Saturday, July 23, 2022

Saturday's Critters # 449

  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!

Images are from various local walks, views of the Prettyboy Reservoir, NCR bike trail, the grand-dogs, various birds and wildlife and Hashawha Nature Park. 

Click on images for larger viewing.

1. June 25th images of the Ruby-throated hummingbirds are quickly emptying my feeders. I am seeing 4-5 hummingbirds flying around my feeders, plants and yard.




2.  June 25th  The male and female Hummingbirds are seen regularly, I think their young are being seen now too. 





3. June 27th, the deer was standing at the end of our driveway, walks on the fire road with the grand-dogs and an Ovenbird seen during our walk. 





4. June 27, the Ovenbird is a common bird seen and heard in our local forest. 





5. June 28th, our walk was on the NCR bike trail at Bentley Springs, we saw the deer, Eastern Phoebe, various wildflowers, Louisiana Waterthrush and the Belted Kingfisher. 





6. June 29th, our walk with the grand-dogs to the lake, only birds photographed were the Canada Geese. On this day I heard more birds than I actually saw.  The Yellow-billed Cuckoo was heard and not seen.  





7. July 1st, another walk to the lake with the grand-dogs, slider turtle, dragonfly, Osprey and Mimosa tree blooms.  It cool to watch the Osprey dive into the lake for a fish. 





8. July 4th, early in the morning Hubby and I drove to the nearby Hashawha Nature Park, we enjoyed seeing the wildflowers, Tree Swallows flying over the lake, a Barred Owl with a mouse, Mourning Dove on the wire, caterpillar with a dragonfly. 




9. July 4th, a larger view of the Barred Owl with it's breakfast. we watched this owl for a short time just perched on the branch holding the mouse before it flew to another tree. 





I hope you enjoyed my critters and birds.  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!

118 comments:

Mae Travels said...

Is it a good year for hummingbirds? I hope so. We think two pairs are quickly drinking up all the sweet stuff in our feeder, but we can't really be sure. I like you photos. We haven't been patient enough to capture any images. And your barred owl with a mouse is great.

Thank you for hosting and for all your comments on my blog!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Nancy Chan said...

Enjoyable walks with your grand-dogs. I would love and enjoy these walks too, just to see the things that you see and shown in the collages. Even though we had rain last evening, but it was still hot and humid.

rupam sarma said...

Amazing photos. Happy weekend :)

Cloudia said...

So fun walking with you Eileen

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

The first photograph of the Hummingbird is excellent Eileen but alos lovley to see the variety you saw at your feeders. When you are down at the lake, it must be wonderful to see the Osprey fishing. I have never seen that is person. Thanks for hosting, commenting and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Marit said...

Hello Eileen,

The hummingbirds are so cute! I would live to have them in my garden. Your photos are so beautiful.
Take care, and have a great weekend!

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Eileen; Oh, the Ruby-throated hummingbirds quickly emptied your feeders p;-) Always Wonderful to see your nature and you are enjoying it with your sweet doggie♬ I showed the dragonfly to my husband but he said probably not in our country & concentrated at the picture for a while p-;) Have a Great Weekend, form Japan Miyako; 

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
OOOOH - I always love to see your images, Eileen - but to capture the one of the owl and its own capture - that's today's winner for me! Have a super weekend. YAM xx

Lydia C. Lee said...

I just ordered a bird feeder today! I'm very excited. I somehow doubt I'll get shots like yours tho!!

Irma said...

Hi Eileen,
You show a beautiful series of photos and collages.
The first photo is really a gem and therefore my favorite.
Would you mind posting my link??
I wish you a nice weekend.
Greetings Irma

Breathtaking said...

Hello Eileen, :=) A delightful post with an amazing number of wildlife sightings. The owl with the mouse was a lucky encounter. It must be wonderful to watch the Hummingbirds at your feeder. Is that iced sweetened water they are pecking at.? That is something I have never seen before. The deer, so near to your house,and in the woods is a treat to see, and all the other birds, flowers, and other creatures seen on your walk were all appreciated. The views of the lake are beautiful, and it looks like your Grand-dogs think so too. Lovely shots of them, looking over the water.
Enjoy your Weekend Eileen, and thank you for hosting.

Bill said...

Beautiful photos of all the critters. My favorites are the humming birds. Nice seeing the grand dogs having their walk. Have a wonderful day and weekend. Thanks for hosting.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I suspect the Barred Owl was just starting on the first course - more to come!

NatureFootstep said...

Hi eileen, love ypur animal kingdom. :) And the beautiful flowers with the queen waterlili. The last image is rare. The one with caterpillar and a dragonfly. Don´t think I have seen it before. :) Love the owl and sweet deers.

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

You have a nice variety of habitats to explore in your morning walks. The terrain around my home is very hilly and rough, so my only clear paths are paved roads and sidewalks. We are getting lots of female hummingbirds but so far do not think any are juveniles. Not hearing many bird calls or songs except for the ever-present Red-eyed Vireos, cardinals, catbirds, titmice and House Finches .Have heard but not seen the Wood Thrush, rather disappointing as we are surrounded by lush woodlands. Maybe fall migration will provide some more action.

Angie's Recipes said...

What a beautiful lake! The owl with it's breakfast is GREAT. You caught it at the right time.

Tom said...

...Eileen, you saw some wonderful things in late June, I hope the you continue to see a lot more in August. Thanks for hosting, take care.

Rostrose said...

Dearest Eileen,
you are so blessed to be able to watch hummingbirds by your feeders every day! For me, the (rare) encounters with the adorable hummingbirds while traveling were always filled with great, great feelings of happiness. Your other animal mountain encounters were wonderful again! Great that you could watch an owl having breakfast! :-)
Warm greetings, all the best and tender strokes to your granddogs! <3
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2022/07/blackout-teil-1-wie-gro-ist-die-gefahr.html

italiafinlandia said...

I would be so excited if Hummingbirds came to my courtyard...but it is just a dream. Thanks for sharing all the beautiful critters. The Barred Owl is awesome too.
Happy Saturday and happy weekend!

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning Eileen, I enjoyed your photos so much, beautiful area for a hike to enjoy nature Happy weekend

Marie Smith said...

Great photos of all the critters, Eileen. I especially like the swallows and hummingbirds. We had our first hummingbird this past week.

The pups look so interested in everything.

Lea said...

Great photos!
Thanks for hosting!
Have a blessed day!

chica said...

Todas as fotos maravilhosas sejam com os teus cachorros, beija-flores e tudo da natureza! Adorei! bjs, ótimo fds! chica

Jenn Jilks said...

Thank you for hosting! I saw a kingfisher, I even had the zoom on, but it was too quick for me. You have a lovely array of critters.

Jeanie said...

What a wonderful collection, Eileen. I'm so intrigued by hummingbirds and those are great photos. I saw my first of the season when I was watering the garden at home.and was amazed at how tiny it was! Happy weekend!

Phil Slade said...

Good morning Eileen. I think it's great that you have daily visits from the hummingbirds, even if they empty the feeders so quickly. You will just have to buy more feeders, LOL. The owl with the mouse is super and what a shame the owl didn't look your way. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day and Sunday too. Thanks for the hosting once again.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Mae! Yes, I think it is a good year for the hummingbirds.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Nancy! It is hot and humid here too, not good walking weather.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for visiting and for the comment.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank You Cloudia, I always appreciate your visits. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Margaret! It is neat to see the Osprey diving for fish.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marit! It is a treat to see these cute hummingbirds in my yard.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...


Hello Miyako, thank you for visiting and for the comment.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you YAM! It is always a good day to see the Owls in the wild.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lydia! I hope to see some of your feeder birds.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Irma! The hummers are little gems.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Sonjia,
Seeing an owl in the wild is always a treat. The Hummers do love the sugar water.
Thank you for visiting and for the comment.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bill! The dogs do enjoy their walks to the lake.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you David! It was a treat to see the owl with the mouse.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Monica! I love seeing the deers, you have a nice shot of the deer on your post too.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ken! We do not have sidewalks in my neighborhood, only the road and the fire roads in the forest. I am hearing more birds than I actually see, it has slowed down some here too.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie! It was a treat to see the owl with the mouse, I was lucky.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tom ! I hope to see more in August, the grand dogs will be going back to my son's new home soon.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Traude,
I do enjoy seeing the hummingbirds here for the summer.
Thank you for visiting and for the comment.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella! The Hummingbirds are a treat, such sweet tiny birds.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Kathy! I appreciate your visit and comment.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marie! The pups do enjoy their walks.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lea!
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Chica!
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn! The kingfishers do move quickly.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie! The hummingbirds are a treat to see.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Phil! I was hoping the owl would turn it's head, I was still happy to see the owl.
Take care, have a great weekend!

MadSnapper said...

when the owl pic came up, I said out loud, Oh Wow! would love to see him. we hear ours but no more sightings since there tree was removed. are you planning a trip for when the pups go home?

Barbara Rogers said...

Good morning Eileen...what another wonderful Sat. Critters post! Loved seeing your granddogs, the deer, the hummers, and that owl with his supper.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

The owl photo is incredible! It's so rare to see one and to get a photo of his catch is even better! Love the Ovenbird and deer. The mosaics are such a nice way to show off your pics! Happy Saturday!

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Lovely summery images, Eileen, as we are experiencing winter cold and rain!

My Desktop Daily said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Sandra! yes, we plan on going somewhere soon after the dogs leave. Happy weekend to you!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Barbara! Take care, enjoy your weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Diane! It is always a treat to see an owl in the wild. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Nick! We could use some rain here, it has been hot and dry. Have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks for linking up Nick! Wishing you a great new week!

Shiju Sugunan said...

Very nice variety of critters in this post. The first hummingbird photo, owl, caterpillar and flowers are some of my favorites.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for the link and comment. Take care, have a great new week!

Debbie said...

wonderful critters this week, i especially enjoy seeing the hummingbirds...i have not been seeing them here. the image of the owl, with its catch of the day, is spectacular. i also love seeing those special puppies. have a great weekend, stay cool, and many thanks for hosting!!

Taken For Granted said...

Love seeing your humming bird photos. They are fascinating to see. Thank you for maintaining this site for us to display our wildlife photos.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Debbie! It is a happy day to find an owl in the wild. Take care stay cool, enjoy your weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the link and comment. The hummingbirds are a treat, I enjoy watching them zoom around my yard.
Have a great weekend.

Jeevan said...

Excellent capture of the birds, flowers, and natural surroundings! I couldn't imagine seeing a deer in my driveway, so I'm delighted you do. As usual, enjoy nature. Have a wonderful weekend!

carol l mckenna said...

All wonderful photos ~ favorites are the hummingbird ~ Wow! and the deer and your doggies ~ ^_^


Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days ~ Xo

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I love all your critters and I learn so much from your posts. I have never heard of an ovenbird before. I love your hummingbirds. We had a hummingbird feeder out, changed the mixture regularly and saw only one hummingbird, the day we put it out and none for weeks afterward so took the feeder out of service. Seeing an osprey dive and get a fish would be awesome. I've seen them (in the pacific northwest) but never fishing.

HappyK said...

Love those humming birds. Wonderful captures.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeevan, for visiting and for the comment.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Carol! I love the hummingbirds too.
Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Alan! Sorry, you are missing the hummingbirds, usually the feeders will attract them to your yard.
It was a treat to see the Osprey diving into our lake. Take care, have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen!
Take care, have a great weekend!

Bob Bushell said...

I love your Ruby-throated Hummingbird, he has a thin beak. Thanks Eileen.

DeniseinVA said...

A fabulous collection for Saturday's Critters Eileen. I love the hummingbirds but rarely get to see them, and so I am in awe of yours. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful sightings. Enjoy your weekend and the week ahead!

RedPat said...

I would be so thrilled to see a Hummingbird but haven't seen one for a few years. You see so many birds near your place Eileen.

William Kendall said...

The grand dogs are getting their exercise.

magiceye said...

The humming birds and the owl! So cool! Have a lovely weekend!

Linda said...

Great pictures! Thank you for hosting and sharing.

orchid0324 said...

So sorry for my late posting; Dearest Eilleen,  I was happy to see the 3things in your posts which have the same ones kinds I posted recently p;-) Wishing you are very sweet weekend with all of your family; Miyako

Anni said...

It's been a few years since I've seen a barred owl. And, to see an oven bird perched in a tree is rare...ours are usually foraging on the ground.

Thanks for taking time to share your blog at I'd Rather B Birdin'

Anni said...

I don't see a notification showing my comment needs approval . So, will thank you again.

Thanks for taking time to share your blog at I'd Rather B Birdin'

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bob! Take care, enjoy your day and the new week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Denise! I am happy the Hummingbirds nest near my yard and visit my feeders. Have a happy day and great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat! I do love my hummingbirds. Have a happy day and great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you William! Yes, the dogs do get a daily walk. Have a happy day and great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the comment and visit. Have a happy day and great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda! Have a happy day and great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Miyako! You are not late, I appreciate your link and comment. Have a happy day and great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Anni! I see the Worm-eating Warbler on the ground but the Ovenbirds are always in the trees. Have a happy day and great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for hosting Anni! Have a happy day!

Sondra said...

How cool to find the Owl with prey not cool for the mouse of course, loved seeing the Ovenbird, have been hearing a few but Haven't put my eye on one this Summer....take care!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Sondra! The Ovenbirds are breeders in the forest around our home. I hear them often, sometimes from inside the house. They are so loud. Have a happy day and great new week!

This N That said...

Love the Hummers..Great picture of the Owl and it's breakfast..Never heard of an Ovenbird..Have a good week..

John's Island said...

Hi Eileen, Love the hummer shots! Neat encounter with the deer. Always get a smile seeing the grand dogs. Love the collages! Thank you for hosting and sharing and for your kind comment on my blog. Wishing you and hubby a great week ahead! John

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Missy! Finding the owl with it's breakfast was a treat. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you John! I appreciate you linking up and for the comment. Have a great new week!

ellen b. said...

So much to enjoy from your walks. Love that Mimosa Tree and the owl! Wonderful captures of the ruby throated hummer!

Natasha said...

Hello Ellen,

Lovely shots from your nature walk and the humming birds on the feeder.

I also loved how the Monday post greeted me with the lovely quotes and the ochre orb of energy.

Thank you.

Have a lovely week ahead.

https://natashamusing.com

eileeninmd said...

Thank Ellen! Take care, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the visit and comment Natasha. Have a great new week!

Veronica Lee said...

I always enjoy walking with you, Eileen.
Loved the photos you shared.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Veronica, for the link and comment. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

Soma @ InkTorrents.com said...

So beautiful! Specially enjoyed the collage of Bentley Springs photos. Have a great week!

-Soma

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Soma, for the visit and comment. Take care, have a great week ahead.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

You see such wonders on your beautiful walks and I love that you have so many great walks to choose from. Thank you for all you do and all you show us. I wanted you to know why I always seem to be so late commenting: I do read your lovely posts as soon as you post or as soon as I see it on Saturday morning but I often read blogs (and link up) when I'm using my IPAD and for some reason lately I am unable to comment on Google blogs there . ((I can read them, I can link up, I just can't comment.) When I'm on my PC I have no trouble at all. I have no idea how to fix that so I just do my comments on the mornings when I'm working on my "real" computer.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sallie, I appreciate your comment whenever it is made! Have a great day and happy week ahead.

Tanza Erlambang said...

beautiful hummingbirds....
we saw several of them at backyard recently....

Have a wonderful day

Teresa said...

Maravillosos tus paseos, estoy feliz de verlos, muy lindas fotografías. Besos.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tanza! I love watching the hummingbirds in my yard, they are entertaining. Have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

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

Laura. M said...

Tus aves ne gustan mucho amiga. Pero esa última puesta de sol es una belleza. Gracias por compartir.
Buen fin de semana Eileen.
Un abrazo.

Ana Freire said...

Imagens absolutamente espantosas, de toda a natureza envolvente em torno do lago!
Água é vida! Aqui já se começam a considerar alguns períodos de corte de água... algo que jamais imaginaria, até há uns meses atrás...
Adorava ver um beija-flor, é uma pequena ave absolutamente fascinante, mas não existem por estes lados!
Grata por mais uma partilha super especial, Eileen!
Beijinhos
Ana

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Laura! I appreciate your visit and comment.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ana! The hummingbirds are fun to watch, so sweet and tiny. Have a great day!

Happy Monday!

  Wishing everyone a great day and a ha ppy new week! "Calm is a super power. Don't let stress kill your happiness." "Jud...