Thursday, July 23, 2020

Happy Thankful Thursday!

 Hello everyone,

Hubby and I decided once again to get out for a long car ride. A good part of our getaway was just being in the car, we were not around people at all. So we felt safe.  Our snacks and drinking water in the car, we had a nice time. 

 "Happiness is nature's beauty and tranquility."



It was a beautiful sky day, puffy white clouds here and there. We drove on the wildlife drive at Bombay Hook NWR, checking out the views and birds.



 The American Avocets are common birds seen at Bombay Hook NWR in the summer.


Three GB Herons,  actually there was a 4th Great Blue Heron standing off to the side.  A family of herons.


 The Great Egrets are a pretty sight to see. 


Three Mute Swans floating by.  



 The larger tern is the Caspian Tern, I am not sure about the smaller Tern. Maybe the Common Terns?


 The Killdeers are so cute, I love their big eyes. 




"Spending time in nature is healing energy." 

  You can almost always see the Egrets in the trees along the wildlife drive. 








"Life is full of give and take. Give thanks and take nothing for granted."

 It is great to see the Purple Martins doing so well..


"There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy."




I am thankful to get out and enjoy nature and the great weather.

My reading has slowed down some, here are my latest books:

To Die But Once by Jacqueline Winspear is # 14 in the Maisie Dobbs series.

Currently reading, Little Girl Gone by Gerry Schmitt. It is the first in the Afton Tangler series who also writes the Tea Shop series in the name of Laura Childs.




I hope everyone is safe, happy and healthy! I am always thankful hubby and I are both well!



 
Live simple and be happy!  😊 Take care, keep smiling!


Thank you Michelle for hosting Thankful Thursday
Thank you to Yogi the host of   Skywatch Friday


Thanks so much for visiting and for your nice comments on my previous post. Have a happy day!

123 comments:

  1. Que beleza de passeio com teu marido e deve te sido bem relaxante como essas fotos mostram.Lindas todas,adorei! beijos, ótimo dia! chica

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Chica, we enjoyed the car ride and a change of scenery! Take care, have a happy day!

      Delete
  2. I'm choosing the Martins as my favorite today there's something about those photos pet Draw Me In. So glad you got out for your drive and wow that's a lot to see on a drive if I drove for an hour I couldn't see all that all I would say is houses and houses and houses

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    1. Hello,
      It felt good to getaway, a change in scenery is needed. Thanks for the visit and comment. Take care, have a happy day!

      Delete
  3. The Avocets are awesome, with their peculiar bills.
    Thanks for sharing views of your drive. Nice and tranquil places.
    Have a good rest of week and stay well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! The Avocets are pretty!
      Take care, have a happy day!

      Delete
  4. Great Egrets have been uncommonly scarce here this year. I have yet to see one.

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    1. Hello David,
      I wonder why the Egrets are scarce there. Thanks for the comment,
      Take care, have a happy day!

      Delete
  5. ...you sure saw some wonderful feathered friends.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I enjoy seeing the birds. Thanks, enjoy your day!

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  6. Hello Eileen!
    Amazing place and wonderful views!
    So many different species of birds!
    Great captures of the Great Blue Heron and the Egret birds!
    Thank you for sharing!
    Have a lovely day! Take care! Stay safe!
    Dimi...

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    Replies
    1. Hello Dimi,
      I appreciate your kind words and comment.
      Take care and stay safe!
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  7. Hello Eileen,

    Beautiful photos! The Great Egret and the Mute Swan are so pretty!
    Have a nice day!

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  8. So many of these birds I’ve never seen. The Killdeer is a new one I’ve recently seen here. Thank you for sharing these beauties.

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  9. Hi Eileen, I love these posts where you and hubby go on a journey to a NWR. Really enjoyed the photos. Thank you for sharing. Hope you have a happy day today and rest of the week. I'm working on a post for Saturday's Critters. :-)

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    1. Thank you John! I love most parks, especially to see the wildlife.
      I look forward to your Saturday Critter post! Have a great day!

      Delete
  10. Beauty is certainly available all through nature...and even in our back yards! We may need shelters, but mother nature provides for all her creatures in her own way. Oh my, I didn't know I was going to be philosophical when I started writing this. Loved seeing your car trip birds! Thanks for comments on my blog!

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    1. Hello Barbara,
      Lovely thoughts and words, nature is beautiful everywhere.
      Thanks for the visit and comment. Have a great day!

      Delete
  11. Hello Eileen,
    What beautiful photos and collages you could take, when you drove the car.
    The last photo is my favorite.
    Best regards Irma

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    Replies
    1. Hello Irma,
      It was nice seeing all this wildlife right from the car.
      Thanks for the visit and comment. Have a great day!

      Delete
  12. It was nice for you to be able to get out and stay safe at the same time, Eileen! You got some great pics!

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  13. Beautiful Eileen ~ nature is healing and wonderful photography ~


    Live each moment with love,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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    Replies
    1. Carol, thanks for the visit and comment. Have a great day!

      Delete
  14. Haven't heard of the Avocets. Thanks for sharing them. Happy Day.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Gayle, The Avocets are a pretty shorebird.
      Thanks for the visit and comment. Have a great day!

      Delete
  15. Nice to go for a car ride with your hubby plus get to enjoy nature along the way. I am not familiar with the Avocets but enjoy your pics of them. I always love seeing heron, egrets and swans. Your pics are beautiful! Happy your are healthy.

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    1. Hello Judy,
      Thanks for the visit and comment. Have a great day!

      Delete
  16. Really love your quote of "spending time in nature is healing energy" - that is so true. Glad you both had a great outing :)

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    1. Thanks for the visit and comment. Have a great day!

      Delete
  17. Great post! Those who to live in thankfulness are wise as even the simple things we forget to be grateful for, like a good meal or a walk, would be sorely missed if suddenly taken away.

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    1. Thanks for the visit and comment. Have a great day!

      Delete
  18. I love your trips to this place with the beautiful bird life and you were too.
    Yes, you can only be thankful for nature and treat it that way!
    Thank you for these wonderful photos!
    Take care and stay healthy, hugs Elke

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    Replies
    1. Take care and stay safe Elke!
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  19. Awesome spot to visit...I tried to see the leg color on your small tern, not sure to be honest..could be immature Least tern..Nice to see Swans out in the wilds!!

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    1. Hello Sondra,
      It is a great place for birding.
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  20. what a GREAT spot!! the herons look as if they are having an intense conversation, the egrets look like they are ignoring one another!! the avocets are so pretty, i'm not sure i have ever seen them before!!!

    i'm glad you got out and spent some time there!!!

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  21. What a banquet of photos. The variety is quite amazing.
    Hubby and I need to get out desperately...I am too antsy.
    Sue

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  22. When we have to stay close to home , it's good to get out and see some birds.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Red,
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  23. Oh, those avocets are so cool! I have not been to Bombay Hook in several years. I always liked going there and driving around the loop to look for birds. Thanks for sharing the photos. I enjoyed them!

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    1. Thanks for the visit and comment. Have a great day!

      Delete
  24. I love Maisie Dobbs and wonder if there is anything new by the author, J. Winspear. My hubby and I just finished the new David Rosenfelt book Muzzled and it was very good. Love those Egrets in the tree...isn't that funny! I'm SO ready for a day trip! Hugs!

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    1. Hello Diane,
      Winspear is a great author and I also love Rosenfelt's series.
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  25. Thank you for the visit and comment.
    Have a happy day!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Just to be away for a short while is so refreshing, during lockdown , we once drove up town, round the block and home again. Everywhere was deserted, but to se a different street was good.What we take for granted. Love those egrets, a big bird to perch on a skinny branch.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Jean,
      Yes, a change of scenery is needed. I tend to get cabin fever, it is nice just to get outside.
      Thanks for the visit and comment. Have a great day!

      Delete
  27. The nature is very beautiful and your walk yielded beautiful photographs of the birds.
    Beautiful places are always present.
    I loved it!
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs,
    Ailime

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Ailime! Enjoy your day, happy weekend!

      Delete
  28. Replies
    1. Thank you Carol! Take care, stay safe!
      Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  29. Your take of the herons is my favourite.

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    1. Thank you William!
      Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  30. Pretty shots of the avocets. I used to take rides for granted, but now they seem like a treat!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello,
      Yes, going for a car ride is a treat.
      Thanks for visiting. Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  31. As usual, great photographs. I love your saying about time in nature is healing energy. It really is I think.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Yogi!
      Take care, stay safe!
      Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  32. Beautiful birds always a pleasure to see. Thanks Eileen and have a nice evening.

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    1. Thank you Bill!
      Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  33. I so enjoyed seeing these. I have not seen a Great Blue Heron in ages because we have not been out very much.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Rose,
      It is nice to get outside.
      Thank you for the comment.
      Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  34. Taking long car rides is a good way to "get away" form being home all the time. I loved all your nature quotes. Seeing Egrets in trees always makes me smile as they look so decorative.

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    1. Thanks Pat!
      I do enjoy seeing the egret trees!
      Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  35. My first visit to your blog and what a lovely day trip. I love finding new blogs from people in states other than my own (TN). Such fun to see life in different parts of our country! I'll be back.!

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    1. Thanks for visiting Sharon!
      Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  36. I like the Killdeers!! I think they look like little roadrunners when they run! :) So Funny.

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    1. LOL, the Killdeer do look funny when they are running.
      Thanks Karen! Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  37. Beautiful photos Eileen. Some of your shots remind me of a trip I made to several lakes in Kenya many years ago as it was the first time I'd seen so many birds at once. Have a wonderful weekend. xx

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    1. Thank you Penny!
      Take care, stay safe!
      Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  38. birds look so wonderful in flocks....
    love Avocets....beautiful

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment and visit!
      Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  39. Yesterday we had to do a couple of unexpected errands around town. It felt great to be out, even for a half hour. I like seeing what you saw on your wildlife drive, Eileen. Thanks! :-)

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    1. Hello, Susie
      I do enjoy the car rides, it is good to get away from the house.
      Thanks for visiting. Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  40. Helllo, Just read your post. Beautiful pics.
    Stay well.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment and visit!
      Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  41. You saw some nice sights! I've never seen more than one heron at a time -- lucky you!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Kay,
      Thanks for the comment.
      Enjoy your day, happy weekend!

      Delete
  42. Perfect photos and quotes to go with them - What a fun trip! I'm here in Tennessee, and if we make it to the Smokey Mountains this weekend, maybe I'll have some perfect photos too!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kim!
      Enjoy your vacation!
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  43. Eileen - your quotes and pictures suit each other so well. Thanks for the inspiration! Love the shot of the martin with its young one! Don't they always have their mouths open at that age?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Angie,
      Yes, the young ones do seem to have their mouths open all the time, looking for more food.
      Have a happy day and a great weekend!

      Delete
  44. You really have the knack of finding spots with great bird viewing. Look at all those herons together. Enjoyed all your photos. By now it might be Friday where you are so...happy Friday to you!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Ellen!
      The wildlife refuges are great places for birding.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  45. Wonderful images of the Avocets and the Great Egrets Eileen.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Margaret,
      Thanks for the comment and visit!
      Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  46. A great idea to get out for a road trip - We are going on one this weekend. I hope ours is a wildlife drive too, although we could do with not bumping into any elephants!Have a lovely weekend.
    Wren x

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    Replies
    1. Hello Wren,
      Enjoy your weekend trip!
      Thanks for the comment and visit!
      Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  47. Beautiful landscapes and birds sighting from your walk. It is good to be out enjoying nature around you. Happy weekend.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Nancy!
      Take care, stay safe!
      Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  48. what a wonderful trip you made. I really would have liked to be with you. Wonderful shots of the Avocets.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Monica,
      I wish I could show you my favorite birding spots, you would like them.
      Thanks and enjoy your day!

      Delete
  49. Glück ist die Schönheit und Ruhe der Natur - ein Zitat,das alles aussagt! Danke für die Mitnahme auf euren Ausflug.
    Ein schönes Wochenende
    ♥liche Grüße
    Lieselotte

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Lieselotte,
      Thanks for the comment and visit!
      Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  50. lovely photos; love the quotes as well, so true.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Klara!
      Take care, stay safe!
      Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  51. Exceptional birds today Eileen. Those above us are in great numbers here, in Spring. We see the same birds you have (except for swans. Must be too hot for them here)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Anni,
      It has been really hot and humid here too.
      Enjoy your day, happy weekend!

      Delete
  52. My what a wonderful time you had and how beautiful are your photos! It is great to just get away! Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Thank you for your visit!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment and visit!
      Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  53. Replies
    1. Thank you! Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  54. I'm thankful for you and these wonderful times you share!

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  55. you are so lucky to be so close to that kind of a preserve!!! I think I would be there everyday!!!! Enjoy...and thanks for sharing the photos.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Steph! Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  56. Your posts and photos are always beautiful! Thank you for showing the beauty of nature!
    Happy weekend :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Ela! Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  57. Thanks for sharing these photos- and we, too, love to get out and ride..it's my new mini vacay thing to do! Have a great weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Terri,
      The car rides are great, it is nice to see different scenery.
      Thank you! Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  58. Lovely photographs 😊
    What a nice day you had.

    All the best Jan

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Jan! Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  59. That is such a rich (in nature ) place to walk and now I se3 that it is a great drive through as well! We also drove through a wildlife refuge this week , but not one with as many lovely birds. Our Florida home is better for birding, but I am very glad NOT to be there right now as I’m sure you can imagine.

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  60. Herons and egrets. Two of my favorites and splendid photos of both!

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Hello, thank you for visiting my blog. I always appreciate your comments.

BTW, Anonymous comments unless a name is included will not be published. Also, comments with links will be deleted.

Have a happy day, Eileen

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