currents. Each bird is a study in aerodynamic grace—long beaks pointed forward, necks retracted, and wings outstretched like sails catching the wind. Their plumage blends earthy browns and soft grays, with hints of ivory tracing the edges, echoing the muted palette of the ocean below.

They fly in loose formation, not rigid but rhythmic, like notes in a drifting melody. The sea beneath them is calm, its surface gently undulating with soft waves that shimmer under the open sky. There’s no urgency in their flight—only purpose and poise, as if the air itself were guiding them.

The sky is clear and expansive, a pale canvas that frames their silhouettes with quiet reverence. The image captures a moment of collective motion, a choreography of instinct and freedom. In the bottom right corner, the signature “© Swede’s Photographs” anchors the scene with a personal touch, like a whispered acknowledgment of presence." - Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Echoes in Grey

This tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) visited a few months ago, drawn to the feeder during the cool morning hours. As the day warms, they tend to disappear, avoiding the heat until the next gentle dawn.

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

"Perched like a tiny sentinel on a slender, leafless branch, the tufted titmouse commands attention with quiet elegance. Its soft, silvery-grey feathers blend seamlessly into a snowy white belly, while a darker wash crowns its head in a subtle mohawk—a signature crest that gives the bird its name. The titmouse’s eyes are round and glossy, like polished obsidian, radiating alertness and curiosity. Its petite beak, sharp and neat, hints at its readiness to flit off in search of seeds or insects.

The background is a gentle blur of green foliage, like watercolor brushstrokes fading into one another. This soft focus creates a dreamy forest ambiance, making the sharply detailed bird pop in the foreground like a jewel against velvet. The lighting is natural and even, casting no harsh shadows, allowing every feather and contour to be seen with clarity. The image feels intimate, as if the viewer has stumbled upon a quiet moment in the woods, where the titmouse pauses mid-song or mid-thought.

In the lower left corner, the name “Swede’s Photographics” is subtly inscribed, a quiet nod to the artist behind the lens." - Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Three in the Breeze

"Three rock pigeons (Columba livia) soar through the air, their wings fully extended in a graceful arc of motion. Each bird is frozen mid-flight, revealing the intricate layering of feathers—soft grays, iridescent blues, and hints of lavender shimmer in the light. Their bodies tilt slightly, suggesting a coordinated dance through the open sky, as if caught in a moment of shared instinct and effortless rhythm.

Behind them, a lush backdrop of green foliage blurs into a dreamy bokeh, dotted with circular bursts of light that resemble sunlit pearls scattered across a forest canvas. This soft focus draws the eye to the birds, emphasizing their movement and form against the tranquil wash of nature. The composition feels alive and immediate, like a fleeting glimpse into a hidden world of motion and grace. In the top right corner, the image bears the signature “© Swade's Photographs,” a subtle mark of authorship." Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Ember in the Canopy

Here’s a red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus)—the first I’ve ever photographed, and quite possibly the first I’ve ever seen. Such a cool moment. It dropped by while Charlie and I were outside, enjoying a bit of birdwatching together.

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 #vireo #RedEyedVireo

"A red-eyed vireo perches delicately on a slender branch, its small frame poised with quiet alertness. Its plumage is a soft blend of pale olive-green and gentle gray, with a creamy white underside that catches the light like silk. The bird’s namesake—its striking red eye—gleams like a tiny ember, set against a subtle mask of dusky gray that frames its face. Its beak is slightly parted, as if caught mid-song or mid-thought, adding a sense of immediacy to the moment.

Surrounding the vireo are tender green leaves, some in sharp focus, others fading into the soft blur of the background. The backdrop is a wash of muted greens and browns, creating a dreamy bokeh that isolates the bird in a quiet spotlight. The composition feels intimate and serene, as if the viewer has stumbled upon a secret in the woods. In the bottom left corner, the image bears the signature “© Swede’s Photographs,” a gentle nod to the artist’s presence behind the lens." - Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Good morning. 😴 ⏰ ☕

7 August 2025

I think I’ve got a case of blabber’s block this morning. I can’t think of a single thing to write about—yet here I am, writing anyway. You know, when I dream, they never quite reach a conclusion. There’s always some object or destination I’m working toward, some goal I’m trying to reach. Usually I’m going somewhere, but that goal stays just out of reach. Something always delays the finish line. It’s like one step forward, two steps back. When I wake, the dreams linger in a kind of hazy memory I can’t quite grasp—much like the dreams themselves. And of course, when I wake, my head and body often feel foggy, buzzing with sleepiness. At least until I start moving and down a couple cups of coffee.

“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” — Louis L’Amour

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #morning #trees #ferns #plants #blabbering #writing #dreams #goals #coffee

"The image is filled with several thick, sturdy tree branches that crisscross the frame, extending horizontally and diagonally like natural scaffolding. Their bark is deeply textured—cracked, mottled, and softened in places by moss and lichen. Draped across these branches is a dense, vibrant layer of Resurrection Ferns, their delicate fronds unfurling in rich shades of green. Each frond is finely divided, resembling miniature feathers or intricate lace, and their soft, velvety surfaces catch the light with a gentle shimmer.

The ferns cling tightly to the bark, forming a living tapestry that nearly fills the entire image. Their presence transforms the branches into something almost creature-like—alive, breathing, and quietly thriving. Sunlight filters through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows and illuminating the ferns with a warm, golden glow. In the background, more foliage and glimpses of blue sky peek through, adding depth and serenity. The overall impression is one of quiet resilience and natural abundance—a portrait of life reawakening on ancient wood." - Copilot with edits

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

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.

"The Killdeer stands poised on a patch of short, sunlit grass, its slender legs almost delicate against the earth. Its plumage is a striking mix of warm brown on its back and wings, contrasted against the crisp white of its underside. Twin black bands encircle its throat like a finely drawn necklace, accentuating its slender frame. But the most mesmerizing detail is the fiery red ring around its alert, keen eye, giving it an intense, watchful expression. The bird’s pointed beak and slightly puffed chest give it a sense of both elegance and determination, as if it is always ready to dart across the ground at a moment’s notice. A backdrop of blurred green hints at open space, allowing the Killdeer to stand as the undeniable focal point of the scene—at once graceful and wild." - Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Angel Wings: A Tandem Flight

Two rock pigeons (Columba livia), perfectly aligned one above the other, glide in tandem through the air. There's a painterly quality to the image—a softness and grace that feels almost brushstroked. I can imagine it printed on canvas, where its quiet elegance would truly shine.

If you're a fan of stunning dove imagery, be sure to explore my photo gallery for a collection of beautiful snapshots that capture their elegance and charm.

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #pigeons #doves #RockPigeons #RockDoves

"Two rock pigeons (Columba livia) soar in perfect tandem, one positioned just above the other, their bodies aligned in a moment of synchronized flight. Captured mid-air against a stark white background, the birds appear suspended—like a living sculpture carved from motion and light.

The lower pigeon is fully visible, its blue-gray body shimmering with iridescent hues along the neck and wings. The feathers catch the light in gradients of dark gray, soft brown, and subtle gold, each wing extended in a graceful arc. Tail feathers fan out behind it, and a small pink marking near the lower body adds a touch of warmth and individuality.

The second pigeon, partially obscured but clearly present above, mirrors the flight path of the first, creating a layered silhouette that evokes rhythm and unity. Their tandem movement suggests not just flight, but connection—two birds navigating the air together, like dancers mid-leap.

The white background isolates the pair, turning their motion into a study of form and color. The image feels both intimate and expansive, a fleeting moment of shared direction captured with painterly precision. The signature “© Swede’s Photographs” rests in the bottom right corner, anchoring the image with quiet authorship." - Copilot