#goldfinches

Swede’s PhotographsSwede1952@universeodon.com
2025-11-23

Good morning. 🏨🛍️🐚

23 November 2025

We woke up this morning in a hotel on the beach in Gulfport, Mississippi. I’d already been out with my camera, taking photographs along the shoreline until the rising sun made it impossible to continue. I didn’t bring the camera back into the room, so no show-and-tell of today’s venture. Instead, I’ll share an image from last fall and winter—goldfinches swarming an old birdfeeder at home.

On the beach, I crossed paths with three golden retrievers—friendly souls, their approach reminding me of the way Charlie greets new people. They had their person in tow, of course, strolling together along the sand.

It’s after eight now, and I need to get cleaned up. I’ll be back.

Later, I went down for coffee—two cups, overpriced but necessary. One black for me, and a caramel macchiato for my wife. The alternative was the hotel room’s tiny coffee pot, which doesn’t brew enough to satisfy. I wondered if those cardboard-like cups are microwaveable; it would have kept mine warm while I got ready. I should have grabbed the Thermos cup from the car.

This morning we’ll set out on the last leg of our trip, bound for the Albany, Georgia area. There’s plenty to do before Thanksgiving. On Monday, plumbers will install new waterlines to replace those chewed through by squirrels. Thankfully, the water had been shut off while we were away most of the year. On Tuesday, the wildlife division of our extermination company will come to clean up, seal the house against further invasion, and possibly add insulation to the roof.

And now I’m out of space. I’ll be back tomorrow to ramble some more.

At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun.” – Sandy Gingras

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #morning #travel #goldfinches

Invasion

"A rustic wooden bird feeder stands like a tiny cabin in the green hush of morning. Its shingled roof is weathered and warm-toned, and the central panel—frosted or opaque—glows softly in the ambient light. But the real spectacle is the flurry of American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) that have claimed it as their own.

Six goldfinches, bright as sunbursts, animate the scene with their lemon-yellow plumage and crisp black markings. Two perch boldly atop the roof, surveying the area like feathered sentinels. Below, four more cluster around the base, feeding or waiting their turn, their small bodies angled and alert. One bird leans in, beak poised, while another flutters just above the perch, wings blurred in motion.

The birds’ black caps and wings contrast sharply with their golden bodies, and their presence turns the feeder into a living bouquet—yellow petals with wings. The background is a soft blur of green, likely trees or garden foliage, which frames the action without distraction. The composition is balanced yet lively, capturing a moment of communal urgency and cheerful takeover.

Along the left edge, the image bears the signature “© Swede's Photographs,” a quiet nod to the artist who caught this burst of avian choreography." - Microsoft Copilot

New on my #blog: aspi.blog/2025/10/29/role-reve
My account of the first semi-final in the women's world cup, an astonishing game in Guwahati, and lots of photographs.
#cricket #CWC25 #ODI #EnglandvSouthAfrica #LauraWolvaardt #SophieEcclestone #photography #birds #insects #cormorants #egrets #goldfinches

From my 'between innings walk', four #goldfinches using an aerial as a perch, #KingsLynn.
#photography #nature #birds

Four goldfinches perched on an aerial. The birds are very small, with gold bodies (hence the name) which also feature bits of black, bright yellow and on the head deep red.
Swede’s PhotographsSwede1952@universeodon.com
2025-10-06

Good morning. 🌨️❄️☃️

6 October 2025

Storm Door Dispatches

I’m about to drink a cup of coffee, then head out for a walk—just me and Charlie McGee.

Coffee and quiet in the morning: one of life’s remaining pleasures. I drink mine black and have noticed that as it cools, a bitter taste creeps in. Or maybe I should say a bitterer taste. I know the tricks to tame the bitterness, but I rarely take the time to use them. So it ends up being just plain black coffee. Lately, I’ve turned to dark roast—it’s a little smoother than medium, me thinks.

I’m not sure where Charlie is at this exact moment, but my guess is he’s stationed at the back storm door, keeping watch over the yard for the bad squirrels. They raid my birdfeeders, and one of Charlie’s self-appointed duties is to chase them off. It’s a task he takes on with extreme vigor.

The thing is, the squirrels know the storm door is a barrier. They know Charlie can’t get out unless I let him. So they taunt him—turning the backyard into their playground while he watches, pacing and growling. That is, until I show up and open the door. Then—uh oh—squirrels and birds scatter toward the fence and the forest. It’s routine, but it never gets old.

I said squirrels and birds, but truth be told, Charlie tolerates the birds. He even watches them with me when we’re out back. But when he goes charging across the yard, all critters—feathered or furred—know to clear the way.

“Coffee is a liquid hug for your brain.” – Danny Kaye

“My fashion philosophy is, if you're not covered in dog hair, your life is empty.” – Elayne Boosler

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #morning #goldfinches #ChippingSparrows #snow #coffee #dogs #squirrels

"A snowy field stretches across the frame, bright and soft like sifted flour. In the foreground, five small birds cluster together in a tight, gentle huddle. Four are American Goldfinches, their muted yellow plumage and black-and-white wings glowing like sunbursts against the snow. Among them stands a single chipping sparrow, its brown and white feathers blending into the wintry palette, yet distinct in posture. A sixth bird—another sparrow—stands apart in the background to the right, solitary and watchful. Scattered seeds dot the snow, anchoring the birds’ quiet foraging. The scene is serene, high in contrast, and signed Swede’s Photographs in the bottom right corner." - Copilot with edits
CassandraSadsquatch
2025-08-25

I guess I'm posting pictures out of order but idc. 😌

Photo of a disheveled white lady in her forties getting tattooed while wearing a tiedye dress. It is a REALLY hot day, which partially explains the dishevelment.
2025-08-07

Good morning! I have two birds in the bush and none in hand and I don't care what anyone says, this is more valuable.#photography #goldfinches #peregrine #raptors #birding

Em-squaredemsquared
2025-07-12

Saw two drinking water from the various water trays I leave out in the garden. Always good to see these colourful birds

Lesser Goldfinches (Spinus psaltria) sing even while flying—and their rambling song, full of variable notes and phrases, often includes mimicked sounds from other birds. Listen closely and you might catch hints of other familiar bird sounds!

allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lesser

#birds #california #nature #wildlife #goldfinches

#GoldFinches finally joining the mobs at our feeders.

North of Somewhere 🇺🇦esther_alder@pixelfed.social
2025-04-27
Spring
📷 Canon R6
🎞️ Digital

UA🇺🇦: Нарешті повернулися мої улюблені лимончики - американські щиглики (American Goldfinch), а ще розпустилася войлочна вишня. Так ще трохи і я повірю у весну :)

#photo #nature #bird #flower #spring #birdphotography #flowerphotography #canonphotography #seasonalvibes #springtime #naturelovers #wildlifephotography #Canon #УкрПіксель #птахи #квіти #весна #goldfinches #finches #finch #spring #minnesota #mnastodon
bright yellow American Goldfinch perched on a branch with dark red budding leaves against a soft, neutral background.Close-up of delicate pink blossoms of a felt cherry tree, with soft focus creating a dreamy, airy effect.
Swede’s PhotographsSwede1952@universeodon.com
2025-04-21

Six Glimmers of Gold

I'm uncertain about how I feel about this image—it carries a somewhat abstract quality. The birds are goldfinches I spotted in a hazy treetop, and I was determined to make use of the picture. The interplay of gold and blue, one of my favorite contrasting color schemes, gives it a striking charm.

If you enjoy wildlife and nature photography, check out my photo gallery here:

swede1952-photographs.pixels.c

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

"The image captures six goldfinches perched delicately on the branches of a treetop. The scene is set against a dark blue sky, which accentuates the vibrant yellow tones of the birds’ plumage. Their feathers are dappled with hints of white and brown, adding texture to their striking appearance. The branches are bare, stripped of any leaves, their starkness drawing even more attention to the golden birds resting on them. Each goldfinch seems to sit in its own quiet space, creating a harmonious balance in this serene, natural tableau." - Copilot
David Michael Selfdmself@mstdn.social
2025-04-06
Two kinds of birds perched on, and flying around a seed tray. Some are gray and white. Others are bright yellow with black heads, black and white wings.
Swede’s PhotographsSwede1952@universeodon.com
2025-03-20

Spring Feeder

I've received inquiries about purchasing prints of my photographs. Since photography is a hobby for me, I haven’t been fully prepared to handle these requests in the past. However, I truly enjoy capturing moments through my lens and want to share my work with others.

To make this possible, I’ve set up an account and website through Pixels:

swede1952-photographs.pixels.c

If you’d like a print of one of my photographs, you can find it there. If a particular photo isn’t available, just let me know—I’ll be more than happy to upload it for you!

#photo #photography #photographer #photographylovers #wildlife #nature #bird #birds #birding #birdwatching #birdphotography #goldfinches #ChippingSparrow #HouseSparrow

"The scene is alive with bird activity around the wooden bird feeder. A goldfinch is caught mid-flight on the left, wings spread and feet reaching forward, ready to land. On the feeder itself, there are four goldfinches, their vibrant yellow feathers making them stand out. Sharing the space are a chipping sparrow, with its streaked brown and white feathers, and a house sparrow, whose subdued brown and gray tones add variety. The house sparrow appears to be turning toward the approaching goldfinch, almost as if in a moment of greeting. The image captures a charming interaction between the birds—a perfect snapshot of nature's lively rhythms." - Copilot
David Michael Selfdmself@mstdn.social
2025-03-17

Meanwhile, where the Cardinal has failed against six #goldfinches, the Eastern #Bluebird does not. Nobody gets between the bluebird and the sunflower seeds.

(Canon R7, 400mm, f/8, cropped)

#birds #birdPhotography #birdsOfMastodon

An eastern bluebird perched on the edge of a wooden platform feeder. His wings are spread wide and he is lunging, mouth open, at a goldfinch that has just tried to land on the tray. Two other goldfinches wisely keep their distance.

Bluebird: Bright blue, red chest, white belly
Goldfinches, Yellow, black wings with white stripes
David Michael Selfdmself@mstdn.social
2025-03-17

In my back yard, there are very few #birds that can hold an adult #cardinal at bay. Six #goldfinches is one of those birds.

(Canon R7, 400mm, f/9.1, cropped)

#birdPhotography #birdsOfMastodon

A wooden platform feeder. Inside are 6 birds of the same type: bright yellow or pale yellow, all have black wings with white stripes. Also, perched on the edge of the feeder (but unable to eat) is a male cardinal, bright red with a black face and an orange beak. He is 3 times as big as any single goldfinch, but there are 6 of them.

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