Series: Rock Dove (Columba livia) An Urban Technical Study This series captures the common Rock Dove in its natural metropolitan habitat, emphasizing the intricate feather patterns and structural coloration often overlooked in urban environments. These images serve as a brief behavioral and morphological study, documented during a chance encounter. Technical Specifications: • Camera: Sony a7 III (ILCE-7M3) • Lens: FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS • Focal Length: 70mm • Aperture: f/10 • Exposure: 1/60s | ISO 400 | 0ev Curator’s Note: The choice of f/10 provides a deep depth of field, ensuring that the complex “checkerboard” wing patterns and the vivid orange irises remain sharp across the subject’s frame. By utilizing the 70mm end of the kit zoom, the study documents an immersive proximity; the birds displayed a characteristic boldness, frequently hopping in and out of the car window during the shoot. This unique access highlights the iridescent greens and purples of the neck nape against the grit of the asphalt. #WarlockPhotography #Photography #Photographer #RockDoves #Pigeons

“Rock Dove”

Sony a7 III ( ILCE - 7M3 )
FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
ISO400 70mm 0ev f/10 1/60s

It makes me laugh how social these birds are.

#WarlockPhotography #Photographer #Photography #RockDoves #Pigeons #Maine

"Ten rock pigeons—dark silhouettes against a restless sky—move across the frame in loose formation. Each bird is frozen in a different moment of flight, their wings caught at varied angles: some stretched wide like open hands, others tucked mid‑stroke as if gathering strength for the next push of air. Their bodies appear almost weightless, suspended between layers of cloud that shift from pale silver to deep charcoal. The sky behind them feels alive, textured with soft, rolling clouds that hint at changing weather. Light filters unevenly through the cloud cover, creating a subtle glow that outlines the birds just enough to distinguish their shapes without revealing color or detail. The contrast between the dark birds and the luminous sky gives the scene a quiet drama—movement against stillness, life against vastness. The flock drifts diagonally across the image, suggesting purposeful travel rather than hurried escape. There is a sense of calm momentum, as though the birds are simply following the wind’s invitation. In the lower right corner, a small watermark reads “© Swede’s Photographs,” unobtrusive but grounding the image in authorship. Overall, the photograph conveys freedom, motion, and the quiet poetry of birds navigating a wide, moody sky." - Microsoft Copilot

Flock in the Mist

This photograph captures the dark silhouettes of ten pigeons gliding across a gray, cloud‑layered sky. ...

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#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #doves #pigeons #RockPigeons #RockDoves

Feast on the Platform "A tight cluster of rock pigeons (Columba livia) crowds around a wooden bird feeder, their bodies forming a living ring of gray, charcoal, and soft iridescent greens. The feeder itself is simple and sturdy: a square wooden platform with a clear central column filled with seed, the kind that releases food slowly as the birds eat. The pigeons stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder, so close their wings overlap like layered shingles. Most of the birds have their heads bowed, beaks buried in the scattered seed. From this angle, their neck feathers catch the light in shifting colors — a wash of green that turns violet as they move. Their bodies are plump and rounded, the slate‑gray wings edged with darker bars. Their feet, a vivid red against the pale wood, grip the feeder’s rim with a mix of balance and urgency. The scene feels intimate and bustling. You can almost hear the soft rustle of feathers, the quick tapping of beaks on wood, and the low cooing that pigeons make when they’re comfortable and focused on food. The background is blurred into warm, gentle tones, pulling all attention toward the small, communal feast at the center. The photograph carries the signature “© Swede’s Photographe” in the lower right corner, marking it as a crafted, intentional capture of everyday urban wildlife." - Microsoft Copilot

Good morning. 🕊️🕊️🕊️

3 February 2026

Do you remember how, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, bell‑bottom trousers were just about the only thing you could buy? ...

1/8

#photo #photography #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #RockPigeons #RockDoves #pigeons #doves #morning #fashion #bellbottoms

Moody picture of pigeons on a signpost

Went for a walk before the day darkened, and decided to see my pigeon pals.

Looks like they’ve all gone goth.
🖤
#Witchsky #RockDoves

Another encore appearance.

#BirdOfTheDay #SideProfile #EastCoastKin #TwosDay

#Pigeons #RockDoves #Doves #Columbidae

#Birds #BirdPhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography

#Morocco #Africa #WeAreRoamers

#Photography #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersOfBluesky

Rock Dove in flight

#EastCoastKin
🪶 #birds #RockDoves
#Pigeons
#PresentMoment
#Mindfulness
#MotionBlur #Ephemeral #StreetPhotography #DynamicComposition #Isolation #ThichNhatHanh

"The past is gone, the future is not yet here. There is only one moment for you to live, and that is the present moment."
—Thích Nhất Hạnh

1 #Mottled 1 not for #BirdOfTheDay. #TwosDay #Pigeons #RockDoves #Morocco #Birds #BirdPhotography #Photography #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersOfBluesky

Ooh, beautiful! Love the exotic dove/pigeon varieties, but what are #pigoones? LOL

#pigeons
#rockdoves
#doves
#Sydney

#BirdOfTheDay #ShadesOfGray #EastCoastKin #ShadesOfGrey #PIgeons #RockDoves #Birds #BirdPhotography #Photography #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersOfBluesky

Flock of differently colored pigeons flying.

I love how this bird can have its own color profile, this is rather unique in the world of birds! #birds #flyday #birdphotography #rockdoves #pigeons

"Five pigeons arc across a clear blue sky, each caught mid-flight in a different pose—wings outstretched, tucked, or tilted. They are spaced apart like notes on a musical staff, each bird holding its own rhythm and orientation. One climbs with wings fully extended, another banks slightly to the left, and a third seems to hover in a moment of suspension. The sky is a pure, uninterrupted blue—no clouds, no distractions—just the geometry of motion and the hush of altitude. The birds are likely common pigeons or rock doves, their silhouettes crisp against the sky. Feathers blur slightly at the wingtips, suggesting speed and softness. There’s no visible ground, no horizon—just the choreography of flight, captured mid-gesture. The image is signed “© Swede’s Photographs” in the lower left corner, a quiet signature that doesn’t intrude on the scene. This is not a flock in formation—it’s a scatter of individuals, each bird tracing its own arc through the air. The result is dynamic, spacious, and quietly exhilarating." - Copilot

Pigeons, Unchoreographed

This is an early photograph of rock pigeons (Columba livia). It’s passable—I’ve upgraded my equipment since then—but ...

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#photo #photography #photographer #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #doves #pigeons #RockPigeons #RockDoves

"Two pigeons stand in quiet proximity, their plumage catching the light with unexpected brilliance. The bird in the foreground is a soft mosaic of light gray and white, its neck shimmering with iridescent greens and purples—like oil on water or the underside of a beetle’s wing. Its head is slightly tilted, and its bright orange eye gleams with alertness, framed by a fine ring of pale skin. The feathers are sharply defined, each contour visible, as if etched with care. Behind it, a second pigeon lingers in softer focus. Its feathers are darker—charcoal gray with similar iridescent hues pooling around the neck and chest. Though less sharply rendered, its presence adds depth and rhythm to the composition, like a shadow echoing the foreground’s clarity. The background is blurred into a soft wash of neutral tones, allowing the pigeons’ plumage and eyes to dominate the scene. There’s no clutter, no distraction—just the quiet dignity of two urban birds rendered with the reverence usually reserved for rarer species. The image invites a second look. These are not just pigeons—they are portraits of resilience, dressed in light and shadow, standing still in a world that rarely does." - Copilot

City Royals

Here’s one for the pigeon lovers. These two rock pigeons—Columba livia, if you’re feeling scientific—are ...

1/5

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #dove #pigeon #RockPigeons #RockDoves

Saint Mark's Square lucky catch pic c1981. Shot with Canon AE-1 on slide film. No doubt Piazza San Marco descendants learned to scavenge from these elder Rock Doves.
#rockpigeons #rockdoves #birdsofbluesky #birds #bird #photography #blueskyartshow #veniceitaly #saintmarkssquare #piazzasanmarcos

"Two pigeons face off at a wooden bird feeder, their bodies angled toward each other with more intensity than harmony. Though the feeder offers a generous scattering of seeds, the birds seem more interested in asserting dominance than sharing a meal. One pigeon leans in aggressively, beak pointed toward its rival, while the other flares its neck feathers in a defensive posture, mid-peck. The feeder itself is rustic and functional—mounted on a weathered wooden post with a slanted roof that casts a soft shadow over the scene. Its barn-like simplicity contrasts with the charged energy of the birds. Their feathers shimmer with iridescent blues and purples, catching the light as they jostle for position, each trying to claim the best spot at the table. The background blurs into a soft wash of greens and browns, isolating the moment and drawing focus to the feathery squabble. It’s a snapshot of nature’s pecking order—literally—captured in a flash of motion and instinct. In the bottom left corner, the watermark “© Swede’s Photographs” quietly marks the image’s origin." - Copilot

No Room for Sharing

My new bird feeder isn’t quite as pigeon-friendly as the old one. ...

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#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #pigeons #doves #RockPigeons #RockDoves

"Two rock pigeons (Columba livia) soar in perfect tandem, one positioned just above the other, their bodies aligned in a moment of synchronized flight. Captured mid-air against a stark white background, the birds appear suspended—like a living sculpture carved from motion and light. The lower pigeon is fully visible, its blue-gray body shimmering with iridescent hues along the neck and wings. The feathers catch the light in gradients of dark gray, soft brown, and subtle gold, each wing extended in a graceful arc. Tail feathers fan out behind it, and a small pink marking near the lower body adds a touch of warmth and individuality. The second pigeon, partially obscured but clearly present above, mirrors the flight path of the first, creating a layered silhouette that evokes rhythm and unity. Their tandem movement suggests not just flight, but connection—two birds navigating the air together, like dancers mid-leap. The white background isolates the pair, turning their motion into a study of form and color. The image feels both intimate and expansive, a fleeting moment of shared direction captured with painterly precision. The signature “© Swede’s Photographs” rests in the bottom right corner, anchoring the image with quiet authorship." - Copilot

Angel Wings: A Tandem Flight

Two rock pigeons (Columba livia), perfectly aligned one above the other, ...

1/3

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #pigeons #doves #RockPigeons #RockDoves

Soaring Silhouettes "A flock of pigeons slices through a cloudy sky, their dark silhouettes frozen mid-flight like notes in a silent symphony. Each bird is captured in a different posture—some with wings fully outstretched, others mid-flap—creating a sense of rhythm and motion. The sky behind them is a soft, mottled gray, textured with clouds that seem to swirl gently, offering a muted canvas for the birds’ bold outlines. In the lower right corner, the top of a tree reaches into the frame. Its branches and leaves are also rendered in silhouette, echoing the birds’ forms and grounding the scene with a touch of earthbound stillness. The contrast between the dark figures and the pale sky evokes a feeling of quiet freedom, as if time has paused to honor the grace of flight. There’s no color to distract—only shape, movement, and mood. The image feels timeless, like a memory etched in charcoal." - Copilot

Good morning, 🕊️🕊️🕊️

3 August 2025

Yesterday morning, while I was out filling the bird feeders, I happened to glance up toward the south ...

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#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography#pigeons #RockPigeons #doves #RockDoves

"Two pigeons perch side by side in a shallow, black birdbath, their bodies relaxed and feathers fluffed in contentment. The pigeon on the left faces slightly toward the viewer, its plumage shimmering with iridescent greens and purples around the neck—like oil on water catching sunlight. The pigeon on the right turns slightly away, its dark grey feathers contrasting with a vivid orange eye that gleams with alertness. Water droplets cling to the rim of the birdbath, hinting at recent splashing and playful movement. The background is softly blurred, drawing all attention to the intimate moment between these two feathered companions—quiet, still, and full of gentle life." - Copilot

Bath Time Bond

There’s something quietly heartwarming about watching these two rock pigeons (Columba livia) enjoying ...

1/3

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #pigeons #doves #RockPigeon #RockDoves

#Scape #Streetscape with lots of #Pigeons. #EastCoastKin #Birds #BirdPhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #NYCphotography #Photography #PhotographersUnited
#PhotographersOfBluesky #StreetPhotography #RockDoves #MobilePhotography

Dance of the Rock Pigeons "This image captures the elegant and synchronized flight of rock pigeons (Columba livia) soaring through the sky. Their wings are fully extended, creating a sense of motion and rhythm as they glide effortlessly through the open air. The background consists of a soft blue and white gradient, adding a tranquil and ethereal feel to the scene. The pigeons' silhouettes stand out against the sky, showcasing the beauty of their aerial movements—almost like a dance choreographed by nature itself." - Copilot

Good morning. 🕊️🕊️🕊️

1 June 2025

I often call Charlie 'Charlie McGee' or some other variation, in tribute to his Scottish heritage. ...

1/4

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

"This striking black-and-white image captures three pigeons in mid-flight, their wings spread wide as they soar through the air. Their feathers appear almost sculptural, frozen in time against a stark backdrop that amplifies the drama of their movement. The monochrome palette enhances the contrasts—light and shadow playing along the edges of their wings, giving the birds an almost ethereal glow. Their positions suggest a sense of unity and purpose, as if moving in perfect synchronization, yet each bird carries its own distinctive posture and rhythm. The grainy texture of the photograph lends a raw, timeless quality, evoking both motion and stillness in a single frame." - Copilot

Good morning. 🕊️🕊️🕊️

25 May 2025

Do you remember G.I. Joe toys? Introduced by Hasbro in 1964, they were marketed as "action figures" rather than dolls, aimed at boys—kind of like Ken, but on steroids. ...

1/4

#morning #toys #pigeons #doves #RockPigeons #RockDoves #GIJoe

"The image captures a mesmerizing aerial ballet—pigeons in mid-flight, swirling and gliding as if choreographed by the wind itself. Their wings spread wide, forming fluid, dynamic shapes against the backdrop of the sky. Some birds ascend gracefully, while others angle downward, creating an intricate pattern of movement. The sunlight filters through their feathers, revealing subtle shades of gray, white, and hints of iridescence. The sky, a soft gradient of blues, acts as the perfect stage for this avian dance. It’s a moment of pure freedom—nature’s own spontaneous performance." - Copilot

Good morning. 🕊️🕊️🕊️

15 May 2025

Gloom, despair, and agony on me Deep, dark depression, ...

1/4

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #morning #music #HeeHaw #pigeons #doves #flock #RockPigeons #RockDoves

"This image captures six birds soaring through a cloudy sky, each in a different position, creating a dynamic sense of movement. The birds, likely pigeons, contrast against the muted background, adding an element of motion and freedom. A tree with bare branches and a few remaining autumn leaves stands in the foreground, lending a seasonal feel to the scene. In the top right corner, the image is signed "© Swede's Photographs." It's a beautifully composed shot, balancing nature and motion in a thoughtful way" - Copilot

Good morning. 🕊️🕊️🕊️

1 May 2025

May has arrived, and with it, May Day. At first, I thought we didn't really celebrate it here, but then I remembered the ...

1/4

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #morning #May #MayDay #doves #pigeons #RockPigeons #RockDoves #birds

Two lines of a poem written in the Notes app

A couple of lines from my latest poem about pigeons <3

#pigeons #rockdoves #citypigeons #poem #poetry #poet #writer #writing #originalpoem #originalpoetry

"The image portrays two pigeons locked in an apparent squabble around the corner of a rustic bird feeder. The feeder, with its simple wooden structure and slanted roof, serves as the battleground for these feathered adversaries. On the left side, one pigeon stands on the edge of the feeder, facing the other with a sharp, assertive posture. Its iridescent plumage shimmers with hues of green, purple, and blue, adding a vivid contrast to its surroundings. On the right side, the second pigeon perches firmly on the feeder's platform, responding to the other’s stance with equal intensity. Both birds have striking red feet, lending a splash of color to the scene. Behind them, the background is softly blurred, keeping the focus entirely on this feisty encounter." - Copilot

Clash of the Plumage

While Charlie and I sat out back this morning, I watched these two ...

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#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #doves #RockPigeons #RockDoves #pigeons

Four lines of poetry written in the Notes app

Wrote that one kick-ass line to describe pigeons and I will absolutely use it more than once

#poetry #poem #poet #originalpoetry #wip #citypigeons #pigeons #rockdoves

Saw another photogenic #pigeon in #Bexleyheath this week #pigeonsky #greaterlondon #feral #pigeons #rockdoves #palomacy #columbidae #pigeonlove #muchmaligned

Writing more poetry about rock doves because they deserve it <3

#rockdoves #pigeons #citypigeons #poetry #poet #writer #writing

"This striking black and white image showcases two pigeons soaring in harmony. Captured mid-flight, their wings are fully extended, revealing intricate feather patterns. The pigeon in the foreground is slightly larger and positioned ahead, while the second pigeon follows closely, adding depth to the scene. The synchronized motion of their flight exudes a sense of balance and unity. With a plain white backdrop, the focus remains entirely on the birds, accentuating their form and movement. The artist's signature, "© Swade's Photographs," graces the bottom right corner, adding a touch of authenticity to this evocative photograph." - Copilot

Pigeons in Black and White

This black and white photograph captures two pigeons in close formation, ...

1/4

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #RockDoves #RockPigeons #doves #pigeons

A poem written in the Notes app

A little poem for my favorite scrappy feral birds: rock doves, aka city pigeons! I love them and I think it's really cool how they adapted from cliffs to cities

#poem #poetry #originalpoem #originalpoetry #poet #rockdoves #pigeons

Saw these two on top of the Bus Stop in #Bexleyheath #pigeonsky #greaterlondon #feral #pigeons #rockdoves #palomacy #columbidae #pigeonlove #muchmaligned