Saturday, January 2, 2021

Saturday's Critters # 368

 Welcome to Saturday's Critters!


Hello and happy Saturday! The first Critter party of the New Year 2021.. 
 
 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!
 
These are images from the last two weeks of December, we had a snow storm, I have been seeing lots of yard birds coming and going to the feeders.  A few recent sightings included the Northern Flicker and a group of Eastern Bluebirds. There have been lots of Dark-eyed Juncos, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Nuthatches, Chickadees, WT Sparrows, Tufted Titmouse, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers and the Red-bellied Woodpeckers. 

1. Below is the male Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker, he has the black malar mark.
 

 
 
2. Eastern Bluebirds stopped by at the Winterberry bushes during the snow storm.  These berries do not last long, I have seen a flock of Robins eat all them in a short time.




 
 
3. Downy Woodpecker and a Hairy Woodpecker. The Hairy is larger in size, their head, body and the bill are all bigger.  
 
 

 
4. Two male Northern Cardinals and one female sitting in the bush.
 
 
 
 
5.  Two White-breasted Nuthatches, Northern Cardinal with an American Goldfinch, bottom row is a Pine Siskin and a White-throated Sparrow.



6. Northern Cardinal in the pine tree, Downy Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Junco and the Northern Flicker.
 
 

 
7.  The woodpeckers together below in the front is the female Downy Woodpecker and behind is the larger Hairy Woodpecker.



8.  The Blue Jays are daily visitors, they love the peanuts, sunflower seeds and peanut butter suet balls.





I hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year's. I wish everyone all the best in 2021. 

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


Here is my linky:


 

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


 

133 comments:

  1. The cardinal in the pine tree would make a beautiful Christmas card.

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  2. your bird photos are just lovely, especially the bluebirds! Have a great year in 2021 -- better in all ways than 2020. Be safe and healthy!

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mae!
      I wish you all the best in 2021!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

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

      Delete
  4. Hello and Happy New Year!
    Thanks for sharing these beautiful images even though in the storm.
    The Cardinals are awesome and the Northern Flickers too.
    They are all a fantastic company to watch.
    Have a joyful weekend!

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

      Delete
  5. Whatever the seasons, you get to enjoy wonderful sightings of pretty birds in your yard. Thank you for hosting. Wishing you and yours all the best for the New Year.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Nancy!
      I wish you all the best in 2021, happy and healthy New Year!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  6. Lovely see both those woodpeckers together Eileen and also to see the snow. I love the snow but we have not had any in my area of N. Ireland. Well the new year has begun. I am hoping we all get back to some kind of normality and I can get out with all my bird group again. Thanks for hosting, stay safe adn have a good week ahead

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Margaret! I wish you good birding in 2021.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  7. Replies
    1. Thank you for commenting!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  8. OK! The Northern Flicker is Woody Woodpecker's cousin! I did not know that!
    You brought the whole family together! LOL
    I really enjoyed your blog post and I'm glad you didn't ignore the Cardinal!
    Wishing you a nice weekend, Eileen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ella!
      Yes, the Flicker is related to the Woodpeckers.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  9. The birds must be so glad of those feeders, specially when fede is scarce and snow is thick. We had a quiet New Year, a drive yesterday, and now raining and probably a thunderstorm tonight.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Jean!
      The birds are happy to have the feeders,especially during a snowstorm.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  10. Hi Eileen,
    You have made a wonderful series of photos and collages.
    Many of the species that you have there are only seen in the zoo in the Netherlands.
    Would you like to post my link, I cannot do that.
    I also wish you and all your loved ones a happy but above all a healthy 2021.
    Greetings Irma

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Irma!
      I wish you and yours a happy healthy New Year!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  11. Que linda coleção! Adorei a dos pássaros e a neve! Lindo demais! Ótimo fim de semana! beijos,chica

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

      Delete
  12. Great pics Eileen, have a great weekend.

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

      Delete
  14. Always enjoyed, thank you so much Eileen. Do you have a favorite seed that you feed the birds? I've noticed that the brand I use, it's a mixture, they eat everything but the tiny brown seeds - millet I think it is. I would be grateful for any advice. Thanks again and Happy New Year!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Denise! I use mostly sunflower seeds. The woodpeckers and other birds like the suet cakes or the little peanut butter suet balls. Some times I buy a woodpecker mix with nuts and berries. My birds are spoiled and have a choice of food, lol. Enjoy your first weekend of the New Year!

      Delete
  15. Hello, Happy New Year. All the best in 2021.
    Lovely winter pictures.

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    1. Thank you Klara!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  16. Happy New Year, Eileen! Lovely photos of the birds, but it looks very cold out there!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Nick!
      Rain has come and washed away all our snow. It is a little warmer now.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  17. A snowstorm might not be that fun but seeing your shots today make me think the snow really enhances the birds. It shows them off. :) It is a good thing the birds know where food is availble when life gets tough.
    My favorite shot today is no4, the cardinals. This shot is really beautiful.
    Take care of you, your family and the wildlife.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Monica!
      The cardinals do add a pop of color in the snow.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  18. Hello Eileen,
    Your photos of birds in the snow are so pretty. The Yellow-shaftet Northern Flicker is very beautiful.
    Take care, and have a Happy Weekend!

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

      Delete
  19. That's a great suite of birds to have coming to your yard, Eileen. We are a little too far north to still have flickers in the winter; bluebirds are here but they are sparse. Other than that we can enjoy the same species. By next month Canada Jays and Great Horned Owls will be nesting and the whole cycle will renew itself as it has since time immemorial.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you David!
      I do see a lot more birds at the feeders during a snowstorm.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  20. Thank you for another year full of wonderful shots, Eileen!

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

      Delete
  21. Snow always makes for a great background! Beautiful birds! Happy New Year!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks and Happy New Year Brian!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  22. The woodpeckers have returned to the boardwalk here again as well. The nuthatches are so cute the way they work so much upside down. Such wonderful creatures all.

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

      Delete
  23. ...the trio of cardinales would make a lovely Christmas card. Thanks for hosting Eileen, take care.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Tom!
      The cardinals do look pretty in the snow.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  24. I always enjoy seeing your yard birds. A bright red cardinal in snow is a scene that always makes me smile.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda!
      I agree the Cardinals look lovely with a snowy background.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  25. Gorgeous winter captures Eileen!

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

      Delete
  26. The photo of two red cardinals in the snow fascinates me. The contrast of the red of the cardinal feathers and the whiteness of the snow is striking.

    Happy New Year, Eileen.
    We wish you a lot of success this year.

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

      Delete
  27. I know they appreciate the feeders during this cold weather! What pretty birds you have right there at your house! Happy weekend and Happy New year!!! Hugs, Diane

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Diane! Happy New year to you and yours!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  28. These are wonderful photos! As ever! I'm not sure I've time for photography today. There is some shoveling to do! Have a great January!

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

      Delete
  29. love the movment of the woodpecker wing action and the speckled breast of the first photo.. daddy had a pirantha tree that covered the front of his house, this time of year it had berries all over it, like your tree. the birds use to come in a flock and in a flash were gone with every single berry... they were happy to deposti said berries on daddys car roof.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sandra!
      I love having some natural berries here for the birds to eat.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  30. pyracantha berries. had to look up the spelling.

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  31. Hari OM
    What visual delights these are to the eye, and there can be no denying the joy of the cardinal's red in all that snow! But the woodpeckers are lovely - oh they all are! Here's to many more such images in 2021!!! YAM xx

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    Replies
    1. Thank you YAM!
      I wish I could add some lifers to my bird list in 2021!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  32. Hi Eileen! :) The Northern Flicker photo is great. But the cardinal in the conifer tree is picture perfect for a Christmas card! Lovely captures! :)

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  33. ooooh eileen, you got so much snow, we only got a flake or 2. the bluebirds are just gorgeous, i don't see them in my yard but they are in the area. i think they prefer woodsy areas and my yard is definitely not that!! they cardinals are gorgeous as well, everyone always looks better in the snow!!

    beautiful capture of the flicker, i only see them occasionally!!! many thanks for hosting, you sure have been doing this a long time!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Debbie!
      368 Saturdays, that is a lot of critters.
      I think one of these storms we had 10-11 inches of snow. Then the rain washed it all away.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  34. Great photos!
    I would be so excited to see the Flickers!
    Have a wonderful day!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Lea!
      I have not seen it since, I still hear it around the neighborhood.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  35. That was a busy time at your feeders.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Red!
      Seeing the birds at my feeders makes me happy.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  36. Thank you for the comment!
    Take care, enjoy your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Eileen ~ beautiful photos of our feathered friends and helps me to identify some birds that come to my feeder that I don't know ~ I assume the photo I posted of a sweet bird ~ is a wren? That seem to be what your comment was indicating ~ It is a beautifully colored bird ~

    Wishing you a Happy, Creative and Healthy New Year,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Carol!
      The Caroline Wren does have pretty colors!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  38. Thanks Eileen for helping me identify the Carolina wren ~ ^_^

    Wishing you a Happy, Creative and Healthy New Year,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No problem, I am glad I could help with the id!
      Enjoy your day!

      Delete
  39. Yikes. I lost track of the days there and just remebered it's Saturday and time to join Eileen.

    Despite the snowstorm you took some great shots there Eileen. The two 'peckers are just brilliant so as to see the size difference. And I love the two nuthatches hanging from your feeder.

    We had cold weather today, but nothing like your own. Brrr.

    Hope it warms up soon

    Have a great 2021 Eileen

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Phil!
      I was lucky to catch the two woodpeckers together.
      It is warmer today!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  40. That was unusual, getting both of the look-alike woodpeckers at the same time. Happy New Year!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Ken!
      I am lucky to see all these woodpeckers in my yard and at my feeders.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  41. There is nothing like a male Cardinal in the snow! Happy New Year, Eileen!

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

      Delete
  42. I do love the Flickers and Woodpeckers, but my attention is always taken by the Cardinal when I see them. Happy New Year to you Eileen, and thank you for all your comments and for hosting this each week. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Adam!
      I appreciate your comments and links!
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  43. Hi Eileen, I'm currently on a little blog break but couldn't resist stopping by to see Saturday's Critters #368. It impresses me that the birds don't seem to be daunted by the snow storm. I am curious ... wonder if they have a spot where they go to get out of the wind and weather, sort of like a nest for the winter? The Bluebirds on the Winterberry bushes ... that is a neat photo. The Northern Cardinals are so colorful in the snow. Lots of neat photos ... thank you for sharing. Happy New Year to you and yours. And have a happy week ahead. John

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and for the comment John! I a lucky with the variety of birds I see here.
      After the snowstorm we had a warmer rain which washed all the snow away. The Cardinals are a pop of color.
      Take care, enjoy your day and the blog break!

      Delete
  44. All your patrons are wonderful Eileen. Our snow was all washed away with rain as well, although we may get a few inches tomorrow night!!...:)jp

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    Replies
    1. Thank you JP!
      Our snow has melted, except for the bigger piles.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  45. Love the snow storm photo. So pretty. It would be nice framed. It's taken me awhile to remember today is Saturday...:)

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  46. Excellent shots. The one I like best is the bluebirds in the bush with the berries during the storm.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Karen!
      I love the bluebirds too, I was surprised to see them that day.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  47. I feel for the birds in all that snow and cold weather. I am glad you put food out for them.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Mxx!
      These birds know how to handle our winters, it is cold.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  48. I'm always amazed at how many of the same types of birds show up at our feeders. Love your pictures especially the flock of bluebirds which I don't see in my backyard despite them being our state bird. Happy New Year!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Jean!
      The Bluebirds are a favorite of mine, they are always a treat to see.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  49. I love the woodpecker in flight! Happy New Year!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda!
      I was lucky I captured the woodie in flight.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  50. I always love seeing the little birds in your garden they always seem so exotic to me, especially the red Northern cardinal! Keep warm, looks chilly with you!
    Wren x

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Wren!
      The snow is gone and it is a little warmer.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  51. You always have such a wonderful array of beautiful birds visiting! I especially enjoyed the cardinals in the snow. I want to be positive that 2021 will be better than 2020! Happy New Year & thanks for sharing your first birding post for the year!!

    PS, thanks for stopping by Hotin' Anni's yesterday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Anni! I have enjoyed visiting your blog and look forward to linking up in 2021.
      I hope we all see lots of great birds in the new year. Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a great new week ahead!

      Delete
  52. Hello Eileen,
    What a wonderful birds you have photograph.
    The woodpeckers are so nice. I think I have never seen this kind before.
    Great to see this in your post.

    I wish you all the luck and health for this new year!!

    Greetings, Marco

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Marco!
      Happy New Year to you and yours!

      Delete
  53. Happy New Year Eileen. Oh My you have a lot of snow. It always makes pictures pop in such a beautiful way. All of these bird pictures delight the eye. I especially love the woodpeckers at the feeders. Actually I would have a hard time choosing a favorite, the Flicker, Cardinals, Bluebirds. everything is delightful. Take care, stay safe~

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Mary! I wish you and your family all the best in 2021, It will be great when we can all go back to more normal lives. Mean time, take care and stay safe!

      Delete
  54. Happy New Year, I'm looking forward to spending time here with you and all the critters. Far too many are missing here, I will write a post about them soon. I'm very concerned and not sure why it's happening.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Inger! It is sad to hear about the missing birds and critters. Are they loosing habitat, trees and water, natural foods are important for the wild birds. Take care, I wish you a happy new week!

      Delete
  55. Great shots of our typical winter visitors...Happy New Year

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Missy!
      Take care, have a great new week!

      Delete
  56. Excellent shots---so many happy birds. These Cardinals sure pop out of a shot. Wish we had them out here.
    Happy New Year
    MB

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    Replies
    1. Thank you MB!
      The cardinals are a pretty pop of color.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week ahead!

      Delete
  57. Fabulous collection of photographs Eileen ...
    Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2021.

    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Jan!
      I wish you the same!
      Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a great new week ahead!

      Delete
  58. Happy New 2021 and may it be a spectacular year for all! Your snowy bird filled post of nature's best is wonderful. I hope you're all enjoying a great start to our new year, and thank goodness a new and will be improved administration for America!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Karen!
      I have good feeling about this new administration, I hope they are given a chance, just like the last one was given. Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a great new week ahead!

      Delete
  59. Hi Eileen,
    I again see beautiful photos in your post.
    The woodpeckers and the cardinals are the most beautiful birds for me :-))))
    Thank you for your wishes and I also wish you a very beautiful and above all healthy 2021.
    Thank you for linking 😃
    Greetings, Helma

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    Replies
    1. Thank you and Happy New Year Helma!
      I wish you a happy and healthy 2021!
      Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a great new week ahead!

      Delete
  60. I was agog with the flicker. But the birds on the winterberry bush are stunning!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Jeanie!
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a happy new week!

      Delete
  61. Happy New Year, Eileen! The Husband and I got to wondering today how many of the birds we see in our yard and nearby are regulars and visitors for a few days or a few months.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Su-sieee!
      I think you would be surprised at how many birds you can see in your own yard.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a happy new week!

      Delete
  62. Nothing brings them in like a good snow storm...glad to see the Hairy WP, and the WT Sparrow...both getting rare around here.
    Holding my breath till Tuesday...hope we are still Free to Breath after then. Enjoy your week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sondra!
      I am counting the days until the inauguration day.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a happy new week!

      Delete
  63. You have the best yard birds! And the pics of both kinds of woodpeckers are great teaching tools , showing the differences for IDing them. Happy New Year and thank you for all you do for blogging!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Sallie!
      You see great birds in your neighborhood too.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a happy new week!

      Delete
  64. Wonderful photos, Eileen!
    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment!
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a happy new week!

      Delete
  65. I so love the shot of the woodpeckers with the one in motion! That is an awesome capture.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Rose!
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a happy new week!

      Delete

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