Saturday, March 19, 2022

Saturday's Critters # 431

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!

These images are from our local walks with the grand-dogs, on the fire roads and to the lake. We did go on one walk without the dogs, to see the local Bald Eagle's Nest. It's just a short drive around to the other side of our lake to see the nest. Sorry doggies, they are not getting inside my car, they only take local walks on our fire roads.


1. Feb 22nd,  a large flock of Common Merganser were seen at our local lake.  Not sure if everyone will notice, but on the middle right side of the photo I captured a Belted Kingfisher sitting in a tree. There is a Merganser in the water right underneath of the Kingfisher. 




2. My camera's zoom is not that good, a fuzzy look at the Mergansers.  There are three males ( white with green heads)  and three female Common Mergansers. 





3.  On Feb 24th  at the local Friendly Farms pond, we saw lots of Canada Geese and Ring-necked ducks. 





4. These photos were from my cell phone, no zoom but an overview of the pond , geese and ducks. 






5. On March 1st we took the grand-dogs to another one of our local fire roads. This was a 2 mile walk. 






6.  On 3-2-22 we left the dogs at home and drove around the lake to see how the Bald Eagles nest is doing. Below are Trumpeter Swans, Common Mergansers, Bald Eagles, Ring-necked Ducks and a Canvasback Duck and Canada Geese at Friendly Farms pond.





7.  On 3-2-22, at first I thought these swans were the Tundra Swans.  I posted them on the Maryland's bird page and was told they are the Trumpeter Swans.  Not a lifer for me, a first time sighting of these swans at our local lake. 





8. Below are the Barred Owl, hubby , Winnie and Nibbles going for a walk and some views of the fire roads. This was a 1.3 round trip walk. 




9.   On 3-3-22 a zoomed photo of the Barred Owl. We saw this owl on the walk back to the house. 






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 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!

122 comments:

  1. Great shots of the beautiful swans. They are so graceful and elegant. The doggies were enjoying their walk and looks like the owl is watching you from a safe distance. Have a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Nancy!
      We are always happy to see an owl during our walks.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  2. The geese at the pond are gorgeous (but in real life I'm scared of geese! So vicious!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Lydia!
      I have heard the geese hissing at us while we walked past, they sound mean.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  3. Must be so much fun to walk with the grand-dogs. I love how many birds you have spotted there. The Canada Geese photo is amazing, great spotting of the barred owl. Thanks you so much for hosting and sharing!!

    -Soma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Soma! We do enjoy our walks with the grand-dogs.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  4. Beautiful collages and the cute owl!

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

      Delete
  5. Walking is the best! So lucky we can
    And the birds are awesome 😎

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cloudia! Walking is good exercise for us.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  6. A wonderful selection Eileen since while you are out and about. I was looking up the difference of those 2 species of swans and they are quite similar. We do not have either here. Thanks for hosting. Have a wonderful week ahead

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Margaret! The Tundra and Trumpeter Swans do look similar.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  7. Beautiful views of the lake, Eileen. Love seeing the trumpeter swans and how in the world did you spot that owl? Good catch! The dogs are so cute - I'll bet they loved the walks, too. Such a nice place to enjoy a walk. Hope you have a nice weekend. x K

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Karen! I was lucky to see the owl fly and land, we would have missed it.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  8. Love the swans, the way they seem to swim in pairs, so romantic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Diane! The swans do like to pair up, swim together.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  9. Another beautiful post. Awesome pics.
    Thanks a lot for hosting. Stay well.

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

      Delete
  10. Hello Eileen,
    thanks for sharing your images of so many lovely critters and thanks for hosting Saturday's Critters.
    Happy weekend with your beloved dogs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Luisella! I appreciate your link and comment.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  11. Hi Eileen,
    You have taken great pictures of your walks.
    The dogs are really cute, I really love the Trumpeter Swans.
    Would you mind posting my link??
    I wish you a nice weekend.
    Greetings Irma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Irma! I was happy to see the Trumpeter Swans.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  12. lol, yes I see the Kingfisher. But would not have if you did not point it out :) Thanks, I love them!
    The Mergansers seem to be the same ones as we have.
    Your swans are beautiful as all swans are. In my eyes at least. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Monica! Yes, all the swans are beautiful.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  13. Hello Eileen,
    Your photos are great! The Trumpeter Swans are very beautiful. Your dogs are so cute too.
    I wish you a happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marit! I think the swans are beautiful too.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  14. Hello Eileen, :=) Wonderful sighting of the Trumpeter Swans, such a graceful water bird. The Bald eagle, the ducks and Canada Geese were all great sightings on and around the lake, and the icing on the cake was to see a Barred owl on another of your walks with Winnie and Nibbles. I love the bottom right hand corner photo of Hubbie with Grand dog posing nicely in your top mosaic, and the first image of a view of the pond. Thank you for hosting Eileen and enjoy your weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sonjia! I have been happy and lucky at my wildlife sightings lately.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  15. I do see the kingfisher, but I doubt I would have noticed it if you had not pointed it out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you David! I heard the Kingfisher fussing, I wish it was sitting closer to us.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  16. Muito lindas as fotos e adorei os cisnes e o olhar curioso da coruja! Os cachorrinhos sempre passeadores alegres e parceirinhos! beijos, lindo fim de semana! chica

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Chica! We are happy to be out walking with the grand-dogs. I am sure they miss my son and daughter-in-law.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  17. ...I like the owl, it's something that I rarely see. Thanks Eileen for hosting,take care and stay well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Tom! I am always happy to see an owl in the wild.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  18. Over the pond, there is lovely scenery, and the views of ducks and swans are gorgeous. Local walks appear to be a good workout for the dogs, though the little one tends to get weary easily. If our late dog walked for a short distance, she would thrust her tongue out. I wish you a wonderful weekend.

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

      Delete
  19. Beautiful place, Eileen. The Trumpeter Swans are very nice to see along with the owl Enjoy the weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bill! I was happy to see both the Swans and the Owl.
      Have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  20. Replies
    1. Thank you Jenn! We do enjoy our walks.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  21. We are just back from our morning walk from Rhein river, where we saw lots of different kinds of geese. My husband used an Bird ID APP to identify some of them. There's one called Egyptian goose which I have never seen. Love that pond view...so relaxing and beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Angie! Your walk sounds nice, I would enjoy the Egyptian Geese sighting .
      Take care, enjoy your weekend!

      Delete
  22. Always lovely to see flocks of wild birds in their natural habitat, Eileen. Love the swans and dogs too!

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

      Delete
  23. Dear Eileen, It's always exciting to see an owl in the wild! And you were able to observe many more birds - wonderful! In my current post there is (besides other animals) also a swan that I can't exactly identify - it doesn't matter, swans are a wonderful sight in any case. I'm also happy to see your granddogs again :-)
    All the best and have a nice weekend,
    Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2022/03/zeit-fur-ein-rückblick-auf-den.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Traude! Yes, seeing an owl in the wild is always a treat.
      I like seeing the swans too, maybe your swan is the Mute Swan?
      Take care, have a great weekend!

      Delete
  24. Hi Eileen, Thanks for commenting on my blog this week. I only have one little picture of a not-very-exciting bird, but next week I hope for something more exciting! Have a good week.

    mae at maefood.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mae! I appreciate your links and comments.
      Have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  25. PS: Thank you for hosting, Eileen! Have a great new week.

    ReplyDelete
  26. It's fun to see the ducks and geese waking up. Mergansers are my faves! Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jeanie! The Mergansers are one of my many favorites too.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  27. It is always nice to see ducks, geese and swans. Such views are not common here in Singapore.
    This week I don't have a new critter post, so I joined the party with an old post.
    Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Amila, thank you for your comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  28. Your last shot is my favourite. Owls are magical birds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you William! The Owls are magical.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  29. since i have not seen wild swans, I would love to see them. the only swans I ever saw were two black ones in Jungle gardens in a pond. you know i cherish the dog pics and that owl is so cute. I heard our screech owls this morning but have not seen them yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sandra! I miss my Screech Owl.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  30. I love seeing all the water birds!
    Have a wonderful weekend!

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

      Delete
  31. The swans are so elegant and graceful. Haha ... owls like to hide behind branches but that was a very nice catch.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Maria! The Owls are hard to find, they can blend in with the tree trunks.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  32. Such great photos, I love them!

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

      Delete
  33. What great areas to take the dogs. I can imagine how much they love to sniff around there. Such a wonderful variety of birds too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marie! Yes, the doggies do enjoy their walks here.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  34. Those have beenvery productive walks. I'd love to see Trumpeter Swans again. Only had them once, in Alaska. So far I have not seen any waterfowl on our local lake since the ice cleared.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ken! I was surprised to see the swans here on our lake.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  35. Hi Eileen, another great series of waterfowl...I rarely get to see Merganser so that is a special treat. The owl is a great find also...Those 2 species of swan can be hard to ID...so similar. Enjoy your weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sondra! I was happy to find the owl, it has been awhile for an owl sighting.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  36. Great birds all...plus some grand dogs. You all have been giving them some good exercise. Howdy to that Owl...who looks sleepy! Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Barbara! We have been getting some good exercise on our walks.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  37. Quite a variety of birds you found. I love trumpeter swans. I've seen them at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
    Thank you again for hosting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Alan! The first time I saw the Trumpeter Swans was in the Tetons and Yellowstone.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  38. You have many creatures visiting you at this time. One just has to get out and the critters are there.

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

      Delete
  39. the geese always hang around the waters edge, the good ducks always in the middle, it's like they know!!! you have seen a lot of really cool ducks and it is those memories that matter most!! how wonderful to see the swans, i do not see them here!!

    have a great weekend eileen, and many thanks for hosting!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Debbie! The ducks seem kind of shy around people, they do move away quickly.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  40. Canadian geese seem everywhere now days ....
    great shots

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Tanza! That's true the Geese are everywhere.

      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  41. Hi Eileen. Once again you have shamed me with your long distance walk and pictures from your circuits.
    The dogs are really cute, even though they are not allowed to share the car. And I really love the Trumpeter Swans.

    Have a Happy Sunday and thanks for the link up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Phil! I wish the dogs did not shed so much, I would not mind taking them in the car.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  42. The granddogs are living the good life with you guys!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you RedPat! I think the dogs are happy, it is a long vacation for them.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  43. Wonderful series of photos of our feathered friends ` love the owl ~ love your grand doggies ~

    Wishing you lots of laughter and love in your days,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Carol
      I appreciate your link, comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  44. Hi Eileen, I enjoyed all your photos. Excellent collages. The photos by Friendly Farms reminded me of that wonderful restaurant there. Wondering if it made it through the pandemic and if you have dined there recently? Always good to see you and Hubby out for a walk with the grand dogs. The Barred Owl is sweet! Thank you for hosting and sharing. Have a happy day and week ahead. John

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you John! Yes, we have been to the local restaurant. They are doing well, people come from all over to eat there.
      Sometimes we order carryout from there and eat at home. Seeing an owl is always a treat. Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  45. I loved the the Common Merganser and Ring-necked ducks. Plus, Barred Owl, beautiful Eileen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bob!
      I appreciate your link and comment.
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  46. Trumpeter Swans and owls...how much better can it get! I love the Mergansers too! Great variety this week! Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Diane!
      We had some great walks and bird sightings.
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  47. Of course with my nickname, hootin' anni, I just HAVE to favor your barred owl photos!!! 😊
    Thanks for sharing your post with us birders Eileen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Anni!
      I an always happy to see an owl.
      Have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  48. Lovely critter photos once again.
    Like the pond with all the geese.
    Swans are so graceful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Karen! The Swans are beautiful.
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  49. I love the pretty swans. I find it is harder to zoom over water, especially when conditions are misty because the mist confuses the focusing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda! You are right about zooming in over water, it makes the photo blurry.
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  50. Delightful series of photos, Eileen.

    I especially love the shots of the swans.

    Happy Sunday, Eileen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Veronica! I loved seeing the swans.
      Enjoy your day, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  51. Hello Eileen, I love your Trumpeter Swan and the Barred owl. And as always, I love your grand-doggies. Thank you for sharing. Skabby also sheds his fur, especially as it grows. We go for his winter clip and grooming this coming week. I have added my link. Happy weekend to you. Jo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jo! I appreciate the link and comment.
      Have a great day and happy new week!

      Delete
  52. Hello dear!
    I love animals. All. I love them :) Great photos, beautiful and inspiring!
    Greetings from Poland!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Klaudia!
      Thanks for visiting and for the comment.
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  53. Always love the Owls..enjoyed your pictures..Pretty swans..Have a happy week..Happy Spring

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Missy! I love the owls too, I wish I saw them more often.
      Happy spring, enjoy your new week!

      Delete
  54. Hello Eileen
    I so enjoyed seeing all of your photographs here.
    Birds, swans, owls and your grand-dogs.
    A lovely collection.

    I hope you've had a lovely weekend.
    My good wishes for the new week ahead.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jan! I enjoyed seeing all these sights, glad you enjoyed the photos.
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  55. I was especially attracted by Trumpeter Swan. I can’t tell apart species of swan. Swan in Japanese is “haku-cho” in general meaning “white bird”. They'll wing out as it warms up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Yoko! The swans are similar and all are beautiful.
      Take care, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  56. A beautiful series of photos! My favourite is - always! :-) - the owl! Fascinating birds!

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

      Delete
  57. Tus paseos siempre me gustan, ves cosas maravillosas. Besos y feliz semana.

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

      Delete
  58. Good eye to spot that owl. Walking with dogs must add a whole different fun dimension.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ellen! Yes, walking the dogs has been fun.
      Have a great day and happy week ahead.

      Delete
  59. Replies
    1. Thank you Tanza! The swans are a beautiful sight!
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  60. It's so nice to have those fire roads close to home -- that you can walk there (with or without the doggies) and not even have to get into your car is a real bonus! Lots of water birds and the swan was a special surprise! Thanks so much for hosting and for all the knowledge you share.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sallie! We are lucky to have plenty of options for our local walks with the dogs.
      The swans were a surprise, I was happy to see a new bird on our lake. Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  61. Eileen - how I would love to see a barred owl in the wild! Enjoy your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Angie! I am happy to see any owl in the wild.
      Take care, have a happy weekend!

      Delete

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