Whimsical Woodland Sprite

This whimsical sprite is playfully dubbed a tree gnome (Nanus arboris)—just kidding! But doesn’t the bird’s crest resemble a gnome’s hat? In reality, it is a tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor). These charming little birds frequent the nearby forest and often visit my backyard feeders. Their visits are brief; they swoop in just long enough to snatch a sunflower seed or peanut before darting back to the safety of the trees.

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

Snapped this as we were walking into Universal. Something about black and white photos just always give a good vibe. #blackandwhitephotography #photography #photographylovers #universalstudios #california

Whispers of the Past

This old house stands near the town where my wife grew up. She recalls it from her youth as a charming cottage, once home to an elderly couple, many years ago. Now, it appears to have been unoccupied for decades. The curtains in the window lend an eerie and unsettling touch to the scene.

My photo gallery features over 1200 carefully selected images. While most are chosen for their visual appeal, a few stand out as novelty shots. Feel free to explore my gallery at:

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.c

Peaceful Moment

Sometimes, the light hits just perfectly. This is a female ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), and she seems to be pausing briefly to bask in the sun. Of course, it’s probably less of a pause and more of a fleeting moment—these tiny creatures rarely stay still for long. While I often capture photos around my hummingbird feeders, I especially treasure opportunities like this, when I can photograph them in more natural settings. This particular shot was taken just a few days ago. In addition to nectar, these birds also feed on small insects.

You know, the photographs I post here are not as vivid as the same ones in my Pixel's gallery. This is because I reduce the size and slightly decrease the quality of the photos to make them easier to load. Take a look:

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

Let's Talk

These two female indigo buntings (Passerina cyanea) appear to be deep in conversation, perhaps discussing Maybell’s noticeable absence. The cheerful jingle from Hee Haw comes to mind: "We're not ones to go 'round spreadin' rumors."

Discover nature's fleeting moments through my lens—visit my photo gallery to see more.

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

Peek-a-Blue

This blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) seemed to be playing a game with me, peeking mischievously around the edge of the wooden bird feeder in the middle of my backyard.

If you're enchanted by images of blue jays and other captivating corvids, dive into my photo gallery for a visual treat! Take a peek:

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

Good morning.

1 April 2025

I just returned from Moon Base Alpha this morning. This secret Space Force facility, located on the far side of the moon, was originally established by the German Luftwaffe in 1943 with extraterrestrial assistance. In 1945, the American Air Force covertly took control of the base. Renowned scientist and engineer Wernher von Braun played a crucial role by providing vital information that enabled the USAF to secure the base swiftly. With the creation of the Space Force as a new branch of the armed forces, management of the base naturally transitioned to them. The existence of Moon Base Alpha was recently disclosed to the public via The History Channel. Ah, and remember—on a day like this, not everything is as it seems. Happy April Fools'!

"I have great faith in fools — self-confidence, my friends call it." - Edgar Allan Poe

Eye Contact

In case you think birds don't notice you on the beach, here's a laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) that locked eyes with me yesterday as it flew past while I captured its photo.

"The oldest known Laughing Gull was at least 22 years old when it was killed in Maine in 2009, the same state where it had been banded in 1987." - allaboutbirds.org

Enjoy stunning images of gulls and terns? Check out my photo gallery at:

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

Dawn's Silent Hunter

An early morning stroll along the beach offers fantastic photo opportunities, and this great blue heron (Ardea herodias) in its tranquil vigil is a perfect example. Its slightly silhouetted form, graceful and still, stands against the softly illuminated ripples of the blue ocean, creating a scene of serene beauty.

Explore a curated collection of heron and egret images in my photo gallery. Take a look!

https://swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

Good morning, friends.

31 March 2025

Everything outdoors is turning green—it feels like it's happening all at once. Boom—it's Spring! Do you remember the old electric lawn mowers? Not the modern battery-operated ones, but the kind that relied on a long extension cord. I recall we had one in Spring Valley, California, back in the 1960s. The real challenge was avoiding the cord, which was trickier than it seemed when you were mindlessly walking back and forth—or in circles—across the lawn. I wonder if they still make those. I do have a corded hedge trimmer, so maybe they do. Incidentally, my wife cut the cord the very first time she used it.

"The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month." - Henry Van Dyke

Looking Out on the realm

Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) are highly territorial. This one perches atop a small pine tree, surveying the landscape below, likely on the lookout for prey.

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

Good morning.

30 March 2025

I believe the barometric pressure is on the lower side of normal, which might contribute to the feeling of sleepiness. When the pressure drops, the air becomes less dense, so we inhale less oxygen with each breath. It’s fascinating, though I can’t claim to fully understand it. Many years ago, during college, I took a freshman course in Physical Geography. In that class, I learned about clouds, air currents, ocean currents, weather, rocks, and soil. While I’ve forgotten much of what I learned back then, I do remember why the Atlantic coast waters are warm and the Pacific coast waters are cold. After all these years, it’s amazing how the natural world continues to intrigue and inspire curiosity.

"Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative. - Oscar Wilde