@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

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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Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

I've had several inquiries about how to get a print of some my photographs. This is a hobby for me, so I haven't been equipped to handle those requests. But I enjoy what I'm doing and want to share my photographs.

So, I set up an account and website with pixels. My website is:

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

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

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

Cheers!

Camera on a tripod facing out into my yard.

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

https://at.tumblr.com/swede1952/ydkh7vlpsnmh

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

High Ho Silver

This is my pal Charlie (Canis lupus familiaris) on a walk a few years ago. Charlie is a border collie. The daily walk was the highlight of both Charlie’s and Ben’s day — Ben being our other dog — second only to mealtime. In this moment, Charlie was reacting to me calling his name.

"A black and white border collie stands poised on a grassy trail, its body angled with alert intention. One front paw is lifted mid-step, as if caught in the act of choosing its next move. The dog’s fur is a crisp contrast — jet black along the back and head, snowy white across the chest and legs — and its collar sits snug against its neck, a quiet signal of belonging. The trail is framed by tall grass and pine branches, with dried vegetation curling at the edges like parchment. The light is soft, the season muted — likely autumn or early winter — and the border collie’s presence feels both dynamic and grounded, like a sentinel moving through a familiar realm. There’s motion in the posture, but stillness in the scene. The dog is not just passing through; it’s reading the trail." - Microsoft Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Bird of Flame

A northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) perches on a bare branch, its head turning gently as it surveys the quiet surroundings.

A northern cardinal perches gracefully on a slender, leafless branch, its body angled slightly to the left. The bird’s plumage is a brilliant, saturated red—like a flame flickering against the soft, wintry backdrop. Its crest rises like a crown, giving it a regal silhouette. Around its face, a black mask encircles the eyes and beak, adding dramatic contrast and drawing attention to its alert, bead-like gaze. The sunlight catches the cardinal’s feathers, revealing subtle gradients of crimson and hints of orange, with a glossy sheen that suggests vitality and warmth. Behind the bird, the background is a blur of muted browns and grays—bare branches and distant foliage rendered softly out of focus, creating a natural vignette that centers the viewer’s attention on the cardinal. The composition is quiet and contemplative, with the bird appearing both watchful and serene. In the bottom left corner, the image is signed “© Swede’s Photographs.”

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Jungle Jewel

This morning, while browsing through some of my photographs from Costa Maya, Mexico, I stumbled upon a few that at first glance looked like nothing more than a dark tangle of leaves. I assumed they were accidental shots and nearly deleted them—until something caught my eye. “Wait a minute… what’s that?” Nestled in the shadows was a bird. Based on the shape and coloring, I believe it’s a blue-gray tanager (Thraupis episcopus)—at least that’s what Merlin suggests. Still, I’d appreciate help confirming or correcting the ID. The online photos show a similar bird, though many feature a lighter blue body than the one I captured.

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 #BlueGrayTanager

"A blue-gray tanager perches gracefully on a slender branch, its delicate frame bathed in soft natural light. Its plumage is a gentle wash of powdery blue across the chest and head, deepening into richer sapphire tones along the wings and tail. The feathers shimmer subtly, like brushed silk catching morning sun. Its small, pointed beak holds a morsel—perhaps a berry or insect—mid-snack, adding a touch of narrative to the stillness. Surrounding the bird is a lush backdrop of green leaves and tangled branches, a quiet jungle tapestry that frames the tanager like a living portrait. The scene feels intimate and serene, as if the viewer has stumbled upon a private moment in the canopy." - Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Peanut Carrier

This red-bellied woodpecker makes a swift getaway to a nearby tree, clutching a small peanut treasure in its beak.

"A red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is frozen mid-flight, wings outstretched in a blur of motion. Its black-and-white patterned feathers fan wide, creating a striking contrast against the clean white backdrop of a fence. The bird’s head is crowned with a vivid red patch that gleams like a flame, while its pale belly and speckled back add texture and subtlety. Clutched firmly in its beak is a peanut—elongated, tan, and unmistakable—giving the scene a sense of purpose and urgency. The woodpecker’s body is angled slightly upward, suggesting a swift ascent or a determined dash toward a perch. The image captures a moment of wild precision: a bird in motion, a snack in tow, and the quiet geometry of a fence behind it, framing the drama in stark simplicity." - Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Not Again, Harold

I thought this image of two house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) on a branch looked like the female was scolding the male. Then again, she might be singing—or perhaps she’s a fledgling, calling out for something to eat.

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 #HouseFinch #finches

"Two house finches perch side by side on a slender branch, framed by a softly blurred backdrop of green and blue—suggesting a calm, outdoor setting. The finch on the left is a male, unmistakable with his vibrant red head and chest, which glow like embers against his grayish-brown wings and body. His posture is upright and alert, eyes focused on his companion.

The finch on the right is more muted in color—likely a female—with gray plumage streaked with subtle browns. Her beak is open mid-call, as if she’s vocalizing or responding to the male. There’s a sense of interaction between them, a quiet exchange that could be courtship, communication, or a moment of shared awareness. The branch beneath them curves gently, adding a natural rhythm to the composition. Their feathers catch the light in soft detail, and the space between them feels charged with possibility—like a conversation unfolding in the language of birds." - Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Good morning. 🏋️‍♂️💐☕

13 August 2025

Yesterday was supposed to be gym day, but it completely slipped my mind. And by “gym day,” I mean dragging a foldable bench in from the patio, grabbing a couple of dumbbells, and giving myself a modest workout. I started this routine a couple of months ago, and honestly, I think I’ve already outgrown the dumbbells.

Back in my fifties—when I was a young man—I was a regular at a real gym. There’s something remarkable about muscle memory. When you train, your muscles add nuclei, and even if you stop for years, those nuclei don’t just vanish. So when you start again, even after a decade or more, the infrastructure is still there, quietly waiting.

I should probably move up to the next weight class in barbells… but I’m not keen on having a pile of them cluttering the sunroom.

“Edit your life frequently and ruthlessly. It’s your masterpiece after all.” — Nathan W. Morris

#morning #flowers #strengthtraining #musclememory #photo #photography #nature

Colorful Crotalaria Display

"This image showcases a rattlebox plant (Crotalaria), its blossoms glowing in rich red-orange hues. The flowers hang in loose clusters from slender green stems, each bloom shaped like a narrow tube with a gentle curve—some fully open, others still in bud. Their color is intense and fiery, like embers suspended in air. Surrounding the blossoms are delicate, feathery green leaves that soften the scene and add texture, their fine structure contrasting with the boldness of the flowers. The background is a gentle blur of green foliage, creating a sense of depth and calm while allowing the rattlebox to stand out in vivid detail. The composition feels balanced and alive, with the plant’s natural elegance captured in a moment of quiet brilliance. A small signature, “Swede’s Photographs,” rests in the bottom left corner, marking the image with a personal touch." - Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Cardinal’s Dive

This northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is launching from his perch in a bold dive toward the ground. With his vivid plumage and forward-leaning posture, he almost strikes a ‘Superbird’ pose—the masked avenger of Aviana, ready to patrol the skies with flair.

"A northern cardinal, brilliant and bold, is caught in the instant before flight. Perched on a slender branch surrounded by lush green leaves and dried seed pods, the bird leans forward with intent. Its body angles downward, wings slightly parted—not yet spread wide, but poised for motion. The cardinal’s plumage is a blaze of red, glowing against the soft blur of green and brown in the background. A black mask frames its beak and eyes, giving its face a sharp, expressive contrast. The beak itself is thick and orange-red, slightly open as if mid-breath or mid-call. The tail feathers trail behind, rigid and aligned, adding to the sense of aerodynamic readiness. Every detail—the tension in its posture, the curve of its claws gripping the branch, the tilt of its head—suggests imminent movement. It’s a moment suspended between stillness and flight, where instinct and gravity meet in quiet drama." - Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Sunrise Over Tranquil Waters

This photo captures the sun rising over the Caribbean, taken from my balcony aboard a ship approaching Costa Maya, Mexico. In the distance, a low, narrow strip of land stretches across the horizon, grounding the scene. Scattered clouds drift overhead, some touched by light, others lingering in shadow. The sun appears as a large, luminous sphere, already high above the horizon. Below, the rippled water reflects its presence with subtle shimmer. The image leans toward monochrome, softened by gentle yellow tints that warm the light.

For those who love skies set ablaze with color—sunsets that linger, clouds that speak in texture and light—my gallery holds a collection crafted just for you.

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #sunrise #clouds #CaribbeanSea #ocean #sun

"The sun rises over the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Costa Maya, Mexico, casting a radiant glow across the sky and water. It hangs in the upper center of the scene, a brilliant orb of light that seems to pulse with warmth. Around it, clouds drift in scattered formations—some dark and brooding, others soft and wispy—each one touched by sunlight that paints them in shades of gold, silver, and smoky gray.

Just above the horizon, the faint silhouette of the coastline stretches like a quiet whisper—low and dark against the glowing sky. It anchors the scene with a sense of place, a reminder of land beyond the light. The outline is subtle, softened by distance and haze, but unmistakable: a gentle curve of earth meeting sea.

Below, the water catches the sunlight like a mirror, shimmering with flecks of gold and pale blue. It’s a quiet moment, full of motion yet perfectly still—where light dances on the waves, clouds drift in slow procession, and the day begins with a hush.

This is not just a sunrise—it’s a symphony of light and shadow, a fleeting breath of beauty that feels both eternal and immediate." - Copilot with edits

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Crunch!

This male house finch is caught mid-meal, working intently on a seed. Fragments of the shell scatter in the air, frozen in motion—a quiet explosion of effort and instinct. It’s a fleeting moment, suspended in time.

"A male house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) perches on a black metal surface, caught in the act of cracking open a seed. His plumage is a warm tapestry of earthy browns and soft grays, but it’s the vivid red on his head and chest that steals the spotlight—like a splash of sunset against a muted sky. His small, conical beak is pressed firmly into the seed, exerting just enough pressure to shatter its shell. Tiny fragments scatter near his mouth, evidence of his success.

His wings are slightly spread, not in flight but in balance, revealing the delicate layering of feathers—each one etched with subtle patterns that ripple like wood grain. The background is softly blurred, drawing all attention to the finch’s focused posture and the quiet intensity of his task.

But it’s his eye that anchors the scene with quiet drama. Round and glossy, the visible eye is a deep, liquid black rimmed with a faint halo of gray. It gleams with alertness and purpose, catching a sliver of light like a polished bead. There’s no menace in it—just a sharp, instinctive intelligence. It’s the eye of a creature that knows its world intimately: the texture of seeds, the rhythm of wind, the subtle movements of predators. In this moment, the eye is fixed on the task, a tiny window into the finch’s singular focus." - Copilot

Swede’s Photographs
@Swede1952@universeodon.com

Eyes on the Wind

I spotted this yellow-crowned night heron (Nyctanassa violacea) a couple of years ago, flying over the open Caribbean Sea with ten or eleven companions. I remember feeling incredibly lucky—the birds were nearly level with my balcony, which I think was on the ninth deck. They glided alongside the ship, matching its speed with effortless grace. I spent somewhere between fifteen and thirty minutes photographing them, completely absorbed in the moment.

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 #YellowCrownedNightHeron