Monday, July 27, 2020

Our World, My World


 Hello, everyone!

I hope everyone is doing well, hanging in there and staying safe.
We are trying to enjoy doing our favorite things, like taking walks and for me bird watching. I think my hubby is able to identify more birds now, maybe my bird watching addiction hobby is contagious.  I am sharing some scenic and of course some bird photos from our recent visit to Blackwater NWR in Cambridge Maryland.  

These photos were all taken from my car window. 



Photos from the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge Maryland.  We saw Ospreys, Eastern Painted Turtle, Great Blue Herons, Swallows and the American Avocets.



The American Avocets, males with their orange or rusty colored head and curved bill.



 Great Egret, they are always nice to see. Very elegant and pretty!


A White-tailed Deer seen along side the drive. 


The Osprey nest were all over the place, we did see a few Bald Eagles too.


 Queen Anne's Lace and Trumpet Vine was seen along the side of the wildlife drive. 


Not sure if you can see it, but I stopped the car for a black rat snake in the road, it went off into the grass.  




Below are the Great Blue Heron, Eastern Kingbird, Osprey on nest and lower right are the Great Egret and another Great Blue Heron. 





I know I am repeating myself here, but we are still staying safe. Wearing our  mask and keeping our social distance.  Maryland is seeing a slight increase of positive cases. There will be no traveling out of the state, maybe it is for the best now. The COVID cases are going up even higher and faster in some states.  It seems like  COVID has no end.  My thanks and prayers for all the health care workers and essential workers still risking their health.  I hope everyone stays safe, happy and healthy.  




What's happening in your corner of the world? Please check out and visit the following memes and links. I hope to see you there.


 
Thanks to Angie the host of  Mosaic Monday



Thanks to LadyFi  the host of Our World Tuesday!


Thanks for visiting and commenting, have a happy day and a great new week!

121 comments:

  1. I always find it interesting to see Bald Eagles and Ospreys jousting in the sky. The Osprey is a little more maneuverable but the Bald Eagle has the upper hand when it comes to strength and sheer power. Generally a standoff seems to result and I have never seen either bird come to serious harm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello,David

      We were greeted at the beginning of this wildlife drive with an Eagle and Osprey chasing each other. They are both beautiful birds, I love seeing them both. Thank you for the comment. Have a great week!

      Delete
  2. Hard to get such nice pictures from the car! Great job. The Avocets are very pretty. I couldn't see the snake which is just as well - lol.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Vera! I do have good camera with great zoom. Have a great week!

      Delete
  3. Hari OM
    Yes, I can see that snake! Your world on your 'doorstep' is just fine, fret not about venturing further! YAM xx

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    Replies
    1. Hello Yam,
      Yes, I am lucky to live in a state that has so much to see "nature" related. Thank you for the comment. Have a great week!

      Delete
  4. Good morning Eileen, I can't believe how good your photos are even when taking them from the car, your wild bird knowledge just leaves me amazed especially since I've just been commiserating with Sallie who has the same problem as I do when photographing wild birds, they just won't stay still and pose!
    Thanks for stopping by today, Happy MM, have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Maggie,
      I am lucky to have a good camera, one that has great zoom for the birds.. Thank you for the comment. Have a great week!

      Delete
  5. Hello Eileen,

    Beautiful photos! The nature is so wonderful in your country. I don't even try to see the snake ;)
    Enjoy your day, and I wish you a nice new week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Marit,
      Thank you for the comment. Have a great week!

      Delete
  6. Wow - love all the wildlife and nature shots. An amazing place to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful photos. Happy Monday. Thanks for dropping by my blog today

    Much🐦love

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment. Have a great week!

      Delete
  8. A natureza n]ao nos cansa.Pode repetir cenas. E aqui também estamos em grandes cuidados com o COVID pois onde moro, no SUL, temos aumento de casos ... Beijos, linda semana e SE CUIDEM BEM! chica

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Chica,
      Thank you for visiting and for the comment. Take care and stay safe!
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  9. Such great captures of nature doing her thing while we hunker down for a long haul dealing with staying safe. I've heard "long haul" now refers to folks who've had the virus and are continuing to have various symptoms down the road. Yes, we do have to deal with this until it's done...however long it takes. Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Barbara,
      I have heard the term, long haul related to Covid. Some people have symptoms for 3 months, they can also have long term damage to their heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. Blood clots and more, it is scary. Take care and stay safe! Thank you for the comment. Have a great week!

      Delete
  10. What a lovely array!
    I've managed to teach my granddaughter birding. We've had them every other week during COVID. My kids posted a photo showing her with binoculars in her yard. It is so rewarding.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Jenn,
      It is great to have your grandchildren learning about the birds. Take care! Thank you for the comment. Have a great week!

      Delete
  11. Hello Eileen!
    Great series of pictures! Such a lovely place to visit!
    Amazing nature and fabulous birds and critters!
    Great captures of the cute deer ,the Bald Eagles and Ospreys,and the elegant Great Heron bird!
    Thank you for sharing! Have a nice day and a lovely new week! Stay safe!
    Dimi...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Dimi,

      The wildlife refuge and drive is a great place, it is safe too away from the crowds of people. Thank you for the comment. Take care and stay safe! Have a great week!

      Delete
  12. HI Eileen, the virus is revving up 40 people died in our state in one day...and across the country they said it's 5,000 per day now! All of us 60 and over have to try to stay clear of anyone who is not following the guidelines, because if they dont' follow when they are around you they're not following it around anyone! Nice photos of your drive...a little car birding helps during the hot weather, Im thinking the same thing...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Sondra,
      Birding from the car is fun, the car is like a moving blind. We are able to keep our distance from others at the same time. I hope you stay safe, take care! Thank you for the comment. Have a great week!

      Delete
  13. We are staying at home or going out to the trails to hike...that's about it! I will probably order groceries to pick up this week. Being able to get out in nature has kept me sane and made me not wish for grander adventures! lol Love the big Heron and the Egret! We don't see the Avocets here but we are blessed to see the other birds you've shown. Enjoy your day and thanks for sharing the beauty around you...something else that keeps me sane! Hugs, Diane

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Diane, I am enjoy the beauty you share from your hikes. It does feel good to get outside for exercise and fresh air! Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  14. I stopped for rat snakes to and for all snakes. I stopped for frogs I thought for Turtles I stop for anything living that is in the road. You have so much beauty that you can see from your car awesome pictures of the osprey. We happened to be in the number to hotspot and the nation so we are hunkered down in the house and go nowhere

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sandra,
      Yes, I stop the car for all the critters too. It is sad to see the numbers going way up in Florida.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  15. Beautiful series of photos and collages Eileen.
    Nice that your husband can now also recognize more birds.
    The ospreys are great, they are very rare here.
    The number of corona infections is also increasing here in the Netherlands.
    Be careful and stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello,
      It seems like Covid is not disappearing, it is sad so many plans have to be cancelled. Thanks for the comment. Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  16. Good Morning.... Such a gorgeous wildlife refuge.... Is that the same Blackwater as Blackwater Falls in West VA... I know that the Blackwater River comes from the MD area--but not sure where Cambridge is.....

    Thanks for making me smile.
    Have a great week.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Betsy,
      Cambridge is on Maryland's Eastern shore, not far from the Chesapeake Bay. The wildlife refuge is one of my favorites. Thanks for visiting. Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  17. I love the photo of the turtles all lined up.

    It's sad that we can't take summer trips this year, but I think it is better that we stay safe. Remember in the beginning when everyone said, "Oh, it will be over in two weeks." It's been the longest two weeks EVER!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Dee,
      No, this Covid is not just disappearing. It is sad all our plans have to be cancelled, no traveling out of the state now. Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  18. I love to bird watch as well. You're so blessed to have osprey and Eagles to watch.
    Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Dawn! It is a great wildlife refuge, known for seeing the Eagles and Osprey.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  19. Lovely photos from the drive through the wildlife refuge and the sky look pretty along the views. This landscape remind me my visit to a wildlife sanctuary long back that have similar critters including deer, bald eagle and egrets.
    Have a great week!

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

      Delete
  20. I'm staying close to home this summer although we did go to a patio at a local restaurant on Saturday. It was well spaced and the server had a mask on so we felt fairly safe. I will travel by viewing your pics, Eileen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello,
      We are not traveling out of our state. Usually we order carry-out, I hope we go to a local place that has outdoor dining soon. Thanks for the comment. Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  21. Beautiful! My favorites today are the avocets and osprey. The water scenes are mighty pretty too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, Anni
      I love the Avocets, they are beautiful birds.
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Have a great day and happy week ahead!

      Delete
  22. Hi Eileen Happy Monday!
    I'm doing as you are staying home as much as possible, wearing our masks when we go ou. We cancelled all our social engagements much to our regrets and which sadly made a few friends upset lately, but our state's covid numbers are also rising again and we are trying to reduce our risks. It's scary! We have known people who have passed away from covid so this is very real to us.

    I love seeing all the birds you see--the avocets were ones I don't think I've ever seen before. LOve the bright blue sky and water and eagles nesting in the trees. Nature is a blessing.

    Stay well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Pat,
      It is horrible we are all having to cancel our plans.
      But, it is best to stay safe and healthy.
      I am sorry for your loss, this Covid is scary.
      Take care and stay safe.
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Have a great day and happy week ahead!

      Delete
  23. What a great variety of beauty and birds and other animals you were able to capture from your car window! Great photos! Hope the last week of July goes well for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ellen!
      Take care, stay safe!
      Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  24. Wow, some wonderful views here...would love to drive along and see all these things. At least I got to see what you saw.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Rose,
      The wildlife refuges are great place to see the critters.
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Take care! Enjoy your day!
      Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  25. Hello Eileen,
    the Avocets are an awesome view: so graceful birds.
    Finland has been lucky with the Corona spreading so far, there are very few cases.
    We are careful all the time, anyway. I pray for the end of this plague too.
    Have a great new week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello,
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      I am glad you are staying safe and well.
      Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  26. Beautiful photos of the various birds. Great window shots!

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    Replies
    1. Bill, thanks for the visit and comment.
      Take care!
      Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  27. How do those avocets do anything with those beaks? Preening must be tough!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Marie,
      The Avocets seem to do well with their curvy bill.
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  28. Beautiful photos. First one is my favorite.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Karen!
      Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
    2. Bald eagles and ospreys! Wow!

      Delete
  29. Beautiful photos of your drive. I thought the avocets looked particularly elegant :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello,
      The Avocets are beautiful to see!
      Thanks for the visit and comment. Take care!
      Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  30. Eileen, I always look forward to your bird photos. Great post! Loved the turtles. Have a great week! Sylvia D.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sylvia!
      Take care! Enjoy your day!
      Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  31. That was a great window shot!
    Fabulous collection of photographs here Eileen, thank you.

    Hope you have a good week.
    Stay safe and well.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the visit and comment. Take care!
      Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  32. You are so good at spotting the birds and the wildlife and rat snakes. I appreciate even them now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Alan,
      I appreciate all the wildlife. Thanks for the comment.
      Stay well! Enjoy your week ahead.

      Delete
  33. Replies
    1. Thanks Jim!
      Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  34. Nice series..love the avocets...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello,
      Thanks for the visit and comment. Take care!
      Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  35. Replies
    1. Thank you Sandi! Take care!
      Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  36. Terrific shots! I wish I could go for a car ride and see all that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Karen! Take care and stay safe!
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  37. Eileen - it is wonderful that you can see so much wildlife and enjoy such marvelous landscapes while still keeping safe. I know that I would go mad if I could not experience Nature every day! It is encouraging to know that you saw many osprey nests!!! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Angie! The Ospreys do seem to be doing well. I do enjoy my nature experiences. Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  38. A slow careful drive in the evening will give you some good critter sightings.

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    Replies
    1. Good idea, Red! Thanks for the visit and comment. Take care! Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  39. That's so nice. :)
    Enjoy the greenery and the birds and stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the visit and comment. Take care! Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  40. Great shots from your car! I especially love the curl of the Avocets' beaks. I had never heard of them.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Colleen! The Avocets are pretty birds. Take care! Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  41. Beautiful shots! What a gorgeous refuge and it's full of happy visitors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kay! Thanks for the visit and comment. Take care! Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  42. Gorgeous photos! Is Maryland restricting travel?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Linda,
      It is more like we are restricting our own traveling. The last couple of days Maryland has had an increase in positive cases. Thanks for the comment! Take care! Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  43. lovely post. As usual I adore the Avocets. I wonder if I can paint them???? I probably can´t but I can try :)
    Nice to see Osprey chicks. This season I have not seen any nesting :(
    Take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, I want to see your Avocet painting when you are done.. The Ospreys are plentiful here. Thanks for the visit and comment. Take care! Enjoy your day! Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  44. Inviting images here - and lovely to hear that you and your husband are able to enjoy the bird watching together.

    I agree, it feels like no end to COVID currently, but at least we have the outdoors & beauty of nature to put a smile on our faces :-)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks for the visit and comment.
    Have a great day and happy week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hello Eileen,
    Very nice pictures.
    Great to see wonderful nature and the fantastic birds.
    The Eagles and the great Egret are very nice.

    Greetings, Marco

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Marco,
      Thank you for the visit and comment.
      Have a happy day and a great week ahead!

      Delete
  47. Hard To Believe That These Photos Were From The Car - Such Clarity From Such A Distance - Very Cool - Stay Strong

    Cheers

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  48. Great photos from the safety of your car! Here in Tennessee I couldn't believe the big unmasked crowds in Gatlinburg on Sunday. We didn't get out of the car because we wanted to stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kim! Stay safe! Have a great trip and a happy week!

      Delete
  49. Great photos!
    My favorites are the first one and the one of the wildflowers by the water
    Have a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
  50. it is so amazing that you are able to take these pictures from your car. i am able to take pictures from the car when i go to lake of the lilies, i can steady the camera on the car door, and that is such a big help. such a nice variety of birds and beautiful landscapes, this is a wonderful place to visit right now!!

    i really enjoyed seeing the american avocets, they are so cute with their curved beaks!!

    i think it is good to go for rides in the car, mentally it helps the soul and it is important to get fresh air!!

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    Replies
    1. Hello,Debbie!
      Going out for car rides or a walk in the fresh air is good for the soul. Thanks for the comment!
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  51. Hello, Loved the post, Thanks for all pics.
    Stay Safe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment!
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  52. Que día más bueno Eileen. Me encantan las fotos, más la 1 y la 7. También cerca de casa podemos disfrutar bien la naturaleza.
    Buen martes amiga.Cuídate.
    Un abrazo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Laura!
      Stay safe and take care!
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  53. A lovely area to explore. Your shot of the deer is my favourite.

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  54. As always, wonderful photos. I don't think I'd like to tangle with an osprey in a dark alley!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Jeanie,
      Thanks for visiting and for the comment.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  55. Isn't it lovely when your hobbies rub off on each other! My Mr Wren is becoming quite a photographer but I dnt think I'll be taking up golf! Blackwater looks gorgous!

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  56. Isn't it lovely when you share hobbies? My Mr Wren is becoming quite a photographer although I don't think I'll be taking up golf soon! Blackwater NWR looks a gorgeous place for a wander!

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  57. Hi Eileen!!!... Awesome pictures... I love the Osprey... Congrats...

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    Replies
    1. Hello Ana,
      Thank you! Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  58. Well done Eileen. You made another birder convert. Super pictures today from you both. I love the American Avocets and the Great Egret, they are both elegant I agree. And you are so lucky to have loads of Ospreys to see. I have to travel 50 miles to the nearest ones and then there's only the one nest.
    Have a great and safe week.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I have some very fond memories of camping at Blackwater NWR! Waking up on a December morning to thousands of Canada Geese flying overhead. Thank you for helping me recall a great trip from v-e-r-y long ago!

    Wonderful pictures, Eileen!

    ReplyDelete
  60. nature and wild life look so wonderful..........
    great shots

    ReplyDelete

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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