Saturday, December 3, 2022

Saturday's Critters # 468

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 are images from our last two days in Kauai. One of my favorite places to visit was the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge and home of the Kilauea Point Lighthouse. Reservations are needed to visit this wildlife refuge. I made reservations a month in advance for the morning of Sept 29th and the afternoon of Sept 30th. Over the years a remarkable 27 species of Seabirds have been observed at Kilauea Point. 

Click on photos for better viewing!

1. It is the best place to view sea birds, like the Red-footed Booby, Great Frigatebird,  Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Red-tailed Tropicbirds, White-tailed Tropicbirds, Brown Booby and the Nene Goose. 




2. A tree on the bluff decorated with the Red-footed Boobies. 




Below several looks at the adult and juvenile Red-footed Boobies. Most of the adults have the red feet and are white with black flight feathers. They can have pale bluish bills. The juveniles are similar to the young Brown Boobies. 





3. The colony of Red-footed Boobies at Kilauea Point is the largest colony in the Hawaiian Islands. All the tiny white dots on the bluff are the Red-footed Boobies, you can not see the grayish looking juveniles mixed in, the numbers of birds seen were amazing. 





4. Below both the White-tailed Tropicbirds and the Red-tailed Tropicbirds are breeders at Kilauea.  There have been 350 pairs of the Red-tailed Tropicbirds nesting at the refuge. 




5. The Brown Boobies have been seen roosting on a little island seen from the cliff top above. The Brown Booby has a chocolate brown head and a white belly. Most nest on the ground in small colonies. 

The Great Frigatebirds have been seen using the island too. These birds tend to chase other birds trying to steal their food. 





6. The juvenile Red-footed Booby, was sitting on a structure next to the Lighthouse. It did not seem to mind us walking by on the path right below. 





7. The Wedge-tailed Shearwaters nest at the refuge using burrows in the ground. I found a few chicks nestled in the burrows. 




8. The Wedge-tailed Shearwater are the most numerous species on the refuge, it is estimated 8,000-15,000 breeding pairs. 





9. The Great Frigatebird below, it is amazing to watch their aerial performances. 





10. The Nene Geese have one of the largest concentrations at the Kilauea Point wildlife refuge. Their population is increasing and they are doing well at the refuge. 






11. Views of the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge and lighthouse. 




I hope you enjoyed the Kauai birds and posts. Now, maybe I can catch up with more recent outings and trips.


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! Also, I am also linking up to Heidrun's Mosaic Monday  I hope you can stop by and visit Heidrun and check out the Mosaic Monday post. 

124 comments:

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

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  2. Always enjoy your critters posts. Interesting to see the chicks nestling in the burrows. Thank you for hosting. Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Thank you Nancy! The burrow photo was cute. Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  3. I enjoyed watching all these birds. The red-footed Boobies, Tropicbirds and the Frigatebird are particularly interesting. Nice synchronous walk by the Nene Geese. I liked the lighthouse shots too.

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    1. Thank you for the comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  4. Your whole collection of photos is impressive. Love red foot booby though

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    1. Thank you for the comment and visit.
      The Red-footed Bobby was one of my favorites.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  5. Great birds. We loved that wildlife refuge in Hawaii. Thanks for hosting and posting such neat photos. I will be visiting the ohter participants when I return from my present travels!

    best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you Mae! It was one of my favorite wildlife refuges.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  6. Wonderful birds wonderful photographs Eileen. I would love to see a Great Frigatebird and Booby in person. Many thanks for hosting and I hope you have a great week ahead. Thanks also for al you comments on my blog.

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

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  7. It is just amazing to see the different birds from around the world. Thanks for sharing.
    Have a great weekend and a lovely second Advent Sunday!

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    1. Thank you Luisella! It is cool to see different birds from around the world.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  8. Hello Eileen,
    Beautiful photos from your last trip. The Wedge-tailed Shearwater looks very beautiful in the burrows.
    Take care, and have a great weekend!

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    1. Thank you Marit! The Shearwater chicks did look cute in their burrows.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  9. Hi Eileen,
    Beautiful collages and photos from your trip to Kauai.
    I think you really saw a lot.
    Picture 7 is my favourite.
    Would you like to post my link??
    I wish you a good weekend.
    Greetings Irma

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

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  10. Eileen, simplesmente magnífico esse lugar para observar esses animais todos! Que beleza de fotos!
    Adorei os atobás...
    Obrigadão pelo compartilhamento!
    beijos, lindo fim de semana, chica

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

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  11. Hari Om
    My word... that is a wonderful place. Somehow seeing web-footed Boobys roosting on branches (or metal) seems comical! I don't think I have ever seen photos of them doing that. This must have been an extra special day for you, Eileen! YAM xx

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    1. Thank you YAM! It was a treat to see the Boobies roosting in the trees.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  12. ...Eileen, you have gorgeous images this morning. It good to hear that the Nene Geese are doing well, on Maui I've seen them a few times. Thanks for hosting the party, enjoy your weekend.

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    1. Thank you Tom! I am glad that the Nene Geese are doing well.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  13. these are pretty amazing, the photos and the birds. that hillside that is dotted with all the white is just amazing there are so many of them.. up close they are so cute

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    1. Thank you Sandra! It was an amazing sight to see.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  14. You make such beautiful photos of the birds!

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

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  15. Fantastic shots of all the critters. I like the aerial show that the Great Frigatebird is putting on. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for hosting.

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

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  16. What a wonderful array of birds! These are amazing. Thanks for hosting.

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

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  17. Delightful captures all! Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thank you for the comment and visit.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  18. This looks like a fabulous spot, Eileen, and you had wonderful close encounters with many species. The boobies, shearwaters, and tropicbirds are especially terrific - not birds you will see off the coast of Maryland any time soon!

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    1. Thank you David! The Brown Booby can be seen off the coast of Maryland, one time at the Baltimore Harbor.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  19. A great selection of seaside birds and wondeful blue sea, Eileen! I hope you have a happy new week!

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

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  20. You really saw a good number and variety of species during your visit. Years ago, we flew in the day before Chinese New Year, watched the festivities and stayed with relatives for a couple of nights, visited the tourist attractions for a day and then took a local cruise of the islands before flying home. My most memorable sighting (besides a nighttime view of the volcano spewing lava into the sea) was of a tree hosting White Fairy Terns, tending eggs which were laid on the bare branches without any nest at all.

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    1. Thank you Ken! I would have loved to see the White Fairy Terns, they are lovely. I appreciate your linking up and commenting. Have a great weekend.

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  21. Hi Eileen,
    What an excellent post! Your photos from your visit to Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge and Kilauea Point Lighthouse are so interesting. So many neat seabird photos! I’m impressed with your planning by making reservations a month in advance. The image of the colony of Red-footed Boobies on the bluff makes such a positive statement about the number of these birds in the Hawaiian Islands. Hard to pick a favorite but I will go with #8, the Wedge-tailed Shearwater chick. Then, #10, the Nene Geese, banded on both legs … this is a place where birders have been busy. Thanks for sharing and hosting Saturday’s Critters. Have a happy day and week ahead.
    John
    PS It snowed last night in Seattle and I’ve got about an inch or two accumulation around my place. It seems winter has arrived.

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    1. Thank you John! This refuge is popular with visitors, they control the crowds requiring the reservations. Seeing the colonies of Red-footed Boobies was amazing. I am a wimp when it comes to snow and cold icy days. Take care and enjoy your weekend.

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  22. Great photos!
    Lots of birds and pretty views of the lighthouse.
    I am always amazed to see web-footed birds up in trees!
    Have a blessed day!

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    1. Thank you Lea! I was a happy birder seeing all the Red-footed Boobies. Have a great weekend.

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  23. Good morning, what an awesome location to view lots of different birds-love that Happy weekend

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    1. Thank you Kathy! I appreciate the comment. Have a happy weekend.

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  24. The boobies and frigate birds are quite interesting! As are the geese. A nice change from the Canada geese for sure! Though I love them too.

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    1. Thanks Marie! I was happy to see all of these birds, many new to me. Have a great weekend.

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  25. I hope the recent outflow of lava from Kilauea won't change the bird's nesting sites. These are so beautiful.

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    1. Thanks Barbara! I hope the birds and nests stay safe! Have a great weekend.

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  26. You must have been in your glory at this refuge Eileen. What a glorious assortment of birds.

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    1. Thank you RedPat! Yes, I was a happy birder seeing these birds and the wildlife refuge. Take care, enjoy your weekend.

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  27. another wonderful group of birds...

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    1. Thank you Sondra! Hope your weekend is great!

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  28. Aren't those little chicks cute and you got to get close and see them! I've loved seeing the birds and views of this beautiful place. Pick me up on the way next time so that I can go with you! lol Hugs, Diane

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    1. Thank you Diane! It's time to move on to see new places. I did enjoy seeing all these birds! Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  29. Hi Eileen. I can see why it is necessary to book early to see the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge. It is a very spectacular place in which to bird and to see so many different and sometimes unique species. I especially liked the Red-footed Booby photos and the Wedge-tailed Shearwaters at their burrow, It reminded ne of my time on Bardsey Island and ringing Manx Shearwaters. Great shot of the frigate too! Have a good weekend and thanks for the link today.

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    1. Thank Phil! My visits to this wildlife refuge was the highlight of our Kauai trip. Have a great weekend.

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  30. Un lugar muy guapo. Preciosa naturaleza. Me gustan la 2 y la 8.
    Buen fin de semana Eileen.
    Un abrazo.

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    1. Thank you Laura, I appreciate the comment and visit. Have a happy weekend.

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  31. Amazing place, Awesome birds photos.
    Happy Weekend :)

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    1. Thank you for the comment and link! Have a great new week!

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  32. Lucky you getting to see so many different beautiful birds!!

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

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  33. Loved all these great photos, as I did from your traveling blog when you were in Jamaica. Thanks so much for sharing Eileen. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thanks Denise, I appreciate your comment and visit today. Hope you have a great weekend.

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  34. Magnificent photos, Eileen ~ Nature is such a gift ~ Xo

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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    1. Thank you Carol! Take care, enjoy your weekend!

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  35. Beautiful refuge Eileen, the Red-footed Boobies are rest in a tree is a best. The Wedge-tailed Shearwater is wonderful, glad they doing well.

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    1. Thank you Bob! I happy to see the Red-footed Boobies, a lifer for me. Take care, enjoy your weekend.

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  36. Such beautiful photos of all the critters. What a beautiful blue sky too.

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    1. Thank you Karen! Have a great day and happy new week!

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  37. Hello Eileen
    Lovely to see your photographs.
    It was especially lovely to see the Wedge-tailed Shearwaters chicks nestled in the burrows... so sweet.

    Have a happy weekend.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you Jan! The chicks in the burrows were adorable. Have a great day and happy new week!

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  38. Hello, Eileen. It's always pleasure to watch your pictures. Thank you!

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    1. Thank you Klara! Have a great day and happy new week!

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  39. gorgeou images today!! i didn't have anything to share this week!!

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    1. Thank you Debbie, I appreciate your visit and comment! Have a great day and happy new week!

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  40. Good afternoon Eileen, what wonderful captures again from your trip, the day looks tremendous, and your critters are exceptional each in their own lovely environment. There's certainly nothing about winter views there but it is around my house! Enjoy your weekend.

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    1. Thank you Karen! I am not looking forward to winter here! Have a great day and happy new week!

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  41. Love your glorious series of photos, Eileen.
    You are such an incredible photographer.

    Hugs and blessings 💐

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    1. Thank you Veronica! Have a great day and happy new week!

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  42. I’m glad you got to see all these wonderful birds. Thank you for sharing.

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

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  43. That refuge would be the best time of the trip for me! What a wonderful array of tropical birds!!!
    Have a great week ahead and your linking up is appreciated.

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    1. Thank you Anni! This wildlife refuge was the highlight of the trip for me, I was happy to go back two days in a row.
      Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

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  44. Oh you hit the jackpot with this refuge. What a great place to go if you love birds and nature. It's astounding how many different variety of birds you found. I'm always impressed with you wide and deep knowledge of our feathered friends.

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    1. Thank you Alan! I have learn a lot about birds over the years. Have a great day and happy new week!

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  45. Kilauea point wild life refuge was one of my favorite places on the island. You put the Ne ne photos in Just for me! I liked how the water rushed around the little island on the point. then occasionally a sea turtle would go hurtling though on the huge waves and currents. Great post.

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    1. Thank you Red! I like seeing the Nene Geese, I am glad they are doing well. It was my favorite place on the island to visit. Take care, enjoy your day. Have a great new week ahead.

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  46. Oh, such a wonderful place.
    The Great Frigatebird knows how to fly!

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    1. Thank you Dixie! It was a great place to visit. Have a happy new week!

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  47. That must have been the most wonderful birding trip! You've had a lot of wonderful sightings (and photos) everywhere you go but all of these were just amazing, so many rare birds. What a fabulous place --it is very interesting that you had to make a reservation for the WLR ; I think it's obviously a good idea.

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    1. Thank you Sallie! This wildlife refuge and the birds were wonderful. Take care, enjoy your day. Have a great new week ahead.

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  48. Such beauty. The ocean is a good back drop for the fowl.

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    1. Thank you Susan! I appreciate your comment and visit. Have a wonderful week!

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  49. Replies
    1. Thank you for the visit and comment. Have a great new week ahead.

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  50. Hello! So happy to see all these lovely birds through your camera. I’m marveled at not only the birds but also the blueness of the sea.

    Yoko

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    1. Thank you Yoko! The birds and the sea were lovely! Take care, enjoy your day. Have a great new week ahead.

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  51. Fantastic place and has unique species of birds! I love the ocean and lighthouse views; the colonies on the hillslope are incredible. Have a great week

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    1. Thank you Jeevan! Take care, have a great week!

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  52. I've not checked in for a couple of week and so glad to "be back." What beautiful blue skies there! We could use a little of that here!

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    1. Thank you Jeanie! Take care, have a great week!

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    2. Thank you Jeanie! We have sunny skies here today but it is much colder. Take care, have a great weekend!

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  53. I missed the lighthouse when we were there. But we hiked to the lava flow in the big island. Oh, to be there now! What a show.

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  54. wow this is amazing. How I miss those travelling days with all birds and stunning nature.

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    1. Thanks Monica! I love traveling, seeing the birds is a bonus! Have a great day and week ahead.

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  55. Tu reportaje es precioso como siempre, me encanta ver todas tus fotografías. Abrazos.

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

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  56. lovely Red-footed Boobies...
    Thank you for sharing beautiful photos as always

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    1. Thank you, I appreciate your comment. Have a great day and happy week ahead.

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  57. Hello Eileen,
    What a nice pictures. So special to see all these wonderful birds.
    And it's so nice with the wonderful blue colors of the water.

    Many greetings,
    Marco

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    1. Thank you Marco! I appreciate your visit and comment. Take care, enjoy your weekend!

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  58. Thank you being part of MosaicMonday.

    I become thougthtful reading about of the population of rare birds. Here we count each year the different birds for NABU (= Naturschutzbund Deutschland). But I miss several birds, I had known in my childhood.

    Many hugs by Heidrun

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    1. Hello,
      Thanks for the comment Heidrun! We have a Christmas count here and also different bird counts during the year. Winter and summer birds arriving at different times, there is a decline in numbers and some species are more rare to see. Have a great weekend.

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    2. Many thanks being part of MosaicMonday.
      Have w wonderful time.

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  59. yes, wonderful fly of Great Frigatebird.....
    excellent show

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  60. Imagens deslumbrantes de uma profunda beleza e serenidade! Grata pela partilha de tão preciosos momentos, Eileen!
    Beijinhos! Continuação de Boas Festas!
    Ana

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    1. Thank you Ana! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! I wish you all the best in 2023, a happy and healthy New Year!

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  61. Hi! I come from Chica's blog. I liked your picture of the sky, as well as your text.
    There's a great farewell of 2022 !: ))

    From Portugal...
    ººººººººººººººººººººººººº

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    1. Thank you Majo! I appreciate the visit and comment. Take care, have a great and week ahead. Happy New Year 2023 to you and yours.

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

BTW, Anonymous comments unless a name is included will not be published. Also, comments with links will be deleted.

Have a happy day, Eileen

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