yoused @yoused@talkedabout.social

Mystical Grackle

When we’re out walking, I’m always scanning for birds, especially species that aren’t common in the area. I spotted this blackbird as it settled beneath a distant pine tree. The challenge of photographing a bird from afar, especially while holding the camera off-hand, is that I’m never quite sure whether I’ve focused on the bird itself or its surroundings. In this case, it was likely the latter—making me almost hesitant to share the shot. Still, the iridescent blue tint on the head and tail of this common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is striking.

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 #blackbird #grackle #CommonGrackle

Good morning. 🕊️🕊️🕊️

1 June 2025

I often call Charlie 'Charlie McGee' or some other variation, in tribute to his Scottish heritage. He's a border collie, after all. Of course, he's completely unaware of all that—except for the 'Charlie' part; he knows his name. When we're out in the yard and he wanders off, all I have to do is call, 'Charlie!' and he comes running around the corner. He’s every bit a working dog, always accompanying me when there’s yard work to do. Though his role is more supervisory—lounging in the shade while I cut the grass or, as I like to say in French, 'mow-de-lawn'—a classic grandpa joke. He does his part well. When he first arrived at our home, he spent much of his time trying to herd us around—must be in his genes.

"My fashion philosophy is if you’re not covered in dog hair, your life is empty." — Elayne Boosler

#morning #pigeons #dogs #BorderCollie #RockPigeons #RockDoves #doves #photo #photography #photographer #nature #birds #birding #birdphotography

Pine Top Sentinel

This morning was a peaceful sit in the backyard with Charlie, listening to the birds' morning songs and capturing photos of familiar backyard visitors—as well as the occasional exotic guest. This particular image features a great crested flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus), not a typical backyard resident. I spotted it about 100 meters away, perched atop a pine tree like a Christmas ornament. Thanks to Topaz Photo AI Super focus, the details in this image are sharper than expected, giving it an almost animated quality when you zoom in—me thinks.

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 #birdsofmastodon #birdwatching #birdphotography #GreatCrestedFlycatcher

Rustic Roost

During my morning walk with Charlie, I came across another woodpecker. This one, a slightly scruffy-looking red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), had chosen an intriguing perch—perfectly centered atop a weathered power pole.

Explore more chic woodpecker photos by visiting my photo gallery.

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

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

Love this.

I’m down south in Iqaluit this week, taking a wilderness first aid course. I went out for coffee this morning with an old troopmate and ordered a triple shot Americano (the cookie is his, lest you think me indulgent). When I got the receipt I see it has been renamed. #ElbowsUp

If you live in CA you could look for this tiny poppy. Just like onenicebugperday said "look at them!"

https://www.tumblr.com/futurebird/783149779381288960/image-descriptions-in-gray-tiny-gravel-rather?source=share

Good morning, friends. 🌹🌹🌹

15 April 2025

Several boards on my utility trailer need to be replaced. I've been keeping an eye on them for a few months, and the other day, I noticed that one had deteriorated to the point where it now has a hole. The boards are secured at both ends with top and bottom enclosures, making their removal and replacement a bit of a challenge. To replace a board, you use what's known as the "teeter-totter" method. This involves sliding one end of the board into position, placing a block underneath to bend the board enough for the other end to clear the metal lip of the trailer, and then removing the block to let the board settle into place. It reminds me of my old saying: "nothing is ever easy."

“Everything is difficult," she whispered. "Maybe that's something else that I've learned.” - Alison Croggon, The Singing

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #morning #rose #difficult #trailer

Waters of Dawn

This image was captured about three years ago at a small, secluded pond on the outskirts of Albany, Georgia, hidden away between hotels. The original scene featured two birds: this immature white ibis (Eudocimus albus) and a great egret. However, in my mind's eye, I envisioned the ibis and the water isolated, just as they appear here.

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 #birdsofmastodon #birdwatching #birdphotography #WhiteIbis

Good morning. ☮️✌️🪻

4 April 2025

Yesterday, we spent time working in the backyard. I repaired a hinge on the back gate and mowed the lawn for the first time this year. I also trimmed around the fence until the battery on my trimmer died—I had forgotten to recharge it after its last use. In that moment, I couldn’t help but think, 'What a wonderful feature: built-in breaks! 😂' It turned out to be the perfect excuse to call it a day. Meanwhile, my wife was busy in the raised garden, planting something new. I noticed several little seed packets in the kitchen, hinting at her plans. This is the first time in years that something other than weeds will grow in the garden. I can't help but wonder what’s gotten into us—where did this burst of energy come from? Must be biorhythms at work.

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them—that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality.” - Lao Tzu

#photo #photography #nature #morning #flower #yardwork #abstract

“Minnesota lost a legend yesterday in wildlife photographer Jim Brandenburg. Gwen and I are sending our love to his family.

Here’s his photo ‘Chased by the Light’ taken in Ely.” - Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
#NorthernWayOfLife