Saturday, December 18, 2021

Saturday's Critters # 418

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 archived photos, pairs of various bird species. Are they mates for life? 

1. The Bald Eagle is one of bird species that is known to mate for life. The Bald Eagle mating season starts the month of  October in Maryland. 1-3 eggs are usually laid in February.  Both sexes help to build the nest, bringing materials to the nest.  The female is known to do the placement,  then together they weave the materials. They can take up to 3 months to complete a nest and the nest could be re-used year after year. 





2. Cardinals are monogamous and will typically mate for life. The Cardinal couple will work together building the nest and they can take 8-9 days to build their nest. Breeding season can last from March to September. the female will lay 2-5 eggs.  The male Cardinal will help feed it's mate and their young. 





3. A male and female House Finch. I read the House Finch will have one mate for life. The male will feed the female and guard their mate from other males.  They build a nest shaped like a cup. Their nest is made with fine twigs and stems, two inches deep. 





4. Below are the male and female Purple Finch. The Purple Finch is closely related to the House Finch seen above. During he nesting season, the male will sing and hop around puffing out it's feathers to attract the female.  The female does most of the work building the nest, taking about 3 to 8 days to complete. They have 2-7 eggs and their nesting period is 13-16 days. 





5. One of my all time favorites are the Eastern Bluebirds. Some years they like to use my nesting boxes, either to keep warm or  during the nesting period.  They have been known to mate for life, unless a mate should disappear. The male bluebird will help supply building material and then the female will construct the nest. The bluebird can lay 2-7 eggs and nesting period is 17-21 days. They can have 1-3 broods during a season. 





6. A pair of Wood Ducks, they form seasonal bonds or monogamy.  The use nest cavities in trees, 2-60 feet high and not far from water. Sometimes they use an old woodpecker's nesting cavity or a nesting box is provided. They can have 6-16 eggs, taking 56-70 days for their nesting period. 





7. The male and female Hooded Merganser. I was surprised when I read that the Hooded Merganser is known to egg-dump. They dump their eggs into a nesting cavity of their own species and other duck species like the Wood Duck. Apparently the other mommy does not mind taking care of all the extra chicks. The young chick can leave the nest in 24 hours. 




8. The male and female Downy Woodpecker. It is said most woodpeckers will mate for life. They often return to the same nest cavity each season. They can lay 3-8 eggs and their nesting period is 18-21 days. 





9. Below are a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers. These woodpeckers will excavate a nest in a dead tree, usually takes 3-6 weeks to construct a nest. Sometimes they will re-use a nesting cavity.  The female can lay 3-5 eggs, nesting period is usually 24-31 days. 





10.  Barred Owls, I saw this pair close together often during our walks at Circle B preserve in Lakeland Florida.  The Barred Owl male is known to be territorial, therefore could possibly mate for it's life time. 





Thank you for sharing your critters and post!

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 wildlife. Thank you for sharing your critters and linking up a critter post.



Here is my linky:



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!



123 comments:

  1. It is interesting to read about the different birds, their life partner, building their nests together and feeding of their chicks. It is wonderful that you were able to capture them in pairs. Have a beautiful weekend. Wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance.

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    1. Thank you Nancy! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  2. What a WOW post, Eileen! Seriously, Pin this to your sidebar or something. GREAT shots!

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    1. Cloudia, thank you for your comment!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  3. THat's a great collection of photos of bird pairs, and very interesting observations of their habits. I've read that DNA analysis shows that some species aren't quite as faithful to their "spouses" as they seem.

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you Mae!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  4. The pairs are so beautiful, and your photos are so amazing. The Barred Owls are sweet. Love them all. I don’t why but these photos made me smile :) Happy Weekend!

    -Soma

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    1. Hello Soma
      Thank you for your link, comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  5. Hello Eileen,
    The Bald Eagles are so beautiful. The Barred Owl is so cute, and great photos!
    Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Marit!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  6. So many different kinds of birds and they are all very beautiful. Didn't know that cardinals mate for life. Hooded Merganser are so cute...I love esp. that red one.
    Have a wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Angie!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  7. Wow! What a series. The eagles are lovely, the Hooded mergansers, the Wood ducks too...not to mention the Woodpeckers.
    All are so colourful and lively. Thanks for sharing.
    Have a lovely IV Advent Sunday! Stay safe!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Luisella! Happy Fourth Advent!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  8. Hi Eileen,
    What beautiful pictures of the pairs of different birds.
    I also think that they always stay together.
    Would you mind posting my link, I can't do it myself.
    I wish you a nice weekend.
    Greetings Irma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Irma!
      Thank you for your comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  9. Dearest Eileen,
    It's always such a pleasure and delight to come and visit you here!
    In the hope you and your dear ones are doing well,
    I take advantage of this occasion to send you my best wishes for the Season,
    may your Christmas be the merriest and brightest ever
    Much love
    Daniela at ~ My little old world ~ (Dany)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Dany,
      So nice to see you linking up. I wish you a very Happy Christmas and all the best in the New Year!
      Thank you for your comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  10. What a great compilation of bird couples. I liked all of them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  11. Tão lindos cada um dos exemlares da natureza! Beleza de fotos! beijos, tudo de bom e desde já FELIZ NATAL! Hoje o reencontro com o filho!Estou feliz! beijos,chica e FELIZ NATAL!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Chica! Have a happy time and visit with your son. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  12. Awesome birds photos.
    Happy Weekend.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Happy weekend to you! Thank you for your comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  13. good morning, looks like i am first today.. I knew known of this and it seems from this that females are the nesters just like humans.. the birds the male brings home the bacon, the little lady does the housework. the photos are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Sandra! I was late publishing the comments today.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  14. Great job, Eileen. It's always a treat to see pictures of birds paired off together. Just like humans, however, it's not always a permanent arrangement!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you David!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  15. wow, many species today I would love to see. Like the Hooded Merganser. I too have never heard of egg-dumping when it comes to waterfowl. Strange! The shot you have of the Pileated Woodpeckers is gorgeous. It is worth a place on your wall I think :)
    Wishing you and your family a fine and healthy, Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Monica, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
      Thank you for your comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  16. Wonderful post this post..all the pairs, just perfect. What a wonderful way to start the day in a great mood. Thank you for the smiles … and as always od course for hosting! Merry Christmas to you and your family,

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Sallie! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  17. Amazing variety of birds and couples. Great photos all of them. I really like the Pileated Woodpeckers sitting on the branch. Great shots. Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Bill!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  18. Some wonderful photos to go with your write up Eileen. So often us birdwatchers don't know much about our birds because we are too busy enjoying and photographing them. It's important we understand each species' lifestyle so that we can help to conserve them and keep their population stable. Great post. Thanks for the linking today.

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    1. Thank you Phil! I do enjoy birdwatching and taking photos.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  19. So many great photos of the bird couples! Fantastic Pileated Woodpeckers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  20. You've outdone yourself today, Eileen. Magnificent photos of wonderful birds. Interesting to read the notes for each one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Nick,
      Thank you for your comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  21. What a lovely idea for a post! Good work. Thanks for hosting this community.

    ReplyDelete
  22. So great pictures again, dearest Eileen!
    The Bald Eagles look like they're laughing at something!
    You caught so many beautiful couples with your camera and told us a lot of interesting things about these birds - THANK YOU!
    If I manage to stay true to my plan and take a real "Christmas vacation blog break", my blog post today will be the last I'll link here with you this year. (Let's see ;-))
    In any case, I wish you a wonderful Christmas holiday and a good start into 2022! 🎄🕯️✨
    All the best, Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2021/12/advent-2021-bei-den-rostrosen.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Traude! I appreciate your links and comments this past year.
      I hope you enjoy your break! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
      I wish you all the best in 2022, Happy New Year!

      Delete
  23. ...Eileen, you have a wonderful collection, my favorite are the Hooded Mergansers. Thanks for hosting the Christmas party.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you and Merry Christmas Tom!
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  24. How interesting! We love to read our ID books when we see a bird but don't pay as much attention to these details. Thanks for sharing! Holiday hugs, Diane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Diane! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  25. Replies
    1. Thank you William!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  26. A beautiful post on various nesting and breeding of birds and quite remarkable shots on the pairs of birds! Cardinals are romantic. Have a great weekend

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    1. Thank you Jeevan!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  27. Hi Eileen, I sure did enjoy your "couples" post very good info and all beautifully photographed. I always love nesting season wondering who is gonna build where in my patch of the world. Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Sondra!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  28. Fabulous post filled with a great many species of birds. Love the woodpeckers. Managed to get linked in eventually No idea what went wrong today but thanks for hosting. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a week ahead

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    1. Thank you Margaret! Happy Christmas to you and your family!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  29. Hi Eileen...thanks for this very educational post! I hadn't known details of the mating seasons of many of these birds before. And many thanks for your cheerful comments on my blog. Have a wonderful Christmas week coming up! I'll be celebrating the return of the Sun on Tuesday! Barb

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    1. Thank you Barbara! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas week too!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  30. Great photos!
    Have a wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Lea!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  31. Marvellous pictures!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Klara! I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas!

      Delete
  32. Hello Eileen, As my grandmother used to tell me, you’ll learn something every day. Here it is early on Saturday morning and I’ve already learned several things from today’s Saturday’s Critters post. So interesting about birds that mate for life. You mentioned that the Eastern Bluebird is one of your favorites and the Mountain Bluebird is one of mine. Years ago, when we had a cabin in Montana, I had a nestbox and enjoyed following the nest building and watching the process of new baby birds coming into the world. I don’t know for sure, but I believe Mountain Bluebirds mate for life. Thank you for sharing and hosting Saturday’s Critters. Next Saturday is Christmas Day so this may be my last chance to wish you and yours a happy and peaceful Christmas. John

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    1. PS Thank you, Eileen, for your kind comments on my blog ... today and all year! :-)

      Delete
    2. Thank you John! Your links and comments are always appreciated. I saw my first Mountain Bluebird flying around Old Faithful in Yellowstone, they are beautiful birds. I am not sure if I have seen the Western Bluebird. I wish you a warm and peaceful Christmas!

      Delete
  33. I'm surprised that so many birds mate for life. The eagle nest is built on year after year and gets pretty big before it disintegrates.

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    1. Thank you Red! The eagle's nest does look huge, even from a distance.
      Have a great weekend. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

      Delete
  34. Hari Om
    Oh those cardinals in the rain... what a shot! But another wonderul feathery post again Eileen - ta. Festive greetings my ether friend! YAM xx

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

      Delete
  35. Interesting post about different kind of birds: a lot of things to learn about them.
    Love all the photos. The owls and the eagles are very beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  36. What a nice post this is Eileen. I had no idea that so many birds mated for life. Thanks for hosting us each week.

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    1. Thank you RedPat!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  37. Isn't it lovely how so many birds mate for life? Our male raven here died. The female was alone for awhile, but then appeard with a younger man, sorry male. Thank you so much for all this information and the beautiful photos.

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    1. Hello Inger,
      Thank you for your comment!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  38. What an awesome variety of wildlife, but for me, the eagles always steal the show!! I enjoy seeing the wood ducks, they have not arrived at Lake of the Lilies yet!!! The mergansers are gorgeous, they are all over the place here, but it is always a joy seeing them!! Many thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend!!!

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    1. Thank you Debbie! I did enjoy seeing the Mergansers, they are one of my favorites.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  39. A terrific collection of critters. My favorite is the cardinals in the rain.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Karen!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  40. Wonderful photos and info about the different 'pairs' of feathered friends ~ Fantastic photography! Xo

    Happy Day to you,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Carol!
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete
  41. Such wonderful photos of these feathered creatures! Love those eagles!! Happy weekend to you!

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    1. Thank you Ellen!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!
      Merry Christmas to you and your family!

      Delete
  42. Hello Eileen
    This is such a lovely post full of wonderful photographs and information.
    I think it is so good how so many birds mate for life.

    Enjoy your weekend.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jan!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  43. Those owls and bald eagles are pretty special. I love all of the birds. You certainly get great photos of our feathered friends!

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    1. Thank you Marie!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!
      Merry Christmas to you and your family!

      Delete
  44. You've spot-lighted all my favorite pairs! It'll be nesting season again before we know it--Can you believe the end of the year is almost here?

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    1. Thank you Kim!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!
      Merry Christmas to you and your family!

      Delete
  45. Interesting post and wonderful pictures!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Linda!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  46. Absolutely awesome impressions! The owls are my favorite image!
    I'm very happy that I found your blog and host. Love it.

    Best regards from North Germany,
    isabella

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Isabella, for the comment and link.
      Have a great week!

      Delete
  47. Good morning Eileen! How clever bringing us pairs of your birds, they are truly a delight. I hope you're enjoying your weather as it seems all across the country weather changes by the moment and I only thought Minnesota had weather like that. We live by the motto if you don't like the weather give it an hour or two! We also had tornado warnings in December! Take care!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Karen!
      It is the same here, the weather changes every day. I was enjoying the mild weather, it's back to cold and windy today.
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  48. Beautiful captures and interesting captions!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the link and comment!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  49. Awesome series of great pictures..Always love the Eagles..and the Owls..Merry Christmas to you...

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    1. Thank you Missy! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  50. Ohhh, Eileen! This has to be one of your BEST!!!

    Have a blessed holiday season, be safe and healthy! Thanks for linking in this week.

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    1. Thank you Anni!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!
      Merry Christmas to you and your family!

      Delete
  51. I loved all the info you gave about the couples....it is interesting. Great capture of the eagles, and I so love the one of the cardinals in the rain.

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    1. Thank you Rose!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!
      Merry Christmas to you and your family!

      Delete
  52. Your photos are first class Eileen, such a splendid variety of birds. Thank you so much for sharing them each week. Merry Christmas and A Very Happy New Year!

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    1. Thank you Denise!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!
      Merry Christmas to you and your family!

      Delete
  53. Preciosas parejas y estupendas fotos.
    Deseo que paséis una Feliz Navidad 🎅🎄⛄
    Buena semana Eileen.
    Un abrazo 🤗

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Laura!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!
      Merry Christmas to you and your family!

      Delete
  54. I especially love the Barred Owl.

    Such beautiful photos.

    What a series! WOW!

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    1. Thank you Veronica! The owls are one of my favorites too.
      Have a great new week! Merry Christmas!

      Delete
  55. Lovely photos. Have a wonderful week. Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you R's Rue!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!
      Merry Christmas to you and your family!

      Delete
  56. Hello Eileen,
    What a great post. Fantastic all these birds.
    Very nice to see them both of each.

    Greetings and hug,
    Marco

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marco!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!
      Merry Christmas to you and your family!

      Delete
  57. Dearest Eileen; So sorry for my late comment again. Wow, you made me almost envious to be able to catch these couple of birdies, p;-) Such Lovely pictures varieties of them with pairs; How sweet and nice idea for us to enjoy♬  You made me wish to visit you to seek around birds together. Well, my husband must have reminded that he shouldn't forget his medicine, he is doing well now. Take Care from Japan and thank you very much for your contribution for us.
    Lots of Love, Miyako.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Miyako!
      I am glad your hubby is doing better!
      Take care, have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  58. Me encantó ver estas parejas de aves, son todas preciosas. Abrazos y Feliz Navidad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Teresa!
      Take care, have a great day!
      Merry Christmas to you and your family!

      Delete
  59. All beautiful but your talking bald eagles and the pileated woodpecker are having a contest in my mind for the most remarkable birds! Well done! Happy week, Eileen!

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    1. Thanks Jeanie!
      The Eagles and Pileated Woodpeckers are awesome birds. I hope you are having a happy Christmas week.
      Enjoy your day!

      Delete
  60. What a beautiful bird couples! Photos you shared here look so great. Especially i love Cardinal bird couple. I think red one is male. Merry Christmas to you Dear friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the comment and visit.
      Merry Christmas to you and your family.

      Delete
  61. Eileen - what a unique take on your normal post! Love all the pairs and the information on their mating habits. Fabulous photos, especially the barred owls! Merry Christmas to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Angie! The owls are one of my favorites too.
      Merry Christmas to you and your family.

      Delete

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