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Sky Dancing Five pigeons are seen mid-flight against a light, cloudy sky. The birds are captured in various positions, showcasing the elegance and grace of their wings as they soar.

"Five rock pigeons slice through a pale blue sky, each one frozen in a different moment of motion. They’re spaced loosely across the frame, like a small flock caught mid‑journey. Their wings are in various positions — one bird with wings stretched wide like an open sail, another with wings tucked downward in the powerful downstroke, and others somewhere in between, each posture revealing a different rhythm of flight.

Their bodies are a soft gray, with lighter underwings and darker wingtips that look almost brushed with charcoal. Sunlight catches the curves of their feathers, giving subtle highlights along their backs and shoulders. The birds appear weightless, suspended against the clean, uncluttered sky, moving with a quiet confidence that pigeons in flight always seem to have.

There’s a sense of motion even in stillness — the flock rising, gliding, and beating forward through open air. It’s a simple moment, yet full of grace: five ordinary birds showing the extraordinary beauty of flight." - Microsoft Copilot

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Reposted by @Swede1952

Good morning. 💐🌻🐝 12 October 2026 My daughter sent me the image I’m using this morning — a vivid orange dahlia with a honeybee working its way through the petals. ... 1/8 #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #flowers #bee #morning #walking #naps #winniethepooh

"At the center of the image stands a brilliant orange dahlia, its petals layered like delicate flames. Each petal curves outward in a soft, rounded arc, glowing with warm tones that shift from deep orange at the tips to golden yellow near the heart of the bloom. The flower feels almost sunlit from within, a burst of color rising out of the surrounding green leaves.

Perched on the dahlia is a small bee — likely a honey bee — nestled deep among the petals. Its fuzzy body is dusted with pollen, and its wings catch the light in faint, translucent glimmers. The bee bends forward with purpose, exploring the folds of the flower as it gathers nectar. The interaction feels intimate and alive, a quiet moment of nature’s work captured in perfect stillness.

Around the main bloom, hints of other flowers appear — touches of yellow and orange, softened by the gentle blur of the background. These surrounding colors frame the dahlia like a natural chorus, making the central flower and its busy visitor stand out even more vividly.

The whole scene radiates warmth, life, and the quiet beauty of pollination in action." - Microsoft Copilot

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Reposted by @Swede1952

@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 7h

Boss Bird This northern cardinal looks completely unamused about having its picture taken. ... 1/2 #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #NorthernCardinal

"A northern cardinal stands front and center, its body glowing in a bold, impossible red. The bird faces the viewer directly, giving the impression of a small creature with a surprisingly serious attitude. Its crest lies flat against its head, which somehow makes its expression even more stern — as if it’s not just watching, but evaluating.

A deep black mask surrounds the cardinal’s eyes and thick, bright orange beak. The beak is stout and wedge‑shaped, built for cracking seeds with authority. The bird’s eyes are dark, round, and intense, fixed forward in a way that feels almost confrontational, as though it’s silently asking what you think you’re doing.

Its claws grip a perforated surface with quiet strength, each talon curved and precise. Behind the cardinal, the background melts into a soft blur, making the bird’s vivid color and commanding posture stand out even more sharply.

The whole scene feels like a portrait of a tiny, feathered overseer — confident, unbothered, and absolutely certain of its place in the world." - Microsoft Copilot

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Reposted by @Swede1952

Morning Finch Face This little house finch looks like he just rolled out of the nest and is still trying to figure out the whole being‑alive thing.

"A young male house finch perches on a curved black metal bar, looking very much like he’s still waking up. His feathers are slightly tousled, giving him that unmistakable “first thing in the morning” look. The reddish wash on his chest is soft and uneven, as if the color hasn’t quite settled in yet — the kind of patchy blush young males often have before they mature into their full, bright plumage.

His beak is thick and conical, a sturdy little tool that seems oversized compared to his sleepy expression. The finch’s eyes are half‑alert, half‑dreamy, as though he’s trying to remember whether he meant to be up this early. His claws grip the bar with casual steadiness, but his posture has that relaxed, slightly rumpled feel of a bird that hasn’t fully committed to the day.

Behind him, the background melts into a soft blur of muted color, making his messy feathers and gentle red tones stand out even more. The whole scene feels like a candid snapshot of a small creature caught between sleep and breakfast — charming, disheveled, and completely himself." - Microsoft Copilot

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Reposted by @Swede1952

Shore Birds As I cut through the jungle foliage, a large leaf of an oil palm swept over my pith helmet. ... 1/3 #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #shorebirds

"The serene beach scene captures multiple layers of natural elements. In the foreground, a stretch of light sandy beach extends, adorned with sparse vegetation—possibly sea oats or dune grass—swaying gently on the right side. Beyond the sandy area lies a narrow strip of calm water. Further back, a congregation of birds rests on what appears to be a sandbar. These birds create a dense, dark band across the scene. Behind this congregation, another body of water is visible, its surface rippling slightly due to wind or current. The distant opposite shore completes the background, its features indistinct. The overcast sky bathes the scene in soft, diffused light, suggesting an overcast day.

This image likely depicts bird migration or resting behaviors in their natural habitat, showcasing biodiversity and the beauty of coastal landscapes." - Microsoft Copilot

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If you enjoy wildlife and nature photography, check out my photo gallery here: swede1952-photographs.pixels.com 3/3

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Ahead was a clearing, a beach occupied by hundreds if not thousands of shore birds lounging on sandbars of the shallow water. Not really, though the part about the shore birds is true. This is a photo taken at Gulfport, Mississippi on the Gulf of Mexico. ... 2/3

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@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 7h

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Morning Finch Face This little house finch looks like he just rolled out of the nest and is still trying to figure out the whole being‑alive thing.

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Maybe he’s just getting off work and thinking, “Can’t a bird even wet his beak around here without being bothered?” Step into a world where even the smallest moments—like the glint in a bird's eye—tell their own story. swede1952-photographs.pixels.com 2/2

“Doing nothing often leads to the very best something.” - Winnie the Pooh “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” - Winnie the Pooh “A morning‑glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.” — Walt Whitman 8/8

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We wait all summer for the heat to ease up and all winter for it to warm again. There’s really no such thing as a perfect‑for‑everything day. ... 7/8

We’re at that odd time in the fall when the temperature starts out in the low 60s but reaches the mid‑80s by noon. There I go, complaining about the weather. One fact of life is that even if there’s nothing else to complain about, there’s always the weather. ... 6/8

first‑thing‑in‑the‑morning naps are wonderful in their own right. As Winnie the Pooh might say, “If you feel a little droopy, a small nap can help you feel a little less droopy.” ... 5/8

Some mornings it’s hard to get started. If I tell myself, “Tomorrow I’m walking, even though it’s not a walk day,” I’ll wake up and the whole energetic vibe shifts to, “Let me lay back and close my eyes.” Don’t get me wrong — those ... 4/8

I usually feel better and more energetic after a morning walk. I’ve programmed three walking days a week and pretty much stick to them as if they’re mandatory. I’ve thought about making every day a walking day, but haven’t gone that far yet. ... 3/8

At least I think it’s a honeybee. Charlie and I walked this morning and finished 3.5 miles. It was a little cool when we first set out, so I wore a sweatshirt, but after about a mile and a half I took it off because both the outside temperature and my own core temperature had warmed up. ... 2/8

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@Swede1952 @swede1952.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Sky Dancing Five pigeons are seen mid-flight against a light, cloudy sky. The birds are captured in various positions, showcasing the elegance and grace of their wings as they soar.

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Airborne Spark I believe the ruby‑throated hummingbirds are gone for now. They’ve headed south, preparing to cross the Gulf of Mexico so they can spend the winter in Mexico and Central America. They’re amazing little creatures.

"A single ruby‑throated hummingbird hangs in mid‑air, suspended like a tiny jewel against a soft, blurred backdrop of muted reds and grays. Its body is angled slightly forward, wings a shimmering blur on either side — so fast they dissolve into motion, like twin wisps of smoke. The bird’s head and back glow with iridescent green, each feather catching the light like polished metal. Its long, slender beak points outward with perfect precision, the posture alert and poised, as if it has paused for just a heartbeat between wingbeats.

The hummingbird’s eye is sharp and bright, giving the sense of a creature that is both delicate and fiercely alive. The background melts away into gentle color, making the bird appear almost sculpted from light. It’s a moment of stillness inside motion — a tiny engine of life hovering effortlessly, defying gravity with grace and speed." - Microsoft Copilot

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Step into a world where even the smallest moments—like the glint in a bird's eye—tell their own story. swede1952-photographs.pixels.com 3/3

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It appears to show an adult female feeding a juvenile. What catches my eye is that the juvenile actually looks larger than the adult — probably because its feathers are fluffed out more, giving it that puffed‑up, oversized look young birds often have. ... 2/3

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Mother’s Gift This image of two house finches started out grainy, but a little work smoothed it out nicely. ... 1/3 #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #housefinches

"Two house finches perch on a pair of slender branches, suspended against a soft, blurred wash of green that feels like a quiet summer morning. The adult female sits slightly higher, leaning downward with gentle purpose. Her feathers are a muted tapestry of warm browns and soft grays, subtle streaks running along her breast like fine brushstrokes.

Below her, the juvenile finch tilts its head upward, beak open wide in a perfect expression of need and trust. Its plumage is fluffier, softer, still wearing the faint disarray of youth. The young bird’s posture is earnest — neck stretched, wings tucked close — as if every part of its small body is focused on receiving the meal.

The adult’s beak meets the juvenile’s with delicate precision, a moment of quiet care frozen in mid‑gesture. The branches they cling to are thin and slightly curved, framing the interaction like a natural cradle. The entire scene radiates tenderness: a simple act of feeding, yet full of instinct, connection, and the gentle continuity of life." - Microsoft Copilot

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“Vaccines are the cornerstone of modern medicine.” — Public health perspective “Vaccines have saved millions of lives throughout history.” — Historical immunization perspective “The science of prevention is the science of survival.” — Vaccine quote collection 8/8

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They don’t “cure” COVID outright, but they can significantly reduce the severity of illness when started early. Still, it’s best to be protected and not get it at all. ... 7/8

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That said, commanders still encourage service members to be vaccinated and make the vaccine available for those who want protection. Also, strong antiviral medications exist now that didn’t during the early COVID‑19 pandemic. ... 6/8

units, occasionally lowering readiness. This was largely the result of many service members choosing not to be vaccinated once it became voluntary. It will be interesting to see how the military fares in this regard in the coming winter. ... 5/8

We worked and lived in close proximity, and it’s not cool when whole units start getting sick. Interestingly, in 2023 the requirement that service members be vaccinated against COVID‑19 was lifted. Afterwards, clusters of respiratory illnesses were reported in some military ... 4/8

annual flu shot at all — but the Army did. They scheduled flu shots every year, an event that found us in line, marching toward the needle, and they checked off our names after we got the shot. They classified such events as “protecting the force.” ... 3/8

Saturday is not usually a walk day, but I didn’t walk yesterday because we went and got our annual flu and COVID vaccines. When you’re older, you keep up with such things. I recall that when I was younger and still in the Army, I didn’t keep up with the ... 2/8

Good morning. 🦆🪿🦢 10 October 2026 Last night I decided I was going to walk this morning, but this morning didn’t agree, and conflict set in. ... 1/8 #photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #morning #vaccines #waterfowl #ducks #geese

Four Birds in the Morning Light

"On a patch of sun‑washed grass, four birds gather in a loose, gentle formation. Two geese stand in the foreground, both facing left, their bodies angled as if they’re about to begin a slow, purposeful walk in the same direction. Their plumage is a mix of warm browns and soft whites, with dark, elegant necks that curve forward. Their orange legs press into the grass, giving them a grounded, steady look.

Between these two geese stand two ducks, smaller but full of character. One is a bright white duck, its feathers catching the sunlight so strongly that it almost glows. It stands slightly behind the front goose, its round body and smooth plumage giving it a calm, gentle presence.

Partially hidden behind the white duck is a coal‑black duck, its feathers deep and glossy like polished obsidian. Its head is bent forward, beak close to the ground, as if studying something small and important — a leaf, a pebble, or perhaps just the texture of the earth. The contrast between the white duck and the black duck is striking: light and shadow standing shoulder to shoulder.

Dry leaves are scattered across the grass, hinting at early fall. The sunlight is warm, soft, and steady, giving the whole scene a quiet, peaceful feeling — four birds sharing a moment of stillness, each one distinct, each one part of the same gentle tableau." - Microsoft Copilot

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Aquatic Takeoff I saw this great blue heron couple of years ago (28 June 2024) at a small lake near Houston, Texas. At first glance it looks like the bird only has one leg, but if you look closely, you can see the second leg tucked behind the one that’s fully visible.

"A great blue heron soars gracefully through the sky, its wings fully extended. Against the backdrop of a serene body of water, the heron’s silhouette stands out—a study in elegance and poise. Its long neck curves gracefully, and its legs trail behind, creating a striking visual. The heron’s feathers, a mix of slate blue and gray, catch the sunlight, revealing intricate patterns. With each beat of its wings, it glides effortlessly, embodying the beauty of flight." - Microsoft Copilot

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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! swede1952-photographs.pixels.com 3/3

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looking at a young cardinal. I wasn’t as close to the bird as I would’ve liked, so the details fooled me at first. ... 2/3

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Skybound Spectacle I knew there was a tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) out there, but when I took this picture I was pretty sure I was ... 1/3 #photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #TuftedTitmouse

"The captivating image portrays a Tufted Titmouse (Mimus polyglottos) in mid-flight. Against a blurred background, the bird’s wings are fully extended, showcasing their intricate patterns. The soft lighting suggests twilight or sunset hours, emphasizing the bird’s dynamic movement. Its sleek body, grayish-brown plumage, and white wing bars are visible. The pointed beak, suitable for catching insects, and alert eyes add to its charm. Overall, the Tufted Titmouse exudes elegance and agility as it glides through the air." - Microsoft Copilot

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