Saturday, January 14, 2023

Saturday's Critters # 474

 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!

Jan 1st was a mild sunny day in the mid 50's. It was our first hike of the new year. Our  hike and birding was at the Conowingo Dam and the Susquehanna River State Park. Winter time is a great time of the year to see the Bald Eagles at river right below the dam, it is an Ebird hotspot. The Great Blue Herons were hanging out along the rocks on the far side of the river and fishing park and they were in their usual spot and rookery on the island. The gulls were mostly Ring-billed Gulls,  too many to count.





1. The Bald Eagle is always the star of the show, they were in the trees at the parking lot, on the electric towers, on the dam wall and on the rocks and in the trees on the opposite side of the river. 





2. Some Bald Eagles, both adult and juvenile are perched on part of the dam wall. Gulls were flying above their heads. 





3. The juvenile Bald Eagle resting on the rocky section of the river with a group of Ring-billed Gulls.





4. Mostly Ring-billed Gulls, but there can also be Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls feasting on the chopped up shad coming out of the dam gates. 








5. I lost count of the Bald Eagles, this Eagle looked to be watching the gulls flying by. 





6. A view of the river and towers, a nice day to be out for a walk and to watch the birds. 




7. Two juvenile Bald Eagles, their heads showing more white. Maybe 2-3 years old? The Bald Eagle has a full white head when it is five years old.





8. Below a gull flying by, a Black Vulture, one juvenile Bald Eagle and two adult Bald Eagles, one had a fish he seemed protective of his meal.





9. On the far side of the river almost every tree had a Bald Eagle, some trees like below had 3 or more Bald Eagles. 





10. Some Great Blue Herons were on the ground and rocky area of the island. 





11. Rock Pigeons were plentiful, sitting on the rocks on the river's shore. 





12. I think some of the Great Blue Herons have picked their favorite nesting spot in the trees on the island. 






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. 

130 comments:

Mae Travels said...

That's a wonderful place to see the eagles and other birds. We visited there in early spring last year, and it was unforgettable!

Thanks for hosting Saturday's Critters!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Nancy Chan said...

I have never seen so many birds in one place. Indeed, a birds' haven.

italiafinlandia said...

What a nice day, filled with captures! I would love to see all those Bald eagles.
Thanks for sharing. Happy weekend and stay safe!

Marit said...

Hello Eileen,
The Bald Eagles are so beautiful. Great photos of them!
Take care, and enjoy your weekend!

chica said...

Quantas e tão lindas garças , gaviões carecas, gaivotas e demais aves conseguistes ver e clicar !
Tão linda essa observação da natureza!
Sempre muito bom passar aqui!
beijos, ótimo fds! chica

Irma said...

Hi Eileen,
Great series of photos from your hikes at Conowingo Dam and Susquehanna River State Park.
The Bald Eagle in photo 2 is really fantastic.
Would you mind posting my link?
I wish you a very nice weekend.
Greetings Irma

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

The Bald Eagle images are superb Eileen. once again, you have captured a good many bird shots. Thanks for hoting and I hope you have a great week ahead

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Bald Eagles never fail to look anything but regal and majestic. I never tire of seeing them. Fortunately they have become fairly common around here. Enjiy the weekend, Eileen.

William Kendall said...

Those eagles are a majestic sight.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Mae! I am glad you had a chance to visit!
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Nancy! It is a great place to see a lot of birds.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella! It is always a treat to see the Bald Eagles.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marit, I appreciate the comment.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Chica, thank you for the visit and comment. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Irma! I appreciate the link and comment.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Margaret! It is a great spot for photographing the birds, especially the Eagles.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you David! I am glad the Eagles are doing so well.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you William! So true, the Eagles are a majestic sight.
Take care, have a great weekend.

Lea said...

Wonderful to see all those Bald Eagles!
Have a great weekend!

Angie's Recipes said...

I have never seen so many eagles in one place...on our daily walk, I saw lots of gulls, doves and black birds, but only a couple of eagles..sometimes one or two herons..that's it.

Bill said...

The eagles are a lovely sight. The one sitting on a branch looks very proud. Great photos as always, thanks for sharing and have a fantastic weekend.

John's Island said...

Hi Eileen, Thanks for taking us along to the Conowingo Dam and the Susquehanna River State Park. Lots of neat photos! Especially enjoyed so many Bald Eagles. You are so right, “The Bald Eagle is always the star of the show …” It looks like you had a really nice day there on January 1st. Thanks, as always, for sharing and hosting Saturday’s Critters. John

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Those eagles are amazing, Eileen! Thanks for hosting and best wishes for a great new week!

roentare said...

Such an incredible view to observe so many bald eagles in one go. What a magnificent view

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lea! The Eagles are always a treat to see!
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie! This is a great spot to see lots of birds, especially Eagles.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bill! I always enjoy seeing the eagles.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you John, for the your link and comment. The Eagles are a treat to see!
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Nick!
Take care, have a great weekend.

Jenn Jilks said...

We are so cold and snowy (6"), I am happy to look at your critters!

Shiju Sugunan said...

I like your Bald eagles, look so similar to our Brahminy kites.

Jeevan said...

A great show of eagles and gulls, and the rocks seem to be an ideal ground for birds to preach around running water. Have a wonderful weekend

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
I guess when there's a picnic on offer, folks will flock!!! You certainly had the numbers to view on this visit... and I just realised that my Saturday posts this year will fit nicely into your linky so am finally joining this particlar 'picnic'! YAM xx

Tom said...

...whatever a sight, I've never seen so many eagles in one spot. Thanks Eileen, stay warm and well.

eileeninmd said...

Roentare, thank you for the visit and comment.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn!
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeevan!
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yam, I appreciate the link this week and for the comment.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tom! Stay warm and safe there.
Take care, have a great weekend.

Marie Smith said...

What a great area for the birds and you as well. Such a lovely place to walk and watch feathered friends. Great photos, Eileen!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marie! Hubby and I do enjoy our walks and all the bird sightings. Have a great weekend.

Barbara Rogers said...

I saved a caturday post just so I could join your Saturday Critters! Sorry I don't get up in time for it to be finished before you read it...I've now added my snow report for today.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It's a great day when you can say you lost count of the Eagles you saw! AMAZING! It's still exciting to see them too. Love your photos and love waking up to this fun party to take part in! Thank you! Enjoy your weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Barb,
Thank you for the link and comment. I hope you stay safe today and the roads are clear.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane! It is a great spot to see the Eagles.
Take care, have a great weekend.

Majo Dutra said...

So many critters!
Predators and their usual preys seem to be in harmony...
Nice to see Eileen...
Have a happy weekend.
~~~~~~~~

Cathy said...

I have never seen so many eagles. They are beautiful!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Cathy! The Eagles are a beautiful sight.
Take care, have a great weekend.

Sondra said...

nice to see so many eagles

rupam sarma said...

Amazing photos.
Thanks a lot for hosting.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sondra! I hope all is well, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the link and comment. Take care, enjoy your weekend.

RedPat said...

I can't believe the number of eagles that you saw, Eileen. Amazing.

Phil Slade said...

That’s a fine place to visit Eileen. Where I live I never see any eagles, the biggest raptors being harriers. So to see eagles, especially large ones, would be a special treat for me. It’s years since I last saw a Ring-billed Gull too. Thanks for the chance to join in today and enjoy your Sunday.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat! The Eagles do like gathering at this spot, the fishing is good. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Phil! I appreciate the comment and link! Have a great weekend.

MadSnapper said...

7 and 8 are my favorite photos today. it has to be just amazing seeing all those eagles. I had to go out and ask Google what an ebird hotspot is and found that the number 1 ebird hotspot in Florida is 10 minutes from our house, at Desoto Park Memorial. have been there numerous times and did not know that. there are 2 here in Bradenton

Red said...

If we get out there's lots to be seen. There was lots of action at this dam.

Cloudia said...

Bald eagle roundup, Eileen!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Red! It is true, we do have to get out there and look. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Cloudia! Have a happy weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Sandra! It is good to know where those hotspots are, especially if you enjoy seeing the birds. Have a happy weekend.

Rostrose said...

Dearest Eileen,
Really nice day and place to walk and watch the birds. It must be wonderful to see so many bald eagles in one place. I didn't know it takes them 5 years to get a white head - learned something new again!
Thanks for letting us take a virtual walk with you!
All the best from Austria,
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/01/costa-rica-2-kapitel-einblick-in-unsere.html

EricaSta said...

Eagle are such majestic birds. They are wonderful. Here in Germany we have Seeadler, Fischadler, Steinadler and Schreiadler and they are rarely seen in the wild nature these days. It`s sad. Therefore it`s a great pleasure, dear Eileen, reading about this rare Birds here, seeing your fantastic captures.

Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs by Heidrun

EricaSta said...

Is my comment lost?

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Traude! The Eagles are beautiful birds, always great to see them. Your Costa Rica trip brings back many happy memories of our trip. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun! It is sad the birds are more rare there. The Eagles are majestic birds. Take care, have a happy weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks, all is well!

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Love seeing all those eagles. I wonder if any might be from the nest I monitored in Florida from 2008 until I moved a year ago. Some immatures from South Florida fly north in winter and have been tracked up to Chesapeake Bay and even into New England. The adults who have nesting territories tend to remain locally through the year.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ken! I would think most of these Eagles are migrating. There are some that stay year around and have nest near by. Have a great weekend.

Bob Bushell said...

Beautiful images of the Bald Eagles, I love them.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bob! I love the Eagles too. Have a great weekend.

carol l mckenna said...

Fantastic series of nature photos ~ favorite is the Bald Eagle of course ~ Xo

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

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen
This looks a wonderful hike to start the year :)
You had some very nice sightings, so lovely to see the Bald Eagles ... and a lot of them too.

Enjoy your weekend.

All the best Jan

Debbie said...

it is both exciting and exhilarating to see the bald eagles, your images are beautiful!! the sun finally came out here today, i hope you were able to get out and enjoy it!! i watched a good movie last night that i am sure you would enjoy "dog gone" on netflix!!

HappyK said...

Wow what a treat to see all those eagles. Fantastic pictures of them.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

What a great place to hike and go birding. What a plethora of bald eagles you saw. I think I have only seen three in the wild my whole life (all of them in 2022). As always I appreciate your knowledge of the birds you photograph.
Thank you for hosting this blog, an important part of the gentle corner of the internet occupied by photobloggers.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I love seeing all your photos those thriving Eagles, Eileen! We have been worried out west as avian flu has spread from chickens to wild birds and hawks and eagles have been sadly dying.

Linda said...

That’s an impressive array of birds!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Carol! Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jan! Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Debbie! It was cloudy here all day, very cold and windy. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen! Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Alan! I do enjoy birdwatching and taking photos of the birds, my simple pleasure. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Pat! The Avian Flu is taking a toll on the birds, it is very sad. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda! Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week!

Anni said...

Yes! Yes indeed...the bald eagle is always the star!!!

Enjoy the week ahead as best as possible and thanks for joining us at IRBB.

VENTANA DE FOTO said...

Me gusta las imágenes que haces de la Naturaleza. el águila vive perfectamente en su hábitat natural.
Feliz domingo.

roughterrain crane said...

Eagles would suffer the biggest damages when the ecosystem is destroyed.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Anni! I hope you have a wonderful new week !

eileeninmd said...

Thank you, this is a great habitat for the eagles. I hope they continue to do well. Happy Sunday, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks for the visit and comment. I hope it does not get to such destruction. Happy Sunday, have a great new week!

Stone Cottage Adventures said...

Your photos of the eagles are spectacular! It's been ages since I've had time to visit your blog. It's absolutely lovely! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

eileeninmd said...

Hello Marci, thanks so much for visiting and linking up your critter post. Happy Sunday, have a great new week!

Jeanie said...

We've been having cold but snow-free weather too. I love that you can see so many eagles! I feel lucky to see one!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

What a wonderful birding hike! So many Eagles -- we saw them like that when we were in Alaska, I didn't think they congregated in such great numbers anywhere else -- and I'm glad to learn that I was wrong. Wonderful pictures. Thank you, as always, for all you do!!

diane b said...

So many eagles. They are fabulous birds.

Tanza Erlambang said...

The Bald Eagle looks wonderful.... love it...

Veronica Lee said...

Love the beautiful photos of the Bald Eagles.
Amazing captures, Eileen.

Hugs and blessings!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie! I do not mind that we have not had any snow, I am looking forward to spring. Take care, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sallie! This spot has been a great place to see the Eagles, lots of eagles. Take care, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Diane! The Eagles are beautiful! Take care, have a great new week!

Teresa said...

Conseguiste unas fotos preciosas, por aquí tenemos otras variedades de águilas entre ellas Imperial, real, ibéricas y muchas más. Un abrazo y feliz semana.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tanza! Take care, have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Veronica! Take care, have a great new week!

Sharon Wagner said...

It is such a joy to see so many eagles now. Have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Teresa, your comment is appreciated. Take care, have a happy day and a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sharon! Yes, I am happy to see the eagles doing well. Take care, have a happy day and a great new week!

Rostrose said...

Dear Eileen,
here I am again - with my latest travelogue chapter!
The reflection in your Monday post is great!
All the best from Austria 👋, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/01/costa-rica-3-kapitel-was-sollte-man.html

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Traude! Your post is great, Costa Rica is a wonderful country to visit. Take care, have a happy day!

Rainbow Evening said...

wonderful views with beautiful birds... great captures

eileeninmd said...

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

EricaSta said...

Thank you for sharing your Post with MosaicMonday

Rain said...

Hi Eileen! Oh the eagles are just so beautiful, thank you for sharing! ♥

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Rain! I appreciate the visit and comment. Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy week ahead.

Angie said...

Eileen - how wonderful to see all those bald eagles! I am hoping to capture some on my trail cam as they are fishing for pike in the creek down by the lake - it is one of the few places with open water these days! Have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie! I hope your trail cam catches the eagles fishing. Take care, have a great day!

Laura. M said...

Buenas fotos de esas águilas. Y fantástica la del reflejo de las palmeras en el agua.
Buen jueves Eileen.
Un abrazo.

DeniseinVA said...

Great photos of all the birds, especially the bald eagles. What a great place! Thanks for sharing and enjoy the rest of the week and weekend :)

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Laura! I love the palm trees. Take care, have a happy day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Denise! I always enjoy seeing the eagles. Take care, have a happy weekend!

bread&salt said...

WoW That's a wonderful place to see the bald eagles and other birds. Hope we visit there in one day. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for the comment. It is a great place to visit and see the Eagles. Take care, have a happy weekend.

Majo Dutra said...

It's really annoying that you close comments on the weekend... Why??!!
You are not obliged to answer!! Here's mine from 19/01...

Your photos are magnificent, Eileen!
Today I posted a poem...
Have a wonderful weekend.
~~~~~~~~

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Prettyboy Reservoir has a nice name and looks like a great place to bird. That flicker has found an anthill, almost surely. I have seen them spend much time at a single productive anthill and even bring their babies to join in (or maybe learn).

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Ken! I was not sure what the Flickers could be eating off the ground, glad they found some food.
Have a great weekend.

Ana Freire said...

As imagens com a águia estão sublimes! Encantaram-me, pois não costumo encontrar tal espécie por estes lados!
Mais um local belíssimo para se observar tantas aves! Beijinhos!
Ana

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ana! The river is a great spot to see the Eagles and various birds. Take care, enjoy your 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...