Explore more chic woodpecker photos by visiting my photo gallery.

swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

3/3

like musical notes on a staff — fitting, I think, though the ensemble is missing a bass section. The three birds on the left are House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), with a rosy‑colored male in the middle. On the right, I believe the two birds are House Sparrows (Passer domesticus). ...

2/3

"Five small birds perch along two slender, diagonal branches, each bird spaced just far enough apart to feel like part of a loose, companionable gathering. The background is a soft wash of green — blurred foliage that turns the scene into a gentle, natural stage. Three of the birds are house finches. One of them, second from the left, stands out immediately: the male, with a warm blush of red across his head and chest, like someone brushed him with watercolor. The other two finches show the familiar streaked brown plumage, their bodies compact and alert. The remaining two birds appear to be house sparrows, slightly stockier, with their own pattern of earthy browns and soft whites. They sit with the quiet confidence sparrows often have, as if they’ve seen this branch, this morning light, this world a thousand times before. The branches themselves cross the frame at angles, giving the birds a natural perch that feels both delicate and sturdy. The whole scene has a sense of calm, a moment of shared stillness among five small lives suspended in green light." - Microsoft Copilot

Chorus of Small Wings

There’s no shortage of birds singing in the morning. Here, five small birds are arranged along the branches ...

1/3

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

"A male summer tanager sits at the very tip of a slender conifer branch, glowing like a drop of living fire against a pale, empty sky. His plumage is an uninterrupted, saturated red — not the brick red of a cardinal, but a smoother, almost lacquered red that seems to hold its own warmth. The feathers on his head and body are plush and even, while his tail feathers taper into a slightly darker shade, adding depth to the silhouette. His beak, a soft yellow with a hint of ivory, is open mid‑call, giving the impression that the air around him is vibrating with song. The posture is upright and alert, as if he’s surveying his territory from a high lookout. The conifer branch beneath him is a spray of long, green needles, each one catching the light in a slightly different way. Small buds cluster near the tips, adding texture and a sense of early‑season growth. The branch angles upward, giving the bird a natural pedestal. The background is a smooth, pale sky with no clouds or distractions — a blank canvas that makes the tanager’s red blaze even brighter. The whole image feels clean, simple, and striking: a single bright bird singing into a quiet morning." - Microsoft Copilot

Red on the Pinnacle

I spotted this summer tanager (Piranga rubra) singing high at the top of a tall pine, far enough away that the distance and ...

1/3

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

"Three birds share a quiet patch of green, each one absorbed in the simple rhythm of feeding. The two mourning doves stand out first — soft, rounded shapes with feathers the color of warm sand. Their bodies carry that gentle gradient typical of the species: light brown along the back, a blush of peach on the breast, and small, neat black spots tucked into the wings like ink drops. Their long, tapered tails stretch behind them, giving them a graceful, almost elongated posture as they lean forward to peck at the ground. Between them, slightly smaller and darker, is a brown‑headed cowbird. Its body is a deep, earthy brown, but the head is richer still — a smooth, dark chocolate tone that catches the light differently from the rest of its plumage. The cowbird’s stance is more upright and alert, as if it’s ready to dart or hop at a moment’s notice. All three birds are busy working the same patch of grass, their beaks dipping and lifting in a steady rhythm. The grass around them is lush and varied, blades bending under their weight, dotted with tiny seeds and bits of vegetation. The scene feels peaceful and grounded — a small gathering of birds sharing the same buffet, each species with its own shape, color, and quiet presence." - Microsoft Copilot

Breakfast in the Grass

These three birds gathered beneath the birdfeeder, searching for seeds that had been knocked to the ground from above. The two larger birds are mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), and the smaller bird is a brown‑headed cowbird (Molothrus ater).

"The image attached is a black and white photograph that captures the intricate details of a bare tree against a contrasting dark background. The tree, devoid of leaves, has numerous branches spreading outwards. These branches are light in color, almost white, creating a striking contrast with the background. Each branch is finely detailed, showcasing an intricate network that adds complexity to the image. The backdrop appears to be a sky filled with hazy clouds, enhancing the visual impact of the tree. There’s no distinct feature in the background except its uniform darkness which amplifies the prominence of the tree. This image captures an intricately branched bare tree standing out against a dark cloudy sky, interesting for its dramatic contrast and detailed portrayal." - Microsoft Copilot with editing

The Ghost Tree, A Study in Contrast

"This tiny bird, measuring about 3.5 inches (9 cm) in length, exhibits a striking color pattern. The adult male boasts an iridescent ruby throat, which appears black under most lighting conditions. Its white chest contrasts with the dark throat, and it has green sides. The male’s tail is entirely black and forked. On the other hand, the female is predominantly green above and whitish below, with white tips on her outer tail feathers. The female is best identified by her range. Imagine a bird smaller than a sparrow, with colors that include black, green, red, tan, and white. When it hovers in front of a flower to sip nectar, its wings beat more than 50 times per second. Despite their small size, these impressive migrants may travel from Canada all the way to Costa Rica. They are the sole breeding hummingbirds in eastern North America, glittering like jewels in the sunlight before swiftly zipping toward their next nectar source." - Microsoft Copilot with editing

Iridescent Grace

My dog, Charlie, and I were sitting on the porch of my wife’s shop a few years ago when I noticed a ...

1/2

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

"Five ducks glide across a wide stretch of water, their bodies rendered as dark silhouettes against a softly rippling surface. The light is gentle—diffused enough that the water appears almost metallic, a shifting sheet of silver and gray. Each duck follows the next in a loose, natural line, their shapes crisp and unmistakable: rounded heads, sloping necks, and the faint suggestion of webbed feet paddling beneath. The water carries most of the visual texture—small waves catch the light in broken patterns, creating a sense of movement even where the ducks are still. The scene feels calm, unhurried, as if the ducks are simply drifting through their morning routine. There is no land in sight, no reeds or shoreline—just the quiet choreography of five silhouettes moving across a luminous surface. In the lower corner, the photographer’s signature marks the moment as a captured piece of stillness." - Microsoft Copilot

Good morning. 🦆🪿🦢

21 April 2026

I once came across a stack of letters I had written to my grandmother from Vietnam, ...

1/8

#photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #morning #ducks #silouettes #blackandwhite #memories #learning

“We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.” — Benjamin Franklin

“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” — T. S. Eliot

“I am still learning.” — Michelangelo, at age 87

8/8

Sometimes I think of that period as the beginning of my second life. Time moves on, the years flip by, and we grow and improve. It’s a continuous learning process. Truth is, we’re learning right up until the end. ...

7/8

to using Social Security numbers instead. I’m pretty sure my dog tags had that number stamped on them. I’ve long since lost track of those tags, so I can’t check. ...

6/8

I sometimes wonder if they even issue those anymore.

When I was a Marine, I had a Marine Corps service number — and I still remember it after all these years. I came in right as the Corps was preparing to switch from the old service‑number system ...

5/8

I’m not sure what the Air Force or Navy required at the time. I did have a diploma, but I remember plenty of recruits who didn’t — maybe even more without than with. It was a different era, and young men were still being drafted. I enlisted, but I still carried a draft card in my wallet. ...

4/8

To be fair, I was still a teenager then, barely out of high school — though you wouldn’t have guessed I’d graduated from the way those letters looked.

Back in those days, not having a high school diploma wasn’t much of a barrier to joining the Army or the Marine Corps. ...

3/8

back when I was in the Marine Corps more than fifty years ago. What struck me as I reread them was how barely literate, I sounded. I caught myself thinking, Good grief, was that really me? The handwriting was pure chicken scratch, and the spelling was a coin toss at best. ...

2/8

"Five ducks glide across a wide stretch of water, their bodies rendered as dark silhouettes against a softly rippling surface. The light is gentle—diffused enough that the water appears almost metallic, a shifting sheet of silver and gray. Each duck follows the next in a loose, natural line, their shapes crisp and unmistakable: rounded heads, sloping necks, and the faint suggestion of webbed feet paddling beneath. The water carries most of the visual texture—small waves catch the light in broken patterns, creating a sense of movement even where the ducks are still. The scene feels calm, unhurried, as if the ducks are simply drifting through their morning routine. There is no land in sight, no reeds or shoreline—just the quiet choreography of five silhouettes moving across a luminous surface. In the lower corner, the photographer’s signature marks the moment as a captured piece of stillness." - Microsoft Copilot

Good morning. 🦆🪿🦢

21 April 2026

I once came across a stack of letters I had written to my grandmother from Vietnam, ...

1/8

#photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #morning #ducks #silouettes #blackandwhite #memories #learning

No, it's just a snapshot of a tree in winter. The grayscale silvery effect is from after processing.

Thanks

Reminds me of my moon/mist/tree oicture

😂

👍

Thanks!

little male ruby‑throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris).

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

"This tiny bird, measuring about 3.5 inches (9 cm) in length, exhibits a striking color pattern. The adult male boasts an iridescent ruby throat, which appears black under most lighting conditions. Its white chest contrasts with the dark throat, and it has green sides. The male’s tail is entirely black and forked. On the other hand, the female is predominantly green above and whitish below, with white tips on her outer tail feathers. The female is best identified by her range. Imagine a bird smaller than a sparrow, with colors that include black, green, red, tan, and white. When it hovers in front of a flower to sip nectar, its wings beat more than 50 times per second. Despite their small size, these impressive migrants may travel from Canada all the way to Costa Rica. They are the sole breeding hummingbirds in eastern North America, glittering like jewels in the sunlight before swiftly zipping toward their next nectar source." - Microsoft Copilot with editing

Iridescent Grace

My dog, Charlie, and I were sitting on the porch of my wife’s shop a few years ago when I noticed a ...

1/2

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

"The image attached is a black and white photograph that captures the intricate details of a bare tree against a contrasting dark background. The tree, devoid of leaves, has numerous branches spreading outwards. These branches are light in color, almost white, creating a striking contrast with the background. Each branch is finely detailed, showcasing an intricate network that adds complexity to the image. The backdrop appears to be a sky filled with hazy clouds, enhancing the visual impact of the tree. There’s no distinct feature in the background except its uniform darkness which amplifies the prominence of the tree. This image captures an intricately branched bare tree standing out against a dark cloudy sky, interesting for its dramatic contrast and detailed portrayal." - Microsoft Copilot with editing

The Ghost Tree, A Study in Contrast

white blossoms of crow poison (Nothoscordum bivalve), their delicate petals standing out against the vivid green. The moment feels simple, understated, and elegant — a reminder of how easily beauty appears in the smallest corners of nature. ...

2/3

"Three birds share a quiet patch of green, each one absorbed in the simple rhythm of feeding. The two mourning doves stand out first — soft, rounded shapes with feathers the color of warm sand. Their bodies carry that gentle gradient typical of the species: light brown along the back, a blush of peach on the breast, and small, neat black spots tucked into the wings like ink drops. Their long, tapered tails stretch behind them, giving them a graceful, almost elongated posture as they lean forward to peck at the ground. Between them, slightly smaller and darker, is a brown‑headed cowbird. Its body is a deep, earthy brown, but the head is richer still — a smooth, dark chocolate tone that catches the light differently from the rest of its plumage. The cowbird’s stance is more upright and alert, as if it’s ready to dart or hop at a moment’s notice. All three birds are busy working the same patch of grass, their beaks dipping and lifting in a steady rhythm. The grass around them is lush and varied, blades bending under their weight, dotted with tiny seeds and bits of vegetation. The scene feels peaceful and grounded — a small gathering of birds sharing the same buffet, each species with its own shape, color, and quiet presence." - Microsoft Copilot

Breakfast in the Grass

These three birds gathered beneath the birdfeeder, searching for seeds that had been knocked to the ground from above. The two larger birds are mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), and the smaller bird is a brown‑headed cowbird (Molothrus ater).

If you’re captivated by summer tanagers and other members of the Cardinalidae family—better known as the cardinal family—step into my photo gallery for a visual feast. Come take a look:

swede1952-photographs.pixels.com

3/3

heavily overcast sky made photography a challenge. Even so, the moment felt worth capturing — and worth sharing. ...

2/3

"A male summer tanager sits at the very tip of a slender conifer branch, glowing like a drop of living fire against a pale, empty sky. His plumage is an uninterrupted, saturated red — not the brick red of a cardinal, but a smoother, almost lacquered red that seems to hold its own warmth. The feathers on his head and body are plush and even, while his tail feathers taper into a slightly darker shade, adding depth to the silhouette. His beak, a soft yellow with a hint of ivory, is open mid‑call, giving the impression that the air around him is vibrating with song. The posture is upright and alert, as if he’s surveying his territory from a high lookout. The conifer branch beneath him is a spray of long, green needles, each one catching the light in a slightly different way. Small buds cluster near the tips, adding texture and a sense of early‑season growth. The branch angles upward, giving the bird a natural pedestal. The background is a smooth, pale sky with no clouds or distractions — a blank canvas that makes the tanager’s red blaze even brighter. The whole image feels clean, simple, and striking: a single bright bird singing into a quiet morning." - Microsoft Copilot

Red on the Pinnacle

I spotted this summer tanager (Piranga rubra) singing high at the top of a tall pine, far enough away that the distance and ...

1/3

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