Saturday, September 4, 2021

Saturday's Critters # 403

Welcome to Saturday's Critters!

Hello and happy Saturday!

 If you love all God's creatures like I do and also like to blog about them and take critter photos this is where you can share your critter post. Link up your post and share your critters, join in with my critter party ! You can share any kind of critters the real ones, pretend ones, statues and paintings, a new or old post!

On Aug 2-3rd hubby and I managed a getaway to visit Bombay Hook NWR in Delaware and Blackwater NWR in Cambridge Md.  It was time to see some shorebirds before they headed south. 


Click on photos for larger viewing.

1. Some views of Bombay Hook NWR and the wildlife drive, one of ponds, Semipalmated Plovers and Black-necked Stilts.



2. We were happy to see the 4 Roseate Spoonbills that were being seen at Bombay Hook NWR. They were a distance from the wildlife drive and they were spaced too far apart to capture all 4 in one photo. I did mange to catch 3 of the Roseate Spoonbills along with a Mute Swan and some ducks. 




3. Below a popular gathering spot for the birds, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets and a possible Little Egret along with Laughing Gulls, Terns, Canada Geese and ducks. I am guessing tern with the bright orange beak is a Caspian Tern? 


4. Bombay Hook NWR is a great place to see the Black-necked Stilt.




5.  A Great Blue Heron and a Tricolored Heron on the top row and the bottom row is various shorebirds, Egrets, Canada Geese and ducks on the left and on the right are the Roseate Spoonbills with some Mute Swans. 



6. We watched the Canada Geese taking off a few times, they flew by our car. 




7. So far away, in the background are the 4 Rosate Spoonbills, their pink color stands out a little. In the foreground are Mallards, Canada Geese and some Egrets. 




8. I am guessing at all the birds top line below, unknown juvenile Tern, Yellowlegs and 2 Dowitchers. Not the best photo for id's, Lesser or Greater, Short-billed or Long-billed. Bottom row are 2 Semipalmated Plovers and 3 Wood Ducks. 





9. A family of Black-necked Stilts with one Glossy Ibis..



10. One of the many Great Blue Heron's seen along the wildlife drive. 



11. The Tricolored Heron taking a break from it's foraging for food.



12.  A few Wood Ducks seen below. 



The Roseate Spoonbills are showing up all over the place now, there are being seen in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania and some other states. Other birds usually seen in Florida are showing up here too, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, a Wood Stork and a Limpkin in Maryland. Are these birds on the move looking for food?  The reason for their appearance, I do not know. After two loops around the wildlife drive we left Bombay Hook NWR in Delaware and headed to Blackwater NWR in Cambridge Md. We spent the night in a nearby Easton Md hotel, so we could do the Blackwater NWR wildlife drive early in the morning. I will make another post on my sightings at the Blackwater NWR. 


I am also linking up to Anni's blog party found here I'd Rather B Birding   Anni always has some beautiful birds to be seen on her blog, check it out!



Here is my linky:

YOU are all # 1.




Thanks to all my visitors and for your comments. Stop back to see any replies to your comments. I appreciate everyone who loves critters and has linked up their critter post.

131 comments:

  1. Bombay Hook NWR is a wonderful place. We were just thinking about it while at Shiawassee NWR nearer to our home. That's fascinating about all the Florida birds on the move, and I wonder why. The last time we were in the Everglades, the birds were all missing, so maybe something is driving them out. Pythons?

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. Hello, Mae
      Overall, I think I have been seeing less birds than past years. It is great to see these "Florida" birds in my state.
      Thanks for the comment, link and visit. Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  2. Wow! Maybe we should plan to spend the Winters in your area now instead of going to Florida!! Seriously, that’s weird, all those birds from Florida going North. Good birding for you tho! I guess the way things are with climate change, you never know these days.

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    1. Thank you Sallie! Climate change could be affecting the birds and their habitats.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  3. Thrilling when the geese fly by. And I I wonder what the laughing gulls are laughing at, Eileen? Thank you!

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    1. Thank you Cloudia!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  4. Eileen itt was lovely that you and your husband were able to get away for a little break and this place sure has a LOT of birds. Probably my favourite to see would have been the Black necked Stilt. Thanks for hosting, stay safe an have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Thank you Margaret! The Stilt is one of my favorites too.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  5. Hello Eileen,

    Beautiful photos! You have so many different birds in your area. They are all eonpretty.
    Take care, and have a great weekend!

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    1. Hello Marit, thank you for the visit and comment!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  6. So wonderful that you and your hubby managed a getaway to Bombay Hook to enjoy the nature and wildlife there. Have a happy weekend.

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    1. Thank you Nancy!
      A change of scenery is always nice, we enjoyed our little trip.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  7. So beautiful pics.
    Happy Weekend. Stay well.

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    1. Thank you for the visit and comment!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  8. how wonderful to see the stilts. They visits Sweden but only to the south part as far as I know. I have never seen them or the avocets at my location. I really wish I sould be able to travel again.
    Take care!

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    1. Thank you Monica!
      I am glad we have these places somewhat close to us, I miss traveling more.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  9. Hi Eileen,
    This is a beautiful series of photos and collages.
    Really nice that you could make the trip to Bombay Hook NWR in Delaware and Blackwater NWR in Cambridge Md.
    I enjoyed your photos.
    Would you mind posting my link, I can't do that myself.
    Greetings Irma

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Irma!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  10. Lovely those flying in the air like a squadron!

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    1. Thank you Marianne!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  11. A lot of beautiful photos of lovely creatures.
    Great shot of the Canadian Geese. I enjoy their flights over the Bolsena Lake where I often go with my my wife.

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    1. Thank you for the visit and comment!
      It is nice to watch the geese flying over.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  12. i suspect that the Roseate Spoonbills moved north ahead of the recent hurricane. Whatever the reason, great to see them.

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    1. Thank you David! Yes, it was great to see the Roseate Spoonbills.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  13. Gostei muito de ver mais esse série de fotos e aves lindas... Que teu fim de semana seja maravilhoso! beijos, chica

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    1. Hello Chica, thank you for the visit and comment!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  14. Replies
    1. Thank you for the visit and comment!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  15. So beautiful! Again those Black-necked Stilts are new to me...have never seen them in life. Really cool!
    Have a wonderful weekend, Eileen!

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    1. Thank you Angie!
      The Stilts are cool birds!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  16. Hi Eileen! Lovely pictures of the birds! Happy weekend!

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    1. Thank you Ranten!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  17. ...Eileen, you sure saw some beautiful sight at these NWR. Thanks for sharing and hosting the party.

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    1. Thank you Tom!
      I appreciate the link and comment.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  18. You find the best birds, Eileen! I love the big herons so much. The are so light, but large with beautiful colouring. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thank you Jenn!
      I do enjoy finding the birds.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  19. Hari OM
    No shortage of birdlife there, then!!! My sister is coming to stay mid-month and I am hoping we can take a trip to places that I can finally get some decent birding done too... though it must be said, I could never compete with such as you!!! YAM xx

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    1. Thank you Yam!
      I hope you and your sister have a nice visit and see some great birds.
      Have a happy day and a great new week!

      Delete
  20. You and your hubby seem to be like-minded only then one could enjoy nature fully and make repeat trips! Nice capture from the wildlife refuges; it seems to hold too many waterbirds. Have a nice weekend

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    1. Thank you Jeevan!
      Yes, hubby and I both love the outdoors and wildlife sightings.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  21. It is really interesting to see birds in your photos who look like European bird but are slightly different. Evolution and environment brought them to be something else. Fantastic nature!
    The Black-necked Stilt is my favourite this time. The Wood ducks are lovely too.
    Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thank you Luisella!
      Nature is fantastic, always something to see.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  22. Wonderful bird photos!
    I think my favorite is # 4 the Black-necked Stilt, but I do love seeing Geese in flight too
    Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thank you Lea! The Stilts are pretty birds.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  23. Hi Eileen. Bombay Hook looks like my kind of place as well as your own. Such a mind blowing variety and number of birds would keep me happy for many hours. Just sorting out the terns, yellowlegs and dowitchers into species would be a task in itself, not to mention seeing 2 Semipalmated Plovers as a change from our own Ringed Plovers. Great post. Enjoy your week ahead.

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    1. Thank you Phil! I wish we had more time to check out all the birds that were there, way too many to check one by one.
      It is my favorite place to go see the birds. Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  24. So glad you had the chance to get out and take photos and it appears to me that you went to the absolute most perfect place because you sure got a lot of gorgeous photos of all different kinds of birds

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    1. Thank you Sandra!
      It is a great place to see all kinds of birds. It is my favorite place too. Have a great day and weekend!

      Delete
  25. Lovely shots, Eileen. I hope the new week ahead is a good one for you!

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  26. PS: Thank you for hosting, Eileen, your efforts are always appreciated.

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  27. I so would love that drive! I have got to look at photos on computer later.

    As to my post with the videos of Copper barking, he was barking at a spider he had just spotted on the ceiling!

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    1. Thank you Rose!
      It is amazing that Copper could see a spider, he must have great eyesight.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  28. Replies
    1. Thank you William!
      It is a beautiful wildlife refuge.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  29. It is impressive how you have become familiar with all these different species of birds and know their names. I wonder if the weather, fires and storms, forced some to seek new shores.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment and visit.
      I wish I knew all the birds, some I am just guessing at their id.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  30. HI Eileen, great birds glad you got to see the Spoonbills, they are fun to watch in the water, And the Stilts too are one of my favs to watch as they go about their life wading in water. I hope the hurricane didn't come to your area, Finally it's Labor Day!!

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    1. Thank you Sondra! We did get a lot of rain from the Storm Ida and a few tornado warnings.
      We were safe and our power stayed on. I love seeing the Stilts too. Happy labor Day weekend, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  31. Goodness, a lot of people have viewed and commented already! That's great. As are your bird photos. I am so glad you know what they are!

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    1. Thank you Barbara! You are kind to comment, I always appreciate your visits.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  32. What wonderful sightings! I've never seen a Spoonbill -- I should like to! And the stilts and tri-colored heron are wonderful, too. Stay safe, well and have a great weekend!

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    1. Thank you Jeanie! I have seen the Spoonbills in Florida many times, it was a first for this area to see the 4 Spoonbills. Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  33. Almost overwhelming variety of birds. The Florida Wood Storks have moved north because of erratic water levels which disrupt their breeding cycle. They need water under their nest so alligators can protect them against predators such as raccoons (and also be rewarded by feasting on any chicks which fall out of the nest). Once the eggs hatch they need water levels no deeper than their eyes. As tactile rather than sight feeders they must submerge their open bills and wait for prey to pass between them. When they must fly great distances to find the right water levels their youngsters starve to death in the nest. In recent years we have rarely seen a Wood Stork in our back yard lake. When we moved here in 2004 we often had flocks.

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    1. Thank you for the info and comment Ken! It is sad to hear the bird's nesting have so many dangers, from nature and humans. I think overall I am see less birds lately than in years past. Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  34. I am envious of the wonderful outings you two have! That would be my kind of trip. THis is an amazing array of wading birds, Eileen. I enjoyed seeing all your photos. I heard a flock of Canada Geese go overhead this week so they're on the move for sure. More and more kinds of birds are showing you way up here that never came here before. Things are changing.

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    1. Thank you Jocelyn! Hubby and I do love our outings and all things nature related.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  35. It's a beautiful time of year to be out watching birds. Some of them are probably preparing for migration. You have been very patient to get these photos.

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    1. Thank you Red! Most of these photos are taken from my car window, we had the comfort of birding from our car.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  36. such a nice collection of birds!! i always wonder how those plovers and stilts can stand on those thin legs. they are so fun to watch, i enjoy watching them on the waters edge!! i never see more than one egret at a time, you are always lucky to see groups!! really nice captures of the herons!!

    have a great weekend eileen, many thanks for hosting!!

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    1. Thank you Debbie! The Egrets seem to gather at Bombay Hook before flying south for the winter.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  37. Hello Eileen, thanks for sharing your beautiful images. I love the Black-necked stilts and Wood ducks. Thank you for hosting this meme. I have linked my post to you. Have a great weekend. Jo

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    1. Hello Jo, thank you for the link and comment!
      The Stilts are pretty birds, I love finding them.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  38. You saw a wonderful assortment of birds, Eileen! How exciting to see the Spoonbills.

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    1. Thank you for commenting! We were happy to see the Spoonbills that day!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  39. Hello Eileen,
    You are lucky to see so many water birds, often in large numbers. I used to see them in the wetlands of the Algarve which was always thrilling. Your Heron images are beautiful.
    Take care, a hug from Portugal.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the visit and nice comment!
      I am happy to see you back blogging again.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  40. I always remember my trip to Bombay Hook Eileen. I read one of your posts and mentioned it to hubby. Next thing I knew we were on our way :) Thank you for that and also for more very enjoyable photos. All wonderful to see. Have a great weekend and week ahead.

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    1. Thank you Denise! I am glad you were able to visit Bombay Hook, it is a great place to see the birds.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  41. We've noticed that there are not nearly as many birds here now and it's been that way for about a month. I love seeing a Roseate spoonbill in the wild...it's my favorite bird! Glad you had a good time!

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    1. Thank you Diane!
      The Spoonbills were great to see, the birders were flocking there to see them there for the first time.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  42. Hello Eileen,
    Great to see all these different birds. Wonderful pictures.

    Greetings, Marco

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    Replies
    1. Hello Marco, thank you for the visit and comment!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  43. That tri-colored heron is very cool. Love all the birds and your knowledge of what they are! Happy Labor day weekend to you!

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    1. Thank you Ellen!
      Take care, enjoy your day and labor Day weekend!

      Delete
  44. Hi Eileen, Thank you for taking us along on your visit to Bombay Hook NWR and Blackwater NWR. I enjoyed all your photos. As usual, I am amazed at the number of birds and critters you are able to see on your outings. I love the photo #10 of the Great Blue Heron. Wonderful shot! Thank you for sharing and hosting Saturday’s Critters! Wishing you and hubby a happy week ahead! John

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    Replies
    1. Thank you John for the nice comment and for linking up your post!
      I have to get back out there, the birds are migrating now.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
    2. Hi Eileen, Thank you so much for your kind comment on my blog. Re your question: The Cooper's hawk was being banded by Patti who is a member of Seattle's Urban Raptor Conservancy. I happened to encounter Matt again on this morning's walk. I was able to get more info on what they were doing with the bird. I didn't know before if they were banding the bird or just checking on its condition. Matt said he was going to send me some of his photos and if so I may do an update to the blog. If that happens, I will give you another reply here. No reply necessary ... have a happy day! John

      Delete
  45. Hello Eileen! The photos of birds you shared are amazing! When i stay in your blogsite I feel myself in wild-life documentary (such as BBC's Documentaries). Black-Necked Stilt picture is Beautiful. Happy Sunday. Greetings from Turkey,

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the visit and nice comment!
      The Black-necked Stilt is a beautiful bird.
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  46. You are fortunate to be so close to so much wildlife on the water.

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    1. Thank you Yvonne!
      I do love all things nature related, the birds are beautiful to see in the wild.
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  47. The bird sightings at Bombay Hook NWR in Delaware were great again - such beautiful waterfowl! With me there are at least two mallards to be seen. And otherwise? A flock of pigeons, cows, dragonflies, sheep, dogs, a cat, and a few more critters ... :-)
    Have a nice weekend in September
    Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2021/09/ausflug-in-die-johannesbachklamm.html

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    1. Thank you Traude! I enjoyed your critters and hike photos.
      Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

      Delete
  48. That is very nice ! I love the wood ducks !

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    1. Thanks for the comment and visit.
      It is nice to see your post too.
      Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

      Delete
  49. Hello Eileen
    Happy Saturday to you!

    A lovely post, so pleased you were able to get away and enjoy these sightings to share with us here :)
    I particularly liked the heron and the wood ducks.

    Enjoy the week ahead, my good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Jan! I always love seeing all the birds.
      Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

      Delete
  50. Lovely shots, Eileen. I hope the new week ahead is a good one for you!

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    1. Thank you for the comment!
      Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

      Delete
  51. What a great collection of critters.

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    1. Thank you Karen!
      Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

      Delete
  52. What a joy to be able to visit such a wonderful place. So many birds to be seen and you got some great photos of them as well.
    Have a great week, Eileen :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the comment and visit.
      Take care, enjoy your day. Have a great new week!

      Delete
  53. Love that third photo and the herons. I only see the Great Blues!

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    1. Thank you Marie!
      Take care, enjoy your day. Have a great new week!

      Delete
  54. Thank you for sharing these water birds! Stay safe.

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    1. Thank you Linda!
      Take care, enjoy your day. Have a great new week!

      Delete
  55. I love visiting your blog and see the wonderful birds in natural setting. Thanks for introducing me to the Black-necked Stilt.

    -Soma

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    1. Thank you for the comment Soma!
      The Stilt is a beautiful bird.
      Take care, enjoy your day. Have a great new week!

      Delete
  56. Maybe that explains very few birds in our area......they are up north. Do the birds know something we humans don't?

    Beautiful scenes...Thanks for sharing and linking in this weekend. I enjoyed ALL your sightings Eileen.

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    1. Thank you Anni! The birds seem to know how to take care of themselves.
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  57. I love the birds flying in a line picture. Great shot.

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    1. Thank you Lydia!
      Watching the birds is my simple pleasure.
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  58. Love the herons . I left a link about a sick koala but the first time I did it the old link was activated. Sorry. I don't know how to delete the mistake.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Diane!
      Take care, have a great new week!

      Delete
  59. Replies
    1. Thank you for the visit and comment!
      Take care, have a great new week!

      Delete
  60. Almost overwhelming variety of birds

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the visit and comment!
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  61. Love the photos, Eileen!

    How lucky to have so many different birds in your area!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Veronica!
      Have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  62. Me guataron las fotos del canal.
    Buena semana. Eileen. Cuidaros.
    Un abrazo.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Fantastic photos, Eileen! I love seeing the geese fly.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  64. Siempre feliz de pasar por aquí. Besos.

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    1. Thank you Teresa!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  65. Good morning Eileen, although I am late, I enjoyed seeing your ospreys, the stilt and dowitcher! The last two remind me of our prolific birding in Tanzania. Thank goodness for digital cameras and blogger that I could store these memories. Thank you for hosting this meme. I have linked up. Have a great week ahead. Jo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Jo!
      I am always happy to see you linking up a post.
      Digital cameras are wonderful.
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete

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