Thursday, October 15, 2020

Happy Thankful Thursday!

 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!!  😊

 

108 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment!
      Take care, have a happy day!

      Delete
  2. Hari OM
    Oh 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

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello,
    thanks for sharing all these cute critters in different places of the world.
    The invitation to live simple is precious!
    All the best! Stay safe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment!
      I hope you are having a great day!

      Delete
  4. Hello,

    I'm very glad to see the photos from your archives. They are all so beautiful.
    Enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
  5. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello David,
      I am happy for you, that the cataract surgery was a success.
      Thanks for visiting. Have a great day!

      Delete
  6. 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.

    Take care

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sandhill Cranes are beautiful bird...love them.
    thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of wildlife.

    # I wish to see mountain lion

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Tanza!
      The 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!

      Delete
  8. Hi Eileen,
    Wonderful photos from your trips!
    Nature is very beautiful and you can capture and transmit it as if it were real!
    Thanks.
    Hugs,
    Ailime

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ailime,
      Thank you for the comment.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  9. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Diane,
      I long to travel anywhere right now.
      Thank you for the comment.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  10. ...nature gives us a lot to be thankful for!

    ReplyDelete
  11. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wonderful wildlife photos...and I love that you've visited wildlife refugees all over the country. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Barbara!
      Hubby and I do love to travel, hope to do more when Covid is gone.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  13. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda!
      Oregon does have a beautiful coastline.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  14. 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. 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.

    Not 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.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Happy Thursday to you with your beautiful wildlife adventures in awesome photos ~ ^_^

    Live each moment with love,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Carol!
      Thank you for the comment.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  17. Wow! You have travelled to so many lovely places. I do love the Oregon coast
    MB

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks MB!
      I love the Oregon Coast too, we had plans to go back until Covid happened and cancelled everything.
      Take care! Have a great day!

      Delete
  18. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sandra!
      LOL, I do love all the birds. The big flocks are amazing to see.
      Take care, I wish you a happy day.

      Delete
  19. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the visit and comment.

      Take care, I wish you a happy day.

      Delete
  20. You have been to so many places, Eileen! Wow!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you RedPat!
      Take care, I wish you a happy day.

      Delete
  21. Fantastic - New Mexico Has So Much To Offer - Thanx For The Throw Back - Be Well Shadow People

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, we did enjoy our New Mexico trip!
      Take care, I wish you a happy day.

      Delete
  22. It's always good to travel with you and see what you see! Happy Thursday to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ellen!
      Take care, I wish you a happy day.

      Delete
  23. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bill!
      Take care! I wish you a happy day and a great weekend!

      Delete
  24. 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.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Jean!
      Take care, stay safe and well!
      I wish you a happy day and a great weekend!

      Delete
  25. The alligators are really quite the thing. I don't think I've seen one. We have enough trouble with fishers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jenn!
      Take care!
      Have a happy day and a great weekend!

      Delete
  26. thanks for sharing your beautiful captures - you do visit some amazing places

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Carol!
      Take care!
      Have a happy day and a great weekend!

      Delete
  27. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Alan!
      We have been to many of the national parks too.
      Take care, stay safe!
      Have a happy day and a great weekend!

      Delete
  28. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment!
      My hubby had his head turned and missed the mountain lion, I did feel lucky.
      Take care!
      Have a happy day and a great weekend!

      Delete
  29. 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!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Monica!
      I hope things will change for the better.
      Take care and stay safe.
      I wish you a happy weekend!

      Delete
  30. Wow...all refuges are absolutely amazing! I'm so glad you shared with us.

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

      Delete
  31. Oh a big W O W from me.
    So 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

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

      Delete
  32. Gorgeous photos from your travels.

    ReplyDelete
  33. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sondra!
      Take care, stay safe!
      Have a happy day and a great weekend!

      Delete
  34. That fourth photo is spectacular.

    You 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marie!
      I hope and pray for the pandemic to end.
      Have a happy day and a great weekend!

      Delete
  35. Wow...a LOT of good memories here for you and your hubby!

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

      Delete
  36. Almost didn't see the truck! This was quite a tour. I enjoyed it. Thanks a lot.

    Hazel
    https://hazelceej.com/king-keaw-road/

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

      Delete
  37. Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment!
      Have a happy day and a great weekend!

      Delete
  38. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Penny,
      Archive photos are good, they may be some that are new to me.
      Take care and stay safe.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  39. Hi Eileen,
    Wonderful series of photos and collages from your travels, you have really photographed this very nicely, my compliments.
    Have a nice weekend and greetings Irma

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

      Delete
  40. Hello Eileen,
    What 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

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

      Delete
  41. Muy interesante lo que compartes hoy. Recordar lo que vivimos está muy bien. Gracias amiga.
    Buen fin de semana Eileen. Cuidaros.
    Un abrazo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Laura,
      Thank you for the comment and visit.
      Happy weekend to you!

      Delete
  42. Ohhh, the second shot is very beautiful! I miss travelling like that. They´re all great, but this is my fav!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Iris!
      Thank you for the comment and visit.
      Wishing you an Happy week!

      Delete
  43. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Caroline,
      Thank you for the comment and visit.
      Wishing you an Happy week!

      Delete
  44. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Yvonne,
      Thank you for the comment and visit.
      Wishing you an Happy week!

      Delete
  45. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Minerva!
      The 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!

      Delete
  46. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Jeanie,
      They are all happy memories for hubby and I.
      Thank you for the comment and visit.
      Wishing you an Happy week!

      Delete
  47. That turtle looks quite put out having to put up with a little gator.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks William!
      It is good for the turtle, that he was bigger than the gator.
      But, mama gator was nearby.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  48. Hi Eileen,
    The 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Helma,
      It is sad that this Covid will not go away.
      I do miss traveling.
      Thanks for the comment, enjoy your new week!

      Delete
  49. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment and visit.
      Wishing you an Happy week!

      Delete
  50. 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment and visit.
      Wishing you an Happy week!

      Delete
  51. 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!

    -Soma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello,
      The Bosque del Apache was great, we saw some beautiful sights.
      Thank you for the comment and visit.
      Wishing you an Happy week!

      Delete
  52. 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Michelle,
      Thank you for the comment and visit.
      Wishing you an Happy week!

      Delete

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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