Happy Thursday!
I am continuing with my throwback photos of our visits to various National Wildlife Refuges around the USA. I found out due to shortages of workers at the wildlife refuges, many of the wildlife refuges are lumped together and called a complex. A complex can consists of up to 7 or more wildlife refuges in one area of a state. A refuge complex could possibly only have a few part time or full time workers. If you visit, you might want to check to make sure it is not closed for hunting and or maintenance. Visitors centers maybe closed due to COVID but the wildlife drives and trails are open.
I have so many photos, I had to break up the post. With these COVID times, we are not traveling. I am thankful to share some archived photos, I hope you enjoy. I am thankful for all these wonderful memories hubby and I have while traveling.
1. I am starting off this post with our visit to New Mexico, we were able to visit 2 wildlife refuges. This first one is called Bitter Lake NWR, not far from Roswell New Mexico. Below are the Sandhill Cranes, refuge sign, possible Lesser Goldfinch, Pied-billed Grebe, Loggerhead Shrike, White Pelicans with ducks and more Sandhill Cranes.
Click on photos for larger viewing....
Bitter Lake NWR this is a link to my original visit and post.
2. While on the wildlife drive we saw the migrating Sandhill Cranes, ducks, geese and many other species of birds. Pretty view of the refuge located where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the Southern Plains and wetland area of the Pecos River watershed.
Bosque Del Apache NWR link to original post and photos.
3. This refuge is located in San Antonio New Mexico. This was one of my favorite refuges in New Mexico, the birding was great. I actually saw a Mountain Lion crossing the wildlife drive, my first time seeing this critter. Below are the Sandhill Cranes, top right is the Road Runner a lifer for this trip, Gambel's Quail lifer, White-crowned Sparrow, Marsh Wren, Snow Geese, Northern Harrier and Killdeer.
4. Sunset at the Bosque Del Apache NWR , flock of blackbirds with the Cranes.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge a link to my original post and photos.
5. This refuge is located in the Finger Lakes region near Seneca New York. Below are sightings from the wildlife drive the Purple Martins, Great Egrets,
Canada Geese, Red-wing Blackbirds, Bald Eagle, Northern Shoveler duck,
Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Tern, Gadwall ducks, DC Cormorant,
Song Sparrow, Mallards, unknown Sandpiper and lots of turtles.
Pea Island NWR my original post and photos.
6. This wildlife refuge is located in North Carolina at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Pea Island is one of 9 refuges that make up the North Carolina Coastal Refuge complex. Below are the Great Egret, Double-crested Cormorants, White Pelicans, Swan, Ruddy Ducks and a Eastern Meadowlark.
7. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Oak Harbor Ohio. My visit here was a quick. I was on a trip with a couple of birding friends to Magee Marsh in Ohio. Magee Marsh is a famous spot for spring time birding. My friends and I drove the Ottawa NWR wildlife drive, visited their visitor center, we saw the Bald Eagles, Egrets, deer and the White-crowned Sparrow.
Cape Meares NWR My original post and photos
8. Oregon, one of my favorite states to visit. Hubby and I drove up and down the Oregon coast. Along one section of the coast is the Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Three Arch Rocks, Oregon Islands NWR complex. Nesting seabirds include the Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemots, Pelagic Cormorants and the Black Oystercatcher. The Cape Meares Lighthouse is actually part of a state park, the surrounding area is the wildlife refuge.
9. A view of one of the islands, covered with nesting seabirds.
John Heinz NWR original post and photos
10. This mosaic is photos from our visit to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum Township Pennsylvania. It is not far from Philadelphia PA.
Included below the boardwalk trail at the wildlife refuge, views of the wetlands, turtles, ducks, marsh wren and flowers.
Savannah NWR South Carolina my original post and photos.
Now down the east coast to South Carolina, we were able to visit 2 national wildlife refuges in this state. We have been to the Savannah NWR and Pinckney Island NWR.
11. Savannah NWR photos below lots of turtle with alligator, lots of alligators, Glossy Ibis, White Ibis, Green Heron, Great Egret with the Snowy Egret. Part of the Savannah NWR is in South Carolina and part is also in Georgia. We have been to both, the wildlife drive and the visitor center.
Pinckney Island NWR My original post and photos.
12. Pinckney Island NWR South Carolina near Hilton Head SC .
Below, Eastern Blue Birds, Common Moorhen, Great Egret, Little Blue Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, White Ibis with gator and Phoebes.
I will have one more post to finish off my National Wildlife Refuge visits. I am thankful to enjoy all my moments with hubby. Thankful for the joy of seeing wildlife.
Go outside and breathe deeply. Enjoy every moment.
Take care and stay safe!
Live simple and be happy! 😊 Keep smiling!
Thank you Martha for hosting Throwback Thursday
Thank you Michelle for hosting Thankful Thursday.
Thank you to Yogi the host of Skywatch Friday
Thank you to Jutta the host of Nature Thursday
Thank you for visiting and for your nice comments on my previous post. Have a happy day!! 😊
Gostei de ver as fotografias.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e continuação de uma boa semana.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
O prazer dos livros
Thank you for the comment!
DeleteTake care, have a happy day!
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteOh Eileen, these are (dare I say it) wonderuful 'snapshots' of each reserve and what they have to offer - that one of the alligator and turtle is pure delight!!! YAM xx
Thank you YAM!
DeleteEnjoy your day!
Hello,
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing all these cute critters in different places of the world.
The invitation to live simple is precious!
All the best! Stay safe!
Thank you for the comment!
DeleteI hope you are having a great day!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI'm very glad to see the photos from your archives. They are all so beautiful.
Enjoy your day!
Thank you Marit!
DeleteEnjoy your day!
Today I am thankful that the cataract surgery on my left eye went well and I am sure that once the right eye is done next month it will be like starting to bird all over again!
ReplyDeleteHello David,
DeleteI am happy for you, that the cataract surgery was a success.
Thanks for visiting. Have a great day!
Wow! This is a fantasy series of refugees in the US and a great collection of a variety of birds in a single post. Amazing preservation of wildlife and I hope they get the needed funds and workers support to continue the activities.
ReplyDeleteTake care
Thank you for the comment.
DeleteHave a great day!
Sandhill Cranes are beautiful bird...love them.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing the beautiful photos of wildlife.
# I wish to see mountain lion
Thank you Tanza!
DeleteThe mountain lion surprised me, it ran away quickly.
The worker at the visitor center said the mountain lion was a regular visitor.
Have a great day!
Hi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos from your trips!
Nature is very beautiful and you can capture and transmit it as if it were real!
Thanks.
Hugs,
Ailime
Hello Ailime,
DeleteThank you for the comment.
Have a great day!
I love seeing these photos and it makes me want to travel. But it's the best time to see birds here in FL so I'm happy we are close to some good trails. I know you appreciate the local trails too. But.....I LONG to go back out West! Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteHello Diane,
DeleteI long to travel anywhere right now.
Thank you for the comment.
Have a great day!
...nature gives us a lot to be thankful for!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tom!
DeleteHave a great day!
You have some magnificent photos!! We've had a wonderful amount of geese here this year. . .at least it seems that way. Maybe, I've been more observant this year. Thank you for this wonderful post and have a grand weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment.
DeleteHave a great day!
Wonderful wildlife photos...and I love that you've visited wildlife refugees all over the country. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Barbara!
DeleteHubby and I do love to travel, hope to do more when Covid is gone.
Have a great day!
I've always wanted to visit Bosque Del Apache - someday! Glad you like our Oregon coast. I love it too and never get out there as much as I should. And I only live an hour's drive away, so I have no excuse.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda!
DeleteOregon does have a beautiful coastline.
Have a great day!
They are all so beautiful Eileen. I'm sorry I wasn't able to do a Throwback Thursday post again this week. I'll try to get back to it as soon as things settle down here a bit. Have a great weekend :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha!
DeleteHave a great day!
Love all the photos. You got my favorite bird -- the skimmer (photo 5) and I absolute love the lighthouse (photo 8) and of course, the alligators!! Love those.
ReplyDeleteNot sure it matters but John Heinz NWR is in Tinicum Township (not county) ---- once this Covid mess is all cleared up and we can travel a bit easier, that is first on my list of places to go.
Thank you Dee!
DeleteHave a great day!
Happy Thursday to you with your beautiful wildlife adventures in awesome photos ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteLive each moment with love,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Hello Carol!
DeleteThank you for the comment.
Have a great day!
Wow! You have travelled to so many lovely places. I do love the Oregon coast
ReplyDeleteMB
Thanks MB!
DeleteI love the Oregon Coast too, we had plans to go back until Covid happened and cancelled everything.
Take care! Have a great day!
you may have The Most Birds on One Post award. acres and acres of flocks and flocks. Oregon is my pick today, but the gater one is close to a tie
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra!
DeleteLOL, I do love all the birds. The big flocks are amazing to see.
Take care, I wish you a happy day.
I enjoyed seeing your wildlife refuge photos. I hope it is not too long before you can snap some new pictures and have new adventures! I have been to the John Heinz refuge many times. I always see something new each time I go.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the visit and comment.
DeleteTake care, I wish you a happy day.
You have been to so many places, Eileen! Wow!
ReplyDeleteThank you RedPat!
DeleteTake care, I wish you a happy day.
Fantastic - New Mexico Has So Much To Offer - Thanx For The Throw Back - Be Well Shadow People
ReplyDeleteCheers
Thank you, we did enjoy our New Mexico trip!
DeleteTake care, I wish you a happy day.
It's always good to travel with you and see what you see! Happy Thursday to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellen!
DeleteTake care, I wish you a happy day.
Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos from your travels. I love Oregon too and have visited the Cape Meares Lighthouse, I love lighthouses. Have a great day and stay safe!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bill!
DeleteTake care! I wish you a happy day and a great weekend!
I will leave the alligators, hope you were safely out of their way. Beautiful birds of all colours and sizes, so good to be able to visit with photos, if not in reality., Stay safe up North.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jean!
DeleteTake care, stay safe and well!
I wish you a happy day and a great weekend!
The alligators are really quite the thing. I don't think I've seen one. We have enough trouble with fishers!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenn!
DeleteTake care!
Have a happy day and a great weekend!
thanks for sharing your beautiful captures - you do visit some amazing places
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol!
DeleteTake care!
Have a happy day and a great weekend!
You are a huge advocate for our National Wildlife Refuges. You have certainly got around to many of them. As you know, many of our other federal installations such as National Parks.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alan!
DeleteWe have been to many of the national parks too.
Take care, stay safe!
Have a happy day and a great weekend!
NM looks wonderful. I would really like to visit and spend some time there. Most of us will hike a lifetime and never see a mountain lion. What a rare treat!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment!
DeleteMy hubby had his head turned and missed the mountain lion, I did feel lucky.
Take care!
Have a happy day and a great weekend!
Hi Eileen. It is so beautiful to see nature and wildlife as it should be. Maybe Covid will change some things for the better. I read somewhere birds start to sing more in citys as it is not that noisy anymore. You have so many memories and photos to share :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Monica!
DeleteI hope things will change for the better.
Take care and stay safe.
I wish you a happy weekend!
Wow...all refuges are absolutely amazing! I'm so glad you shared with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anni!
DeleteHave a happy day and a great weekend!
Oh a big W O W from me.
ReplyDeleteSo many lovely photographs in this post.
Have a wonderful Thursday and enjoy the rest of your week.
Even in these Covid times, the days certainly are flying by so quickly.
All the best Jan
Thank you for the comment!
DeleteHave a happy day and a great weekend!
Gorgeous photos from your travels.
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen!
DeleteHappy weekend to you!
Great post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jim!
DeleteHappy weekend!
Hi Eileen....a great look back and some fabulous refuges around our nation. Some you have highlighted are on my wish list...and some I have had the pleasure already. Hope you have a good upcoming weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sondra!
DeleteTake care, stay safe!
Have a happy day and a great weekend!
That fourth photo is spectacular.
ReplyDeleteYou have taken in some beautiful spaces and seen incredible wildlife. I hope the pandemic is over soon so your quest for the best in nature can continue, Eileen.
Thank you Marie!
DeleteI hope and pray for the pandemic to end.
Have a happy day and a great weekend!
Wow...a LOT of good memories here for you and your hubby!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rose!
DeleteHave a happy day and a great weekend!
Almost didn't see the truck! This was quite a tour. I enjoyed it. Thanks a lot.
ReplyDeleteHazel
https://hazelceej.com/king-keaw-road/
Thank you Hazel!
DeleteHave a happy day and a great weekend!
Amazing pics. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment!
DeleteHave a happy day and a great weekend!
I love al your photos but especially the ones from Bitter Lake. I haven't been out to get new photos except for some sky photos now and then so I'm going to be posting a lot of archived photos in future. Enjoy your weekend ahead. If I'm able to get my photos organized in time I hope to post on Saturday. Stay safe. xx
ReplyDeleteHello Penny,
DeleteArchive photos are good, they may be some that are new to me.
Take care and stay safe.
Have a happy weekend!
Hi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteWonderful series of photos and collages from your travels, you have really photographed this very nicely, my compliments.
Have a nice weekend and greetings Irma
Thank you Irma!
DeleteHave a happy day and a great weekend!
Hello Eileen,
ReplyDeleteWhat a very nice post. Great to see all these pictures.
Wonderful images of New Mexico and the wildlife animals in that beautiful area.
Greetings, Marco
Thank you Marco!
DeleteEnjoy your day, happy weekend!
Muy interesante lo que compartes hoy. Recordar lo que vivimos está muy bien. Gracias amiga.
ReplyDeleteBuen fin de semana Eileen. Cuidaros.
Un abrazo.
Hello Laura,
DeleteThank you for the comment and visit.
Happy weekend to you!
💛💛💛
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHave a great day!
Ohhh, the second shot is very beautiful! I miss travelling like that. They´re all great, but this is my fav!
ReplyDeleteHello Iris!
DeleteThank you for the comment and visit.
Wishing you an Happy week!
Hi Eileen, thank you for visiting my blog. So beautiful the photos of your trip to New Mexico. The Sandhill Cranes, other birds and wildlife. I love it. Greetings Caroline
ReplyDeleteHello Caroline,
DeleteThank you for the comment and visit.
Wishing you an Happy week!
So many wonderful wildlife photos! Years ago while visiting a friend in California, we visited a refuge and saw the sandhill cranes fly in for the night. A group of some kind of swans flew in afterwards, and it was a noisy and awesome sight.
ReplyDeleteHello Yvonne,
DeleteThank you for the comment and visit.
Wishing you an Happy week!
Wow. So many parks, with such different landscape and animals. The gator on top of the turtle made me smile! My husband is from NM but more south where it's desert. It's nice to see that they do have vegetation!
ReplyDeleteThanks Minerva!
DeleteThe little gator on the turtle was cute.
I kept my distance, I know the mama and papa were near by too.
Have a great day and a happy new week!
These are really beautiful. I have to say that one "plus"of this time period is that I've been able to spend time with old photos, remembering many beautiful places, people and moments. I'm glad you have too, and are sharing them with us!
ReplyDeleteHello Jeanie,
DeleteThey are all happy memories for hubby and I.
Thank you for the comment and visit.
Wishing you an Happy week!
That turtle looks quite put out having to put up with a little gator.
ReplyDeleteThanks William!
DeleteIt is good for the turtle, that he was bigger than the gator.
But, mama gator was nearby.
Have a great day!
Hi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteThe covid wer is also very serious in the Netherlands and the restaurants are closed again. I hope one day this pandemic will be brought under control.
You are not traveling now and it is nice to see your photos of your tours.
Stay safe and be careful.
Greetings, Helma
PS you can share a link from me tomorrow (Saturday) if you want. In the morning I am already gone to work at 5.30 am.
Hello Helma,
DeleteIt is sad that this Covid will not go away.
I do miss traveling.
Thanks for the comment, enjoy your new week!
Hi, Eileen. I love your photography. The lighting your captured in New Mexico is amazing. You've got me appreciating wildlife refuges a lot more.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment and visit.
DeleteWishing you an Happy week!
Such an array of amazing wildlife. I am glad you got to visit these places when you did, and record them as you have. Thanks for sharing them with us :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment and visit.
DeleteWishing you an Happy week!
Same here, we are not travelling either, but it gives me an opportunity to go through old photos as well. Love your photos, so much life! Sunset at the Bosque Del Apache NWR is my favourite. Gorgeous colours!
ReplyDelete-Soma
Hello,
DeleteThe Bosque del Apache was great, we saw some beautiful sights.
Thank you for the comment and visit.
Wishing you an Happy week!
I always love your nature photos and share them often, with my family and friends. Thank you for linking up and have a great week ahead. I hope you are staying well :)
ReplyDeleteHello Michelle,
DeleteThank you for the comment and visit.
Wishing you an Happy week!