Saturday, December 11, 2021

Saturday's Critters # 417

 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 am sharing photos from recent walks to our lake, round trip just a little over a mile. I was going to make it a brisk walk back and forth from home but I started hearing and seeing birds close by.  We stayed a bit longer and I was able to capture a few of the birds staying still for my photos. 

Slow down to appreciate the beauty of life.

1. Below are a couple of Eastern Phoebes, Eastern Bluebirds, White-throated Sparrow, Winter Wren, Downy Woodpecker, Canada Geese and a view across the reservoir.



2. A Winter Wren is almost blending in with the leaves, it landed right behind us for me to capture this photo. 


3.  I was taking a shot of the reflections of the trees, when I noticed a few birds flying back and forth low over this cove area.



4. Some of the birds flying around were the White-throated Sparrows. I recognize their song before I was able to zoom in on one of the sparrows.



5. There were a few Eastern Phoebes hanging out around the lake shore and cove area. 



6. I also saw a few Eastern Bluebirds hanging around, this shot has a lot of tree twigs in the way. 



7. This shot of the Eastern Bluebird is clear of branches and he posed for a photo. 



8. A view looking across the lake, most of the trees have lost their leaves. 


Other birds heard but not appearing in photos, are the Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Northern Flicker, Cardinals, Chickadees, Kinglets, a distant Belted Kingfisher, Crows, Starlings and Grackles.

9. From Dec 3rd, the usual Canada Geese were seen all around the lake shore. If you enlarge this photo, there is a Belted Kingfisher perched on the edge of a down tree. It is at the top and almost in the middle, can you find it?


10. The images in the mosaic below are from Dec 1st and Dec 3rd. The top left is a Hermit Thrush in my back yard. The Red-tailed Hawk, Canada Geese and Belted Kingfisher were seen at the lake during one of our morning walks. 


11. Dec 6th we took another walk to our local lake. From the fire road I could hear the sounds of a Bald Eagle. I got a shot of one Eagle but the second eagle had too many tree branches in the way for a clear photo. The 2 Bald Eagles were sitting in a tree next to the lake, not far away was the Belted Kingfisher. 




Thanks to all my visitors and for your past and present comments. Stop back to see any replies to your comments. I appreciate everyone who loves and respects the wildlife. Thank you for sharing your critters and linking up a critter post.



Here is my linky:

Thank you for sharing your critters and post!






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!

120 comments:

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

      Delete
  2. Great sightings of beautiful birds from your walks to the lake. The winter wren is well camouflaged by the dry brown leaves that I almost miss it. Nice reflection of trees on the surface of the lake. Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Thank you Nancy! The little Wren did blend in well.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  3. Hari OM
    As ever, the mosaics delight - but the winner for me today is the wee wren! YAM xx

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    1. Thank you Yam! I was happy to find the Winter Wren!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  4. So many beautiful photos of birds. You are so fortunate to be able to visit these lovely areas with so much wildlife.

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    1. Thank you Yvonne! Yes, we are lucky to be a walking distance from the lake and birds.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  5. Great sightings! I like the reflection shot and the posing Eastern Bluebird is a winner.

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

      Delete
  6. That blue bird looks so elegant! Love your lake view with so many beautiful animals.

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    1. Thank you Angie! The Bluebird is one of my favorites too.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  7. Hi Eileen,
    What great photos from your walk.
    Most of the birds you show are not found in the Netherlands.
    Would you mind posting my link?
    I wish you a nice weekend.
    Greetings Irma

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

      Delete
  8. Hello Eileen,
    Beautiful birds and landscapes. The Eastern Bluebird is very pretty. I like blue birds. I love to see the Bald Eagle too. What a beautiful bird it is.
    Take care, and have a happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marit! The Bluebirds are my favorite too.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  9. Eileen, são tantas as belezas da vida e natureza e tu sempre as traz aqui pra nos mostrar lindamente! Adoro ver! beijos, lindo fim de semana! chica

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Chica! So nice of you to comment and visit.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  10. Hello, Hope your doing good. Another beautiful pist. Awesome pics. Have a nice weekend.

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

      Delete
  11. Almost couldn't see the bird in the second photo. Good camoflauge!

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

      Delete
  12. A lot of perfect bird shots all very beautiful. Great work.

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

      Delete
  13. You went for excellent focus on birds, which is not easy with the fall season and dry leaves all around. Nature is beautiful, either it is lush green, fall colors, or withered. I loved the reflection of the trees! Have a great weekend

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    1. Thank you Jeevan! Nature is beautiful!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  14. You still have a wide variety of birds to enliven a walk, Eileen. Winter has its own charm.

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    1. Thank you David! I try to enjoy my winter outings.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  15. Thank you for sharing the photos of such beautiful birds. Most of them don't live here so it's a pleasure to see them in their natural environment.
    Have a happy week end.

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

      Delete
  16. Los pájaros azules son preciosos. Los gorriones se ven bastante por mi ciudad.

    Que tengas un excelente fin de semana.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful birds and critters! The bluebird is my favorite. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for hosting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bill!
      The Bluebird is my favorite too.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  18. ...I love the bluebird, we had one at the feeder this week, a rare sight. Thanks Eileen for hosting the party today.

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    1. Thanks Tom! You are lucky to see the Bluebird at your feeder!
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  19. I adore your birding adventures! Thanks for hosting. Have a great one.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Jenn!
      I appreciate the link and comment.
      Have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  20. Lovely photos, Eileen. I particularly like the bluebirds! have a great new week!

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    1. Thank you Nick! The Bluebirds are my favorites!
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  21. There is an abundance of wildlife in the mile length. Love these photos of many birds I’ve never seen. My favourite in this lot is the kingfisher. They are long gone from here. I love how they can stand watch so long waiting for fish.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Marie!
      We are lucky to have so much within walking distance from our home.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  22. Thank you for hosting, Eileen. Have a good new week!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello Eileen. I agree with your sentiment that we should all slow down. Take time out to stop, look, listen and try to appreciate the world around us a little more. You set a fine example with that relatively short walk where you saw and heard lots, even in the midst of winter. Today, I really like the Bluebird and of course the Bald Eagle.

    Have a lovely weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Phil! We do enjoy our walks, enjoying everything we see.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  24. That's a great second photo of the Bluebird, but I also admire the other blue feathered friend, the Kingfisher. Good to zoom in on him! This is a great collection and I do envy your bird photo taking abilities! Have a great rest of the weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Barbara! I try to get some good photos, it is good to have the camera with a good zoom.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  25. I always love your critter posts. So many! I hope to add to this soon. But who knows... winter isn't my best critter-shooting season!

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

      Delete
  26. Replies
    1. Thank you Bill! The Wren does blend in with the leaves.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  27. i did find the king fisher out on the tallest limb.. the wrens are so tiny and so cute, but I think i like the blue birds best of all..

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Sandra! This wren is one of the tiniest wrens.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  28. Hi Eileen, You featured some of my favorite birds, the white throat being one of them and the wren. If not for the great outdoors I wouldn't even have a life...its my safe harbor. Enjoy your weekend, we have rain!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Sondra,
      I feel the same about the great outdoors.
      Thank you for the comment!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  29. I found the kingfisher too. Love the shots of the Bluebirds, Eileen!

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    1. Thank you RedPat!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  30. Beautiful photos Eileen. I like the blue bird. Have a nice weekend !

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    1. Caroline, thank you for the comment.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  31. The portrait of the birdie that posed for you is my favourite!

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

      Delete
  32. #7 photo of the sweet little Eastern Bluebird is the nicest thing I'll see today! Thanks for sharing Eileen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jocelyn! The Bluebird is my favorite, they are so pretty.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  33. I usually say good eye on a photo or bird sighting. I also have to say good ear as you heard quite a few birds. Keep on birding!

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

      Delete
  34. It's amazing what we can see when we get out in nature but just looking in the backyard is a great start! You see so much there. We are seeing more here this week too. Happy weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Diane! I am happy to see all this nature and wildlife outside my door.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  35. Güzel bir hobi... Bir sorum var Google çeviri "yaratık" olarak çeviriyor. Canlılar mı demek istiyor?istiyor

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A creature can be a living animal.
      Thanks for visiting, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  36. All are pretty and unique, but today the Bluebird catches my eye more than others.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Happy third Advent Sunday!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Luisella! I wish you a blessed 3rd Advent.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  37. Another delightful series of photos Eileen. All wonderful but the Eastern Bluebird took my eye today, as did the White-throated sparrow, having one out back recently. The reflection of the trees was also beautiful! Thank you for sharing nature at its best and have a splendid weekend :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Denise, thank you for the comment.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  38. It's always a treat to see all the beautiful birds you capture with your camera, Eileen! Happy weekend to you.

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    1. Thank you Ellen!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  39. the blue birds are GORGEOUS, they have such a sweet look about them!! i am always thrilled to see a bald eagle and the reflection is stunning!! have a great weekend eileen!!!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Debbie! Yes, both the Bluebirds and Eagles are a treat to see!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  40. Always awesome nature photography here ~ favorite is the Wren so well camouflaged ~ Xo

    Happy Weekend to you,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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

      Delete
  41. A fabulous shot of the |Eastern Bluebird Eileen Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend

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

      Delete
  42. You have made wonderful bird watching again, dearest Eileen!
    It's especially nice how this cute Estern Blubird posed for you! And the reflection of the trees is a real dream too!
    All the best from Austria,
    Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2021/12/oma-freuden-und-was-sonst-noch-im.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Traude!
      I appreciate your link and comment today.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
    2. Dearest Eileen,
      today I've a second post for you :-)
      Thank you for all your nice words!
      I wish you a festive pre-Christmas season!
      All the best, Traude
      https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2021/12/italien-reisebericht-ausflug-ans-meer.html

      Delete
    3. Thanks again Traude! I enjoy your post and the travel photos. You have so much fun, great adventures.
      Have a happy day!

      Delete
  43. Hello Eileen,
    Nice pictures of all these beautiful birds.
    Shot 7 is very nice.

    Many greetings,
    Marco

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

      Delete
  44. Muy escondidos pero lograste capturarlos. Preciosas fotos.
    Que paséis un buen fin de semana Eileen.
    Un abrazo.

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

      Delete
  45. You sure had some good birding days! I don't think I have ever seen a winter wren, other than on the computer. Love that one bluebird shot. It sure posed nicely for you.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Rose! I was happy to find the cute little Winter Wren!
      Have a great day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  46. I love the bluebirds. They are my very favorite birds!!

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    1. Thanks Karen! Happy Sunday, have a great new week!

      Delete
  47. Hello Eileen
    Many thanks for providing such a wonderful selection of birds, lovely to see.
    I really like the one where the Eastern Bluebird posed so well for you :)

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and have a good new week ahead.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jan!
      Take care, enjoy your day. Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  48. Dearest Eileen; So sorry my late posting and Thank you SO much for your sweet comment. Tonight (close to 9pm) I have something to catch up with. GREAT and PRETY birds I LOVE them♪ Comment again tomorrow; Much LOVE Miyako.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Miyako. I appreciate your comment any time.
      Have a happy day and week ahead.

      Delete
  49. Since Bluebirds are so few in my area, I particularly enjoyed those photos!

    Thank you so much for sharing your photos & narration this week, and thanks for hosting Saturday Critters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Anni!
      Have a happy day and week ahead.

      Delete
  50. Wonderful photos collages of all the wonderful birds that you see, I love the little bluebirds the best, Eileen.

    May you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Pat! The Bluebirds are favorites of mine too.
      Have a happy day and week ahead.

      Delete
  51. I do love the Eastern Phoebes, brilliant Eileen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bob!
      Have a happy day and week ahead.

      Delete
  52. Hi Eileen, “Slow down to appreciate the beauty of life.” As I was on my morning walk today, I thought to myself … I am lucky to be so easily entertained. I mean, just going for my walk, slowing down, and enjoying the beauty of nature is all I need to enjoy my morning. Your words are right on. I enjoyed all your photos. The sweet Eastern Bluebird (#6) almost looks like it is sleeping. :-) Then, in #7, a perfect portrait. #9 … Yes, I found the Belted Kingfisher. Would have missed it if you hadn’t mentioned it. :-) Here on Sunday afternoon I see 33 blogs have linked up … what a great group! Thank you, as always, for sharing and hosting. I send you wishes for a happy week ahead. John

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you John, I appreciate the kind comment and your visit.
      The Bluebirds are so pretty, one of my favorite birds.
      I always enjoy finding the Kingfishers and any birds on my walks.
      Nature is grand! Have a happy day and week ahead.

      Delete
  53. Dearest Eileen; Wow, such LOVELY,SWEET and CUTE little birdies♬ They are truly not the ones I can enjoy to see.
    I was really impressed by the reflection as well.
    Always thankful for your contribution for us (^^♪)
    So sorry for my late commenting again. This time; my husband had high blood pressure again & took by the ambulance....
    Take Care from Japan; Miyako

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Miyako.
      I hope you hubby is feeling better, I am sending prayers and well wishes for him.
      Take care, I wish you a good week!

      Delete
  54. Todo se ve precioso, hay muchas aves que no se ven por aquí en España. Besos y feliz semana.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Teresa!
      Have a happy day and week ahead.

      Delete
  55. I do see the Kingfisher even without enlarging the photo ... because I am so used to seeing that bird from a distance (and waiting without any luck for them to get into view!) That is such a beautiful walk and how lucky to have in your neighborhood. Lots of birds -- it would be very hard for me to do that as a brisk walk! ..... I wish I were better at recognizing bird sounds. You are so good at it.

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    1. Thank you Sallie! I have learn a lot of various bird sounds over the years.
      I am always happy to see the Kingfisher.
      Have a happy day and week ahead.

      Delete
  56. It's no wonder the bluebird is synonymous with happiness ... seeing them always makes me smile. :)

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    1. Thanks so much for the visit and comment!
      Have a happy day and week ahead.

      Delete
  57. Hi Eileen! Your photos are beautiful. I always love to see your birds! That photo of the trees reflecting, wow! :)

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    1. Thank you Rain!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  58. Eileen - love the Eastern Bluebirds!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Angie!
      Take care, enjoy your day and weekend!

      Delete
  59. And of course my favourite is the winter wren - perfectly captured!
    Wren x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Wren!
      Have a happy day and week ahead!

      Delete

Hello, thank you for visiting my blog. I always appreciate your comments.

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