Saturday, October 17, 2020

Saturday's Critters #357

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!

I wanted to finish my little series on the National Wildlife Refuges, my last two post show  wildlife refuges from around the country.  When the wildlife refuges were started they were a place for the migratory birds to rest and some to nest. Our current administration has opened more federal land for hunting. I can only assume once a species is gone, they will look for something else to hunt?  I am not against hunting completely, only that there should be limits. 
 
1.  Hubby and I traveled from Salt Lake City to the Tetons NP during two separate trips. One trip we stopped and visited the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.  Below are some of the birds we saw: Black-necked Stilt, Tree Swallow, Mountain Bluebird, White-faced Ibis, Yellow-headed Blackbird and the  Meadowlark. The Bear River flows into the Great Salt Lake.
 
 
Click on images for larger viewing..
 

 2. In Virginia we have visited three of the National Wildlife Refuges. The first one is Back Bay NWR near Virginia Beach Virginia. Original post is here Back Bay NWR

Below a Cardinal, Redwing Blackbird, Yellow Rump Warbler, Eastern Phoebe, Horned Grebe, Gull, Northern Gannet, Brown Pelican, DC Cormorants.
 
 
 
 
 
3. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, one of my favorite refuges to visit. Original post seen here: Chincoteague NWR
Lighthouse, Little Blue Heron, Peregrine Falcon, ponies, Cattle Egret, Bald Eagle, Great Egret, Brown Pelican, Black Skimmers, Snowy Egrets, Tree Swallows, Northern Shoveler and American Oystercatcher.
 



4.  Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Original post seen here Great Dismal Swamp NWR

Turtles, Swallowtail Butterfly, Brown-Headed Cowbird, American Coot, Grackle, Killdeer, Belted Kingfisher and another  turtle.
 

 
 
 
5. We have been to three of the National Wildlife Refuges in the state of Washington, my favorite was Billy Frank Nisqually NWR near Olympia Washington. Original post seen here Nisqually NWR.
 
 Seen below, the boardwalk, Hooded Merganser, Gadwall, GB Heron with gulls, Song Sparrow, Cormorants, Barn Swallow Tree Swallow, Seal, Canada Geese and the twin barns.
 

6.  Dungeness NWR  in Sequim Washington.  We have been to this refuge a few times. It is another one of my favorite places. Original post seen here Dungeness NWR.
 
Seen below, the trail at Dungeness NWR, Rough Skinned Newt, the Dungeness Spit, Driftwood, Black Oystercatchers, Cormorants and Mergansers.



7. Grays Harbor NWR in or near Hoquiam Washington . Original post seen here Grays Harbor NWR

Seen below, views of the wetlands, trail, sparrow and ducks.
 
 

 
 
8. National Elk Refuge in Wyoming not far from Jackson Hole. 
 
 Seen below are the Elk,  various swallows on fence , Violet Green Swallow, Cinnamon Teal, boardwalk trail, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Northern Shoveler and Canada Geese.
 
 
 
President Theodore Roosevelt designated the first national wildlife refuge, it was the Pelican Island NWR in Florida. The NWR is a system of public land set aside to conserve fish, wildlife and plants. Land set aside for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Enable the public enjoyment of these conservation lands. 


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


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Also visit:  I'd-Rather-B-Birdin. Thanks to the host Anni.

116 comments:

  1. You have really been lucky to go to so many beautiful places.

    One of these days when the Covid stuff is over, I'll be using your blog to plan out some trips of our own.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Dee! Hubby and I do love to travel.
      I am looking forward Covid stuff being over.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  2. So many wonderful photos. I find it amazing all the places you have visited to view wildlife. You have been very blessed in your travels.

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  3. Nice collages of lovely critters from the wildlife refuges. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  4. You have really been to some great NWRs -- We just love visiting them too. I think that Shiawassee NWR near us in Michigan has had deer and waterfowl hunting for many years, but I'm not sure -- others also (I think) have had hunters and bird watchers at different seasons, like Ottowa NWR on Lake Erie.

    Beautiful photos!

    be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Mae!
      Yes, the refuges have been open for hunting, but now even more lands will be open for hunting.
      I would like a chance to go out and enjoy the wildlife peacefully.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  5. Very beautiful nature reserve with a beautiful nature and pictures

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  6. Wonderful are Photos from the National Wildlife Refuges!!!I love the variety of animals there. Thank you for showing.
    Have a nice weekend and take care of yourselves, hug Elke

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Elke!
      I do love seeing all the wildlife!
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  7. WOW! All the collages are beautiful Eileen and you managed to get a record number of images into a post. It is also a lovely way to remember those trips you took with your husband. Thanks for hosting, stay safe and have a wonderful weekend

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    1. Thank you Margaret!
      Yes, hubby and I both enjoy looking back at the old photos and blog for memories of past trips.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  8. Hello,
    thanks for taking us with you to all these places. The critters are all cute and nice, Love the seal.
    Have a happy and safe weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment!
      The seals are cute!
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  9. Beautiful collages, beautiful birds and beautiful scenery. You've been to so many beautiful places to see the birds and wildlife. I wish I could get to a fraction of them one day. Have a great weekend. xx

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    1. Thank you Penny!
      I hope you can visit some of these great wildlife refuges.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  10. Hi Eileen,
    Beautiful collages of your walks and travels.
    So many different things that you have seen.
    Have a nice weekend and stay healthy.
    Greetings Irma

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Irma
      I hope you stay safe and well too!
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  11. I so enjoyed your slide show giving a glimpse of the riches of all those refuges. I have visited only a couple of these. Always wanted to get to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and now probably never will. Thanks so much!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Ken!
      Chincoteague is great, always something to see there,
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  12. Hari OM
    Eileen, thank you for trawling your archives - the mosaics have been a visual feast!!! YAM xx

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  13. Beautiful collages of the birds and landscapes. Have a wonderful day and weekend.
    Thanks for hosting.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your earlier politicians showed great foresight in creating all these wonderful refuges over such vast areas. Like you Eileen, I am not totally against hunting and i know that many shooters also do great conservation work. But, shooters are in the minority and should be seen and treated as such.

    Your mosaics today are quite beautiful and thanks for sharing. Have a lovely weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Phil!
      If only we could turn back the clock, even 5 years would be good.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  15. wow, you must have been working full time this week to put this post together. :) But you got lots of happy memories too. :)
    I noticed the photo of the Hooded Merganser. Never seen it bur certainly would love to. :)
    Thanks for the trip. Take care.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Monica!
      The Hooded Merganser is a handsome duck.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  16. Belas fotografias.
    É mesmo uma das mais antigas Universidades do Mundo ainda no "activo".
    Um abraço e bom fim-de-semana.

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

      Delete
  18. ...critter glore! Thanks Eileen for hosting, I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Tom!
      I do love the critters!
      I hope you have a great weekend!

      Delete
  19. It's good to see that you have taken great advantage of your National Parks and I hope that once the pandemic releases its grip you will be able to visit more.

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

      Delete
  20. Wow, Eileen! Certainly a compendium of great animal photos from your travels, artfully arranged in your collages.

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  21. Hi Eileen,

    Beautiful collages! Your photos are great. I love to see the Swalliwtail butterfly again. They are so pretty.
    Enjoy your day, and have a happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  22. PS: Thanks for hosting, Eileen. Have a good new week and stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I do hope that we will be able as a nation to keep all these beautiful spots that you have visited and others just like them. To me it seems they are disappearing and that is very sad. I would love to see the Dismal Swamp I have always loved the swamps. I took my kids to the Okefenokee Swamp and we just loved it that was when they were like 12 or 13 so it's been many years! But I do love Florida swamps and have seen a few of those

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sandra!
      Okefenokee Swamp is on y wish list of places to visit.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  24. Hi Eileen! :) Great post, lots of wonderful critters. I love those turtles, is it the Kingfisher with the amazing hair do? :) Very neat that you saw a pelican! Am I seeing an egret on one of the horses? Great shots!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Rain!
      Yes, the Kingfinger has a "cool" hairdo.
      There is a Cattle Egret sitting on top of the wild pony.
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  25. I love the names of your different wildlife spots! I'm not sure if I've said that before...
    Thanks for hosting. Have a good one!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm enjoying your travel photos! Mosaics are a great way to show off lots of photos too! Love the different birds you see in other states. Enjoy your weekend and this cooler weather! Hugs, Diane

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  27. So many beautiful critters, love them!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Martha!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  28. beautiful layouts in your mosaics today, an awesome way to share a lot of pictures!! i think chincoteague national wildlife refuge, was my favorite, but i have enjoyed all of your travels and all of the pictures you have shared. have a wonderful weekend and many thanks for hosting!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Debbie!
      Chincoteague is my favorite too
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  29. Hi Eileen once again some wonderful memories of your refuge visits, we have so many wonderful places to see right here at home it would almost take a life time to see it all. Enjoy the weekend.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Sondra!
      There are too many places to visit.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  30. Those wildlife refuges are so very beautiful and I am grateful we still have them in our world. I worry about things of late -- these give me heart.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Jeanie!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  31. Great Dismal Swamp - now there's an inviting name haha. All those collages take a lot of time and energy. Thank you for sharing them. Happy Day.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Gayle!
      It is very different actually being there, not so Dismal.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  32. Oh what wonderful nature refuge you have been too and fantastic photography each time ~ ^_^

    Live each moment with love,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  33. As usual, all great. But my favorite this time is the yellow-headed blackbird! He would be hard to miss with that bright beautiful head!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Minerva,
      Thank for the comment. The Yellow-headed Blackbird does stand out.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  34. Amazing collages, Great post.
    Have a nice weekend.

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

      Delete
  35. Grazie infinite per questi meravigliosi collage di fotografie.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Stefania!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  36. Thank you Eileen. Quite a treasure of birds!

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

      Delete
  37. Each of these collections is like a postcard of your visit, Eileen! You are certainly well traveled.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you RedPat!
      Happy Sunday, have a great new week!

      Delete
  38. There is so much beauty at these reserves, how could you pick a favourite?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Marie!
      Yes, it is hard, they are all favorite places.
      Have a great day and happy new week!

      Delete
  39. Interesting critters from refuges.... love Black-necked Stilt... I saw this critter several times.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Tanza!
      The Stilt is pretty!
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  40. Wow what a LOT of terrific critter pictures.
    Hope you have a great weekend too. :)

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  41. You sure have visited a lot of refuges. I like the photos of the birds on the horses back.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Diane!
      It was neat to see the egrets riding the horses.
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  42. Fine looking collages! Aren't you glad you saw so many places before the pandemic limited travel? I wish I had seen more.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Linda,
      Thanks for the comment and link.
      I miss traveling, we do take some little getaways,
      Have a great week!

      Delete
  43. Good morning Eileen, it's Sunday here already and I'm glad I can still link up. Thanks for sharing your beautiful critters and hosting this meme. Thank you for always visiting my blog. Take care. Jo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jo!
      I appreciate you visits, links and comments.
      Take care and have a great new week!

      Delete
  44. I've enjoyed this series of refuge areas so much...well done.

    I thank you for your participation at I'd Rather B Birdin this week as always.

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  45. Replies
    1. Thank you William!
      I hope your day and new week are great!

      Delete
  46. Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the comment.
      Have a happy day and a great new week!

      Delete
  47. Hunting is absolutely banned in India and I think it will destroy the leftover wildlife! Great photos and these are evidence as well to count on the species exist.

    Have a nice week ahead

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    Replies
    1. I am glad to hear India ban the hunting.
      Thanks so much for the comment.
      Have a happy day and a great new week!

      Delete
  48. Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment.
      Have a happy day and a great new week!

      Delete
  49. Hello, Eileen
    Wow, Saturday’s Critters #357 is, for me, like hitting the jackpot. Great photos from your visits to National Wildlife Refuges, including several right here in Washington State. Excellent post! It delights me to see that Dungeness NWR is one of your favorite places. Can you believe, I haven’t been there … but your post has moved it way up on my list of places to see. Thank you for sharing your blog and photography. And thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving me such a kind comment. I always look forward to hearing from you. Wishing you a happy week ahead. Take care my friend.
    John

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello John,
      Hubby and I both the Nisqually and Dungeness refuges. I did enjoy walking out on the Dungeness Spit, the views are beautiful. I hope you get to visit some day. I am always happy to visit your blog and thank you for visiting my blog and for the comment. Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  50. Dear Eileen,
    you wrote "I am not against hunting completely, only that there should be limits." I agree with you: I think it's important for nature that some species not become too much. But they shouldn't be too few either, and unfortunately people exaggerate in this regard. Beautiful phtoos of birds (some of them I've never seen before) and of other wonderful creatures.
    Wishing you a great new week,
    Traude

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Traude! I am not sure how they can count the wildlife species that is left after a hunt. Birds fly and animals are always on the move. I appreciate your comment and visit. Have a happy day and a great new week!

      Delete
  51. Hi Eileen, what marvelous places you two get to traverse! Beautiful collages to enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Jocelyn,
      Thanks so much for the comment.
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  52. Fantastic trips and a great variety of wildlife was captured with your camera.

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

      Delete
  53. Beautiful Collages..Great way to display all your wonderful photos..Thanks for sharing..

    ReplyDelete
  54. Eileen, I don't know how long it takes you to put these posts together, but you have really done a wonderful job with this one! You truly have shown the best! And I agree with you about hunting, but I'm for conservation and protecting our natural resources and that includes protecting our wildlife too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Kim,
      It was easy to put together, many of the photos have been on previous blog post.
      I am glad to hear you are for conservation of our resources and to protect our wildlife.
      Thanks for the comment. Have a great new week!

      Delete
  55. Hello,
    These collages are beautiful.
    Hugs.

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

      Delete
  56. beautiful birding :) love conservation

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

      Delete
  57. I am sorry to be so late commenting on this...I had started to look at it on phone, and realized I needed to see it on the computer.

    I so love the twin barns...but also all the birds is wonderful.

    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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