Saturday, August 21, 2021

Saturday's Critters # 401

 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!

July 5-6 , for a short getaway and to see some different scenery we went to Shenandoah National Park. We spent the night in Harrisonburg Va , drove the Skyline Drive both days. We hiked on the Limberlost Trail and the Big Meadows. 

Click on photos for larger viewing. 

1. Various images from our Skyline Drive, the hike on Limberlost and Big Meadows, various wildflowers and scenic views. 



2. A skywatch and view from one of the many scenic overlooks on the Skyline Drive. 





4. White-tailed Deer crossing the Skyline Drive. 




5. Another look at the Deer, I enjoy seeing all wildlife. 




6. A Dark-eyed Junco was seen on the Big Meadows camp store parking lot. 




7. Some of the birds we saw on our Shenandoah visit and hikes, A Wood Thrush, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrows, Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, White-tailed Deer, American Robin, Indigo Bunting and am American Redstart.






8. A larger image of the Wood Thrush





8. This was my first time seeing a snail in a shell. 




9. American Redstart, possible Viceroy butterfly, wildflowers, Indigo Bunting. 


10.
An adult Chipping Sparrow with what looks like a juvenile Chipping Sparrow.






11.  A closer look at the Indigo Bunting.






Shenandoah NP is one of our favorite places to visit, we try to visit as often as we can.  I hope you enjoyed going along on our little getaway and my photos. 

I am also linking up to Anni's blog party found here I'd Rather B Birding   Anni always has some beautiful birds to be seen on her blog, check it out!




Here is my linky:

YOU are all # 1.




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. 

126 comments:

  1. Beautiful! I love that cute deer and the blue Indigo Bunting looks really lovely. Have a wonderful weekend, Eileen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Angie
      Thank you for the comment and visit!
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  2. Wow! Such lovely sightings. I like the beautiful snail shell, the Wood Thrush, the flowers and the Indigo Bunting.

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

      Delete
  3. Pretty wild flowers. Lovely blue sky and a sighting of the deer. Wonderful shots of birds. Rough journey for the snail. Thank you for hosting and have a beautiful weekend.

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  4. Hello Eileen,
    Beautiful birds and skyline. The Indigo bunting has a pretty color.
    Take care, and have a happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello, Hope your doing well.
    Loved the post. So nice pics.
    Greetings from India

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

      Delete
  6. Hi Eileen,
    What great photos and collages these are from your travels.
    I really like the Indigo Bunting and it has such a beautiful color.
    I love the crossing white-tailed deer.
    Would you mind posting my link, I can't do it myself.
    I wish you a nice weekend.
    Greetings Irma

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  7. Great critter photos! Lovely scenic view from Skyline Drive!
    Have a wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beautiful critters and scenery. I was surprised to see juncos. I did not realize that their breeding range extended down into the mountains to the south.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ken!
      Yes, the Juncos are year round birds for this mountain area.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  9. Eileen...I can see why this area is one of your favorite spots to hike!! So abundant is the wildlife!! And your photo collages are outstanding.

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  10. strange, the name Shenandoah National Park triggered a memory but I have never been to that part of the US.
    Seeing your shots of a beautiful landscape and wildlife I would like to visit it if it was ever possible. The Indigo Bunting is a winner!
    Love to see your getaways. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Monica!
      I think many blogger have posted about visiting Shenandoah NP, maybe you are remembering other posts.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  11. Che posto meraviglioso.
    Dona un grande senso di pace.

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

      Delete
  12. It is always a joy to watch your photos!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Tão lindas sempre tuas fotos e colagens com elas! Até o caracol ficou lindo! Que teu fim de semana seja maravilhoso e a nova semana assim também! beijos, chica

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  14. Hari OM
    Such a variety! I nearly missed the deer in the first of the shots, for looking at the bird flitting across the road at the front! We do live on an incredible planet, don't we? YAM xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you YAM!
      The bird flying across just photobombed the deer.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  15. Hello Eileen,
    Nice pictures.
    Amazing that view on picture 2. Wonderful picture of that beautiful bird on picture 11. Great.

    Greetings, Marco

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  16. I like the variety. I really must go for a drive or something! Thanks for hosting.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have no difficulty understanding that this is a favourite place to visit, Eileen. If I lived close I would be a regular patron. Enjoy the weekend that is just beginning. All the best from Ontario, David.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you David!
      It is one of great national parks and a scenic drive.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  18. Lovely capture from your walk and wild drive ! Surprising to hear that you have never seen a snail in a shell until that day. Liked the wildflowers and birds.
    Have a great weekend

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

      Delete
  19. Beautiful birds! I like the deer too.

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  20. Dear Eileen,
    your getaway was in a beautiful area! With your photo "White-tailed Deer crossing the Skyline Drive", I was glad you wrote it - otherwise I would not have seen the Deer. (I was completely focused on the bird shadow on the asphalt) ... You saw many beautiful plants and a large variety of birds in Shenandoah National Park.
    Thank you very much for your compassionate words on our farewell to our dear Maxwell. We are very sad, but luckily we still have the cat Nina, who comforts us ...
    Today I have pictures of excursions for you - unfortunately I did not manage to take any useful photos of larger animals that day. (I photographed a wagtail in flight, but the photos were all bad.) And my husband saw an otter in the Danube, but it was gone far too quickly. That's why I can only offer you three butterflies.
    Happy Weekend!
    Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2021/08/tagesausflug-in-die-wachau-von-romern.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Traude! I enjoyed your post and beautiful mosaics and photos. You always seem to find lovely places to visit. I am so glad you have your kitty Nina for company. Take care and enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  21. PS: Are snails in a shell rare in the US?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, I do not think the snails are rare here.
      It is just that I have never seen one before this time. Thanks again!

      Delete
  22. Hello, your series of critters is lovely, as usual. I like the Indigo Bunting very much.
    The snail is fun to watch.
    Thanks for hosting our things.
    Enjoy your weekend and stay safe!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Replies
    1. Thank you William!
      I do love the critters!
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  24. Beautiful shots, Eileen! Love that indigo bunting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Nick, thank you for the comment and visit!
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  25. Shenandoah looks so peaceful, much as our Blue Ridge Parkway. Of course lots of green things these days. Loved seeing your birds and deer, and the snail! I though immediately that that gravel must feel uncomfortable to him, being used to sliding over smoother surfaces, but then I realized, he's in nature, so anything along the path is ok with him!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Barbara!
      I loved riding on the Parkway too. I hope the snail was ok, we saw 2 in the same area.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  26. ...what a wonderful place to visit, you sure saw the best that nature had to offer. Thanks Eileen for hosting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Tom!
      We have so many places to visit and see nature's best.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  27. Hi Eileen. Shenandoah is a place I and perhaps many others know from Western movies but your post brought it to life. As usual your variety of birds is outstanding by way of the Wood Thrush, the Indigo Bunting, American Redstart and all the others. Have a lovely Sunday and thanks once again for the links today.

    ReplyDelete
  28. great shot of the snail, and i want to see a deer for myself.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Sandra!
      The deer are always a treat to see.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  29. It sure is nice to have a little getaway. We can't wait until the weather improves to make more day trips. You saw a LOT and I know you enjoyed it all. The Indigo Bunting is a beautiful bird!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Diane!
      I am looking forward to some daytrips too.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  30. Never seen a deer around here, thanks for sharing the photos.
    Have a good week end.

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

      Delete
  31. All so lovely and special; I especially liked the Wood Thrush, Indigo Bunting and the snail. And oh yes, the sky views.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Jocelyn
      Thank you for the link, comment and visit!
      I do enjoy skywatching too.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  32. You had a great trip. Native flowers are at their peak.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Red!
      Wildflowers are a lovely sight!
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  33. a very nice variety of critters, the snail is so cool!! a beautiful capture of the indigo bunting...so nice to get-a-way and see all of these wonderful creatures. have a great weekend eileen but i think there is a storm a brewing!! many thanks for hosting!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Debbie!
      I heard about the storm, I hope it stays further out in the ocean.
      Take care, stay safe! Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  34. It's always such a delight to me to come and visit you here, dearest friend of mine, your shots always fill my heart with joy!
    I pray your weekend is a blessed one
    Xx Daniela

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Dany,
      It is so nice to see a link from you today, I enjoyed your post.
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  35. Love the scenic view. Beautiful! Lots of nice bird shots, but enjoyed seeing the snail. Haven't seen one in a long time. Happy Saturday!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Betty!
      It was my first time finding one of these snails, maybe previous trips I just missed seeing them.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  36. Wonderful Eileen that you both got a way and it seems to a lovely spot with lots to see and photograph. Thanks for hosting, stay safe and have a gret week ahead

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Margaret!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  37. Hi Eileen, this was another great assortment of wonderful plants and creatures! I especially enjoyed seeing that Indian Pipe plant, something I hope to find in the wilds one day maybe...Love all the birds too...Skyline drive is such a wonderful experience.
    Happy weekend!!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Sondra!
      I am usually always on the lookout for mushrooms while on our walks.
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  38. You were in very good company. I'm your new follower. May you follow me back?
    Thanks and have a nice day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Rocio!
      I am following you now.
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  39. Gorgeous photos, especially the Wood Thrush and Indigo Bunting, absolutely stunning Eileen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bob!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  40. Hello Eileen, thanks for sharing so many beautiful photos. It is such a beautiful place, one that I wish I had visited when I lived on the East Coast.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Inger!
      There are so many beautiful places in our country to visit.
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  41. The Indigo Bunting is so special! Love all the birds as always and it was pretty neat to catch that snail in all it's slimy perfection ;>).... it's quite odd how we see so many empty snail shells and so few snails.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Sallie!
      I never find the snail shells.
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  42. Just looking at you wonderful shots is so relaxing, Eileen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you RedPat!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  43. Oh love the little snail photo ~ lovely series of nature shots! Awesome! Xo

    Living in the moment,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Carol!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  44. the little chick, beautiful, down here the birds pick up the snails, and fly onto the clear verandah roof, then bash them to crack the shell., Love the deer in the tall grass, it would be wonderful to be there in reality in one of your stunning adventure spots. We are in total lockdown, so no travel unless for food, medical appt, or you are an essential worker.A good time for me to get some unfinished projects done and put away for Christmas.

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

      Delete
  45. Your love and appreciation for all Nature's critters is wonderful Eileen and very obvious. I do wish you lived next door because I could sure learn a lot!!...jp

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    1. Thank you JP!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  46. Lots of beautiful photos from your little getaway.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Karen!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  47. It's always nice to get-away.
    Thank you for sharing these fabulous photographs.
    I do like how you've presented them ...

    Have a wonderful weekend and a good new week.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jan!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  48. That countryside in shot 2 looks like it goes on forever. Gorgeous!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Marie!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  49. Eileen - LOVE the indigo bunting!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Angie!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  50. Lovely photos of one of my favorite places!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  51. Some lovely, lovely pictures! Nature is just fantastic...
    Love from a sunny Sweden & Titti

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the visit and comment!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  52. Stay virus free, be safe birding, and thanks for linking in Eileen!
    ~Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin'

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hello Eileen, what a wonderful collection of birds and wildlife. Do you not get snails in shells as a rule? We have hundreds here in SA. I love the Indigo Bunting. Thanks for hosting this meme. I have added my post. Have a great Sunday. Jo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Jo,
      It was my first time seeing the snails in a shell, I see snails or slugs in our yard without the shells.
      I appreciate the link and comment. Take care, have a great week!

      Delete
  54. Dear friend! Really good shot. Wood trush photo is great. Happy Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  55. Has been a while that I saw a living snail:) But a deer in summer, yay! By the way I have a new url (one word) living between two realms (.) wordpress (.) com and changed my username!
    Emille (former:Jesh)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the visit and comment!
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  56. Wonderful critters to share...and I especially love that first view after the first collage!

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  57. I have never seen a snail in a shell! That was a great catch Eileen! :) The deer...so pretty. What a nice drive! :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Rain!
      I always love seeing any kind of wildlife.
      Have a happy new week!

      Delete
  58. What a great trip you had in one of my favorite areas. Thank you for sharing all the wonderful sights you saw. Happy week to you :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Denise!
      It is one of my favorite parks to visit.
      Have a great day and happy week!

      Delete
  59. Wonderful series of photos, nature is incredible. Thanks for sharing.
    Have a nice week

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Maria!
      Have a great day and happy week!

      Delete
  60. Love the variety of photos, Eileen. Your collages are beautiful.

    Happy Wednesday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Veronica Lee!
      Have a great day and happy week ahead!

      Delete
  61. A lovely selection of wildlife sightings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Juliet!
      Have a great day and happy week!

      Delete
  62. Bellísima. Me encantó esa cascada.Gracias Eileen por compartirla.
    Te deseo un buen miércoles.
    Un abrazo.

    ReplyDelete

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Have a happy day, Eileen

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