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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