Tessera

Colette

@criticalthinker11.bsky.social

Retired teacher, artist, amateur nature/wildlife photographer, book lover who seeks the truth through authentic, credible, reliable resources, and common sense. All nature photos are my own, unless otherwise indicated

540 Posts671 Follower 337 Folgt

MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · last yr.

This is just sick. via @ktla.com: Footage obtained by KTLA shows a young man crying, saying his mother had just been taken, and children and protesters running from tear gas that was deployed when a crowd gathered at an immigration raid at a Ventura County farm this afternoon

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

Here’s one for #MinimalMonday… a moody sunrise on a foggy morning. #fog #sunrise #ArtChallenges #PhotographersOfBluesky #EastCoastKin #PhotographersUnited #photography #silhouettes #trees #sky #nature #naturephotography #MoodyMonday #morning #canon

Warm, golden brown tones in this photo of a foggy sunrise over silhouetted trees.

Robyn @handcranked.bsky.social · last yr.

Here's your art challenge cheat sheet for July 7-13 NEW: #FoodOnFriday and #ColorADay themes See comments for host list + posts by hosts for more info. #ArtChallenges #EastCoastKin #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersOfBluesky #photography #dailyart #art #painting #drawing #ArtPrompts

Art challenges: July 7-13

Monday, July 7
#BlueSkyMonday (anything blue)
#MacroMonday (any macro)
#MountainMonday (mountains)
#MinimalMonday (minimalism)
#ColorADay (#PinkMon)
#smArtist (#bison)
#JuliArty (#wrapper)

Tuesday, July 8
#RockinTuesday (rocks)
#TidesOutTuesday
#TagTuesday (graffiti/street art)
#ContemporaryTuesday (contemp. art)
#ColorADay (#BlueTue)
#smArtist (#roots)
#JuliArty (#game)

Wednesday, July 9
#WaterfallWednesday
#WackyWednesdayArt (odd/unusual)
#ColorADay (#RedWed)
#smArtist (#chemicals)
#JuliArty (#cookie)

Thursday, July 10
#HumansOfBlueSky (people)
#UrbanGaze (anything urban)
#ColorADay (#YellowThu)
#smArtist (#sound)
#JuliArty (#picnic)

Friday, July 11
#scape (any kind of scape)
#FishyFriday
#ForestFriday
#FoodOnFriday
#FloralFriday / #FlowersOnFriday
#FiveMinFri (quick projects & WIP)
#ColorADay (#BWFri)
#smArtist (#network)
#JuliArty (#geek)

Saturday, July 12
#bnw_macro
#BlueSkyArtShow (#SummerDaze)
#ColorADay (#GreenSat)
#smArtist (#colony)
#JuliArty (#simple)

SUNday, July 13
#Stunday (stunning)
#bnw_macro
#SelfPortraitSunday (#MutedTones)
#ColorADay (#OrangeSun)
#smArtist (#fungi)
#JuliArty (#fried)

All week
#ArtYear (any art)
#ArtOfSelfPortraiture
#ClassicMono (monochrome)
#dyicad2025 (create on an index card
a day in June & July)
#smArtist (purposeful art of any theme)
#AlphabetChallenge (#WeekBforBars)
#LLJP (#OnTheJob)*
#SensoryArt (#celebrate)

*Live, love, joy, pain

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

For #BlueSkyMonday, from a trip to Alaska… a humpback whale’s flukes appear after spouting on Kachemak Bay one morning. #ArtChallenges #EastCoastKin #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersOfBluesky #photography #whales #Alaska #KachemakBay #blue #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography

A cloud of mist appears after a humpback whale spouts. The humpback’s tail is visible above the water’s surface after it dives. Background is deep blue cliffs.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

A Northern Cardinal facing #Sideways for #BlueSkyArtShow Saturday. #Birds #Birding #Nature #Photography #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersOfBlueSky #ArtYear #cardinals #BirdPhotography #Birdwatchers #Wildlife #EastCoastKin 🪶

A Northern Cardinal with its head tilted, perched on a diagonal branch against a green background.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

Another Bald Eagle in flight for #BlueSkyMonday. I hope everyone had a great start to your week. 😊 #eagle #baldeagle #wildlife #wildlifephotography #photography #EastCoastKin #birds #nature #naturephotography #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersOfBluesky #ArtYear #birdsinflight 🪶

Bald Eagle in flight against a blue sky. Bird has a white head, powerful hooked yellow bill, dark brown body and wings, and white tail feathers.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

For #Stunday and #MacroMonday a day early, an American Bumblebee pollinating a musk thistle, with 2 other insects. #photography #flowers #bumblebees #insects #naturephotography #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersofBluesky #onlybeautifulthings #ArtYear #nature #thelittlethings #EastCoastKin #canon

An American Bumblebee pollinating a musk thistle. Two other insects on the thistle. Green background.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

#GetOutside and feel the excitement of becoming one with nature, as you free yourself from the worries of civilization! It’s #BlueSkyArtShow Saturday! #birds #birding #egret #ArtYear #EastCoastKin #PhotographersOfBluesky #PhotographersUnited #AlphabetChallenge #WeekZforZoology #photography #canon 🪶

A Great Egret in flight against a blue water background. Bird is all white with a long, bright yellow bill, and long, thin black legs and feet stretched out behind it.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

Happy #Flyday everyone! 😊 A unique perspective of a Forster’s Tern #birds #birders #Grey #birdphotography #nature #ArtChallenges #EastCoastKin #PhotographersUnited #ArtYear #Monochrome #ClassicMono #terns #PhotographersOfBluesky #Photography #Canon 🪶

A Forster’s Tern flying downward in a dive against a light gray sky. Back and wings are gray. White patch on tail, black cap on head, and slim orange bill.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

Ocean waves crashing into a jetty on a stormy day #JuneSea #Grey #ArtChallenges #EastCoastKin #PhotographersUnited #ArtYear #PhotographersOfBluesky #Photography #Canon #seascapes #ocean #sea #storm #waves #spray #blue

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

I love when animals just seem to strike a pose for the camera, like this river otter. 😊 📷 #AlphabetChallenge #WeekZforZoology #ArtYear #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #otters #photography #EastCoastKin #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersOfBluesky #canon

A river otter sitting out on some river rocks.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

It’s #WarblerWednesday! A day late #Twosday.😄 Another snapshot of the male and female Yellow Warblers from the series I captured and posted recently. #photography #birds #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersofBluesky #ArtYear #EastCoastKin #warblers #birdphotography #nature #naturephotography #canon 🪶

Male Yellow Warbler perched on a branch below a female Yellow Warbler. Green leafy background. Mostly yellow birds with brown on wing coverts. Male has brown streaks on breast, while female has solid yellow.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

For #TidesOutTuesday an American Oystercatcher wading through the tide with a prize catch in its vibrant beak. #photography #birds #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersofBluesky #ArtYear #EastCoastKin #AmericanOystercatcher #shorebirds #birdphotography #nature #naturephotography #beach #shore #canon 🪶

American Oystercatcher wading through the tide with an oyster in its vibrant red-orange beak. Bird has a black head and neck, a yellow eye with a red-orange outline, and a white body with brown wings, tail, and back.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

For #BlueSkyMonday, a blue sky and a Bald Eagle in flight symbolizing freedom, strength, and courage… qualities we all need in today’s world. #birds #birding #Photography #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersOfBluesky #EastCoastKin #birdphotography #nature #eagle #wildlife #resist #naturephotography🪶

Bald eagle in flight against a blue sky. Brown wings are in downward motion, white head and neck, powerful yellow bill hooked downward at tip.

Robyn @handcranked.bsky.social · last yr.

Your art challenge cheat sheet for June 23-29 is here! Check the comments for the host list and posts by hosts with links to their feeds and more info. #ArtChallenges #EastCoastKin #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersOfBluesky #photography #dailyart #art #painting #drawing #ArtPrompts

Art Challenges: June 23–29

Monday, June 23
#BlueSkyMonday (anything blue)
#MacroMonday (any macro)
#MountainMonday (mountains)
#MinimalMonday (minimalism)
#smArtist (#AgreeToDisagree)
#JuneSea (#sand)*

Tuesday, June 24
#RockinTuesday (rocks)
#TidesOutTuesday
#TagTuesday (graffiti/street art)
#ContemporaryTuesday (contemp. art)
#smArtist (#respect)
#JuneSea (#two)

Wednesday, June 25
#WaterfallWednesday
#WackyWednesdayArt (odd/unusual)
#smArtist (#communication)
#JuneSea (#resilience)

Thursday, June 26
#HumansOfBlueSky (people)
#UrbanGaze (anything urban)
#smArtist (#society)
#JuneSea (#grey)

FRIDAY, June 27
#scape (any kind of scape)
#FishyFriday (fish)
#ForestFriday
#FloralFriday
#FlowersOnFriday
#FiveMinFri (quick projects & WIP)
#smArtist (#bond)
#JuneSea (#turn)

Saturday, June 28
#bnw_macro
#BlueSkyArtShow (#GetOutside)
#smArtist (#instinct)
#JuneSea (#family)

Sunday, June 29
#Stunday (stunning)
#bnw_macro
#SelfPortraitSunday (#YourSanctuary)**
#smArtist (#GroupSurvival)
#JuneSea (#dream)

All Week
#ArtYear (any art)
#ArtOfSelfPortraiture
#ClassicMono (monochrome)
#dyicad2025 (create on an index card
a day in June & July)
#smArtist (purposeful art of any theme)
#AlphabetChallenge (#WeekZforZoology)
#LLJP (#Buskers&Hustlers)***
#SensoryArt (#perspective)

*Ocean or other water
**In a space that feels like home
***Life, love, joy, pain

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

For #Stunday, a male Yellow Warbler sharing breakfast with a female Yellow Warbler. I came across this scene on a dreary, rainy day, and it made me smile. #Yellow #AlphabetChallenge #WeekYforYellow #photography #birds #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersofBluesky #ArtYear #EastCoastKin

Male Yellow Warbler feeding a female Yellow Warbler. Green leafy background.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

For today’s #BlueSkyArtShow theme: #Narrow… a Killdeer with a narrow, black banded double necklace and narrow stripes above its beak and eyes. I do wish there was a different name for this adorable bird! #birds #birdphotography #killdeer #shorebirds #nature #naturephotography #photography #canon 🪶

A Killdeer with white breast, neck, and face accented with a black double-bar necklace and black stripes from beak and above eyes. This bird has red eyes, a brown cap, cheeks, and wings, and long pale legs. The background is green pond water with a few grasses in the foreground.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

It’s Friday #Flyday! Even though there was a light misty rain, and conditions weren’t the best, I was thrilled to capture this American Oystercatcher living up to its name. #birds #birders #birdphotography #nature #naturephotography #EastCoastKin #PhotographersOfBluesky #AmericanOystercatchers 🪶

American Oystercatcher flying over water carrying an oyster. Bird has black head and neck, red outline around yellow eye, a long bright red-orange bill, a white body, and dark wing tips.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

For today’s #BlueSkyArtShow theme, #Vibrant, a Common Eastern Bumblebee pollinating a brilliant pink flower. #bumblebees #pollination #insects #macro #nature #naturephotography #EastCoastKin #PhotographersOfBluesky #photography #canon

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak to brighten up the spirits of Bluesky friends who are also experiencing a gloomy, rainy day. 😊 #birds #birdphotography #grosbeaks #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #photography #PhotographersOfBluesky

A Rose-breasted Grosbeak perched on a branch in a leafy tree. Bird has a thick pink bill, a black head, a brilliant rose colored streak tapering to a point on its white breast, and black and white wings.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

I was out birding today before storms move in for the weekend (again), but…. This little, adorable Red-eyed Vireo struck a cute pose for me this morning. 😊 #birds #birdphotography #birders #nature #photographersunited #PhotographersOfBluesky #wildlife #EastCoastKin #vireos #photography #canon🪶

A Red-eyed Vireo perched on a thick branch against a dark background. Bird has a gray cap, black eye stripe, red eye, white belly, and olive wings.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

I was finally able to photograph a Willow Flycatcher today! I started cropping into the photo, but then decided I really liked the composition and flow without the crop. What do you think? I did save a cropped version for eBird. #birds #birdphotography #nature #wildlife #PhotographersOfBluesky 🪶

A Willow Flycatcher perched on a thorny branch. Bird is mostly brown with white wing bars and white belly, short beak. Light green background.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

This morning’s sweet little head-tilt from a Great-crested Flycatcher. I just love when birds do the head-tilt thing… so adorable! 🥰 #birds #birdphotography #flycatchers #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #EastCoastKin #PhotographersOfBluesky #Canon #photography 🪶

A Great-crested Flycatcher perched on a wire. High brown crest on head, gray throat extending into a yellow belly. Orange under tail and white wing bars on brown wings. Dark green background.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

For #Twosday, a sweet pair of Mallards just after sunrise. This is only the second time I have ever come across a male with a blue/purple head. Absolutely gorgeous! #birds #birdphotography #mallards #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #PhotographersOfBluesky #EastCoastKin 🪶

Male and female Mallards on a lake facing each other, bills almost touching. Female is a mottled brown, male had a blue/purple head, yellow bill, thin white band at neck, brown base of neck, white body with patches of brown and black.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

Serendipity, that I came across this while scrolling through nature photography and politics on Bluesky. I’d never heard of them before. The band is Penelope Road and their beautiful music was a heartwarming start to my day. Hoping to see them live at some point in the future. #music #PenelopeRoad

Democrat Cats@democratcats.bsky.social · last yr.

Wow! Some morning music for you. Just beautiful…

Robyn @handcranked.bsky.social · last yr.

The art challenge cheat sheet for June 2-8! New: #TheCampfire first Tuesdays (share stories) See comments for my host list + posts by hosts with links to feeds #ArtChallenges #EastCoastKin #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersOfBluesky #photography #dailyart #art #painting #drawing #ArtPrompts

Art Challenges: June 2-8

Monday, June 2
#BlueSkyMonday (anything blue)
#MacroMonday (any macro)
#MountainMonday (mountains)
#MinimalMonday
#smArtist (#experiment)
#JuneSea (#under)*

Tuesday, June 3
#RockinTuesday (rocks)
#TidesOutTuesday
#TagTuesday (graffiti/street art)
#ContemporaryTuesday (contemp. art)
#TheCampfire (stories)
#smArtist (#refine)
#JuneSea (#storm)

Wednesday, June 4
#WaterfallWednesday
#WackyWednesdayArt (odd or unusual)
#smArtist (#PartsAndWhole)
#JuneSea (#growth)

Thursday, June 5
#HumansOfBlueSky (people)
#UrbanGaze (anything urban)
#smArtist (#structure)
#JuneSea (#sunshine)

FRIDAY, June 6
#scape (any kind of scape)
#ForestFriday
#FloralFriday
#FlowersOnFriday
#FiveMinFri (quick projects & WIP)
#smArtist (#inheritance)
#JuneSea (#blue)

Saturday, June 7
#BlueSkyArtShow (#vibrant)
#smArtist (#family)
#JuneSea (#illuminate)

Sunday, June 8
#Stunday (stunning)
#SelfPortraitSunday (#SummerHues)
#smArtist (#appearance)
#JuneSea (#floating)

All Week
#AlphabetChallenge (#WeekWforWacky)
#ArtYear (any art)
#ArtOfSelfPortraiture
#ClassicMono (monochrome)
#SensoryArt (#glow)
#smArtist (purposeful art of any theme)
#LLJP (#wildcard)**

*Ocean or other water
**Life, love, joy, pain

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

What color should I wear for #BlueskyMonday? Hmm… too much blue? 😊 #EastCoastKin #bluegrosbeak #BlueskyMonday #grosbeak #PhotographersofBluesky #PhotographersUnited #birds #birdphotography #nature #naturephotograph #wildlife #wildlifephotography 🪶

Blue Grosbeak perched at the top of a leafy bush. Bird has a mostly cobalt blue body with 2 brownish orange wing bars and a thick beak. Background is a light blue sky.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

It’s #Stunday, and I’ve pulled this photo from my archives of a trip to #Alaska. A black bear reclining with a magpie companion nearby. This scene made me smile. 😊 #bears #EastCoastKin #birders #birds #photography #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifePhotography ##PhotographersOfBluesky

Reclining black bear in field of grasses and boulders with a magpie perched nearby.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

For #BlueskyArtShow Theme: #Underneath… a Least Bittern, well hidden underneath it all, in marsh grasses. #birds #birders #bitterns #birdphotography #photography #outdoors #wildlife #PhotographersUnited #ArtYear #nature #naturephotography #thelittlethings #EastCoastKin #PhotographersOfBluesky 🪶

A Least Bittern in wetland habitat, grasping tall grasses. Bird has long bill, dark brown cap, brown and white vertical stripes on round body, bright green legs, and long, black feet. Water in foreground.

Colette @criticalthinker11.bsky.social · last yr.

It’s #WoodpeckerWednesday! So, here’s a vibrant Red-headed Woodpecker to start your day with a smile! 😊 #birds #birders #birdphotography #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #woodpeckers #PhotographersOfBluesky 🪶

A Read-headed Woodpecker perched at the end of a rotted tree stump. Bird has a vibrant red head,white body, black back with white wing tips, and a sharp powerful beak. Green, faded leafy background.