The Last Wagtail of Autumn

The White Wagtail, or Sädesärla as we know it here in Sweden, is the quintessential sign of spring and summer. To see one still here in the cool air of early October is a special treat. This little one is likely one of the last to depart, gathering its strength before beginning the long, arduous migration south to warmer climates. This photo feels like a portrait of a traveler pausing for a moment of rest, a brief, contemplative stop on a dock scattered with autumn leaves, with a vast journey still ahead. It's a powerful reminder of the incredible resilience and instinct of the natural world