Saturday, January 21, 2023

Saturday's Critters # 475

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!

1. Early January we had a few nice weather days, mild temperatures but not always sunny. On this day hubby and took a walk at the Loch Raven Reservoir, usually you can always find some winter ducks on the lake between the two dams. 



2. The male Hooded Merganser, it is one of my favorite ducks. The males have a black head with a white patch that changes sizes when the crest is raised. They have a white breast with chestnut flanks. 






3. The Canada Geese had the highest count, the geese population seems to doing very well.





4. The Ring-necked Ducks have dark heads and backs with gray sides. Adult males have a prominent white ring on their bill. The females are brown and have a white patch near the bill. 






5. I could only find a few Bufflehead ducks mixed in with the other duck species and a large count of Canada Geese.





6. More Canada Geese, some Ring-necked Ducks and a few American Wigeons.






7. Below are a few Canada Geese, two Ring-necked Ducks and 4 American Wigeons. the male American Wigeon has a cream color forecrown.







8. There have been years that the Eurasian Wigeon would be seen hanging out with the ducks on this reservoir, I tried zooming in on various groups but I did not see any other duck species. 






9. Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull with two male Hooded Mergansers.





10. The Ring-billed Gulls are a common sight to see at this reservoir, they can also be found on parking lots.





11. Male and female Mallards.






12. The Hooded Merganser couple, the handsome male with the female.  The female is a gray-brown with cinnamon tone on the head. 






13. More male and female Mallards hanging out near the shore, people come to feed the ducks in this spot. So the ducks seem to be more tame around people. 





Bonus image: our grandson Mason will be 1 year old on the 24th..  Happy Birthday to Mason.





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. 

118 comments:

Shiju Sugunan said...

Enjoyed seeing all these ducks. The resizing white patch on the Merganser looks nice. Mason is adorable. Happy Birthday in advance!

Mae Travels said...

That's a great series of waterfowl photos, especially the one lonely Hooded Merganser making a wake behind him. It's good of you to have this weekly blog event!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Well Eileen you certainly saw a lot of lovely ducks and it does look like a lovely day for a walk and camera. Thanks for hosting. and have a wonderful weekend and week ahead.

italiafinlandia said...

Hallo and thanks for sharing this ducks galore. The Buffleheads are particularly noticea.
Very cute.
Happy birthday to your handsome grandson.
All the best!

Breathtaking said...

Hello Eileen :=) What a lovely day out at the Loch Raven Reservoir with plenty of ducks, geese, and gulls. to photograph. The beautiful male Hooded Merganser is one of my favourite ducks also. Its feather pattern and colours are like a glorious painting.
It's counterpart is also a delightful duck, not as showy, but it's rust coloured head is attractive.Lovely photo of Mason, Happy Birthday on the 24th.

Thank you for your comments whilst I have been away, they are much appreciated, and as always thank you for hosting.
Enjoy your weekend Eileen
All the best.

Irma said...

Hi Eileen,
Superb series of photos and collages of the various ducks and geese.
I enjoyed it.
Your grandson is a cutie.
Would you mind posting my link?
I wish you a very nice weekend.
Greetings Irma

Marit said...

Hello Eileen,
I love to see your beautiful photos of the Mallards. They live near by here too. Lovely photo of your grandson!
Have a great weekend!

chica said...

Eileen, que lindas fotos desses patos e que bom ,nem a falta de sol, impediu o passeio e belos cliques!

Parabéns pelo MASON que já fará seu 1º aninho! Felicidades! Como crescem rápido!
beijos, tudo de bom,chica

rupam sarma said...

Hello, Hope your doing fine. Loved the post, Beautiful birds pics.
Loved to Mason , Happy Birthday Greetings in advance:)

Jeevan said...

Happy birthday, Mason! May he have a great celebration.
Excellent duck series of photos, and the weather seemed pleasant to capture these beauties. Have a wonderful weekend!

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Lovely photos of the magnificent ducks, Eileen. Happy Birthday to Mason! Have a great new week, and thanks for hosting.

Tom said...

...I started to count your critters, but quickly gave up! Happy Birthday Mason.

Bill said...

Wonderful duck series of photos. Mason is growing fast and he's a cutie. Have a great weekend and thanks for hosting.

Jenn Jilks said...

Mason is adorable! Happy Birthday.
I quite like the mergansers, too! We've no ducks or geese, living in a frozen wetland!

Penelope Notes said...

To be honest, what critter can hold a candle to the bright-eyed little boy having a birthday! Happy Birthday, Mason!

Angie's Recipes said...

So many different kinds of ducks...they are beautiful! Happy Birthday, Mason :-))

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

What a wealth of waterfowl! Love those mergansers. Happy Birthday, Mason!

roentare said...

What a lovely series of Canadian geese in the lake. They look like starry eyes in a sea 🌊

eileeninmd said...

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

Phil Slade said...

Hi Eileen. Your North American ducks are very striking in their male appearance. Both the Hooded Merganser and the Buffleheads look at their very best at this time of year. What I would give to see all those Ring-billed Gulls too! Mason is just a little Sweetie isn't he? Enjoy your weekend and thanks for the link.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Mae! The Hooded Merganser is a beautiful duck.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Hello Sonjia,
The Hooded Merganser is one of my favorite ducks.
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 Marit! The Mallards seem to be seen all around the world.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Chica!
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! The weather could have been a little nicer for photos.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tom! I stopped counting too!
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bill! Mason's first year seem to fly by.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn! Our temps have been a little milder this winter, which is good for me.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Maria! Mason is a sweet happy boy.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ken! It is a good spot in the winter months to see the waterfowl.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Phil! The winter here is always a great time to see various duck species.
Take care, have a great weekend.

Jeanie said...

Mergansers are my favorite duck and that male hooded fellow is a stunner. What a wonderful sighting -- I don't see them often. Happy weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Jeanie! The Hooded Mergansers are one of my favorite ducks. Have a happy weekend.

Lea said...

Ducks and Geese - always fun to see!
Happy Birthday Mason!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

The Mergansers are such odd looking ducks and I love seeing them. You really saw a lot of ducks and geese! Fun to try to get photos of them all. Happy birthday Mason! (we could have a party together!) Happy weekend, Diane

MadSnapper said...

Happy Birthday Mason, I can't believe it has already been a year. wow... now they are chasing two babies around the house. that is a LOT of ducks and geese to all be in one place.. I like the hooder guys because I have never seen one in real life

William Kendall said...

Happy birthday to Mason!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lea! I do enjoy seeing all the birds.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane! I wish the weather was better for photos, I did enjoy seeing the Mergansers and all the ducks. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sandra! Mason has that little boy look now, he is adorable. The Hooded Mergansers are a favorite of mine.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

RedPat said...

Such a variety of ducks in one place. I would love to see the Hooded Mergansers. Happy Birthday to Mason.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat! It is a good spot to see a variety of ducks. Have a great weekend.

Sandi said...

It looks too cold to be out, even for ducks! 😊

Sweet grandbaby!

Red said...

This was a good course in learning to identify ducks.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari Om
Oh I do like waterfowl and you certainly saw quite the numbers here! YAM xx

John's Island said...

Hi Eileen, First things first … Happy Birthday to Mason! Congrats on your grandson, they just don’t get any cuter than Mason! In today’s Saturday’s Critters I really enjoyed all the photos of the ducks. You mentioned the male Hooded Merganser is one of your favorites and I can sure understand that. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen them along my waterfront walk, but now I will know exactly what to look for and get some pictures for the blog. I see you have plenty of Mallards and they are here in big numbers. Well, I am not quite ready with a new post to link up this week, but just wanted to stop by and say Hello anyway. I’m on my way now to visit some of the linked-up critter posts. 😊 Thank you for hosting and sharing Saturday’s Critters. A happy week ahead to you and your hubby! John

eileeninmd said...

Hello Sandi,
Thanks for visiting and for the comment. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Red! I am learning to id the ducks, some are pretty easy to id. Have a great weekend.

Barbara Rogers said...

These are such great duck photos...as well as triggering your memories from your walk! As everyone else says, Happy Birthday to your precious grandson!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you YAM, I appreciate your comment and link today. Have a happy weekend.

HappyK said...

So nice to see all the ducks - you got some great shots.
Wow a year old already!!! Happy Birthday to Mason.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for dropping by and for the comment John! Mason is a sweetie! Yes, the Hooded Merganser is beautiful and a favorite. I have so many favorites, it really hard choosing just one favorite. Maybe I should say it is a favorite at the time of the sighting. Take care, enjoy your weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Barbara! The blog posts are great ways to relive the sightings and happy times. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen! Mason's first year just flew by. Have a great weekend!

Cloudia said...

You are our ambassador to the waterfowl, Eileen

Debbie said...

awesome captures of all the different and pretty ducks. i saw some mergansers today while i was out taking pictures, i really enjoy seeing them!! you are brave to share a picture of mason, he always shines brighter than even the ducks!!

enjoy your weekend...many thanks for hosting!!

Majo Dutra said...

Excellent photos Eileen... I enjoyed looking at them, guided by your comments...
A great party for Mason! Best wishes to him, parents and to you.
Good weekend.
~~~~~~~

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Cloudia! Have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Debbie! Mason is a shining star. Have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the comment and visit. Have a happy weekend.

carol l mckenna said...

Happy Birthday, Mason ~ so adorable ~ Wonderful series of photos of the ducks ~ love all of them ~ Xo


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

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Happy Birthday to Mason, what a cute little guy he is.
I love all your watefowl. The geese are flourishing here, all year round. They like to cross roads at rush hour assisted by unhomed people waving their arms. Nobody minds.
Thank you for hosting!!

Sondra said...

Love all these ducks

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Carol! I appreciate your comment and link! Have a happy weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Alan! I do not see the geese on the road here, they have plenty of fields, ponds and our lake to keep them happy. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sondra! I hope all is well, take care and enjoy your weekend.

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen
Happy Saturday and weekend wishes to you.
A lovely selection here, I enjoyed seeing all of your photographs.

Gosh, it doesn't seem possible that Mason is almost 1yr.
A sweet photograph you've shared
Many happy birthday wishes for him.

All the best Jan

Marie Smith said...

Love the birds, especially the hooded mergansers. However Mason wins the day! Cutie!

Teresa said...

Un precioso reportaje como siempre. Muchas felicidades para tu nieto. Besos.

handmade by amalia said...

There is something so wonderful in the serenity of birds, going quietly about their business. I so enjoy yours.
Amalia
xo

Linda said...

The ducks make a great collage! Love the gulls photo. Best wishes to the one-year old!

Anni said...

Loved the image of birthday boy Mason!!
My favorite duck is the hooded merganser! Lovely images.
Enjoy your week ahead and thank you for linking in at IRBB.

Veronica Lee said...

I enjoyed the fabulous series of photos and collages of the various ducks and geese.
Hugs and blessings, Eileen.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jan, thank you for the visit and comment.
Take care, have a great new week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marie!
Take care, have a great new week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Teresa!
Take care, have a great new week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Amalia!
Take care, have a great new week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda!
Take care, have a great new week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Anni!
Take care, have a great new week.

eileeninmd said...

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

stardust said...

It’s so relaxing and peaceful to watch at waterfowls. Different species are getting along well there. Happy birthday to Mason. How adorable he is!

Yoko

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much Yoko, I appreciate the comment and your visit. Take care, have a wonderful week!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Great encounter with waterfowl, Eileen. Hooded Merganser is hard to beat!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks David! I did enjoy my encounter with the ducks. Have a great day and happy new week!

21 Wits said...

Hello Eileen! What a lovely wintry view you're sharing for us and they are enjoying it too! Mason is just adorable and wow he's going to be one already! Time flies enjoy every moment as it moves way too quickly. I don't have and tiny grandchildren anymore and if only.... but it seems they are all through with having more babies. Oh well enjoying each and every one! Take care.

DeniseinVA said...

Mason is adorable Eileen, a sweet little guy for sure. You certainly saw a great collection of water birds. Thanks for sharing them and have a great week.

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Eileen; I was so amazed to see "male Hooded Merganser". Its color with black and white and the way its sitting on the stone p;-) Hope you are having wonderful and sweet year 2023 with your lovely grandson ♡♡♡

Tanza Erlambang said...

beautiful series of photos.... lovely Ring-necked Ducks ...
Happy Monday

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen! Our grandsons are growing so quickly, amazing how time flies. Take care, have a great week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Denise! Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Miyako! I wish you all the best in 2023! Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tanza! All the ducks are lovely. Have a great new week!

Sharon Wagner said...

I just hiked to a waterfall today. :) Life is better with Costa Rica in it!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sharon! Your hike sounds wonderful. Have a happy day and great week ahead.

ellen b. said...

Happy First Birthday to Mason, tomorrow! What a cutie. It's fun to see those Mergansers!

Jill Harrison said...

So lovely to have nice weather for a walk. Far too hot here at the moment, but we sometimes go after dinner for a short walk along the Estuary and hope for a breeze. Enjoy your week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ellen! Take care, have a wonderful day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jill! It feels good to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Take care, have a wonderful week!

Adam Jones said...

A very Happy Birthday to Mason :). I really like the Ring-necked Ducks. I managed to see a few last year in the winter, but none this year yet.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Adam! The Ring-necked Ducks are pretty. Have a great day and happy week ahead.

Rainbow Evening said...

Both Canadian geese and Ring-necked Ducks look so beautiful...
great captures

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for the comment! Have a great day and week ahead.

EricaSta said...

Happy, happy Birthday sweet Mason ... sending kisses for you lovely child.

Thank you being part of MOSAIC MONDAY.
Hugs by Heidrun

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun! Enjoy your day and the weekend ahead.

Laura. M said...

Buenas fotos de los patos.Me encanta ese agua corrienro.
Seguro que pasastéis un gran día de cumpleaños de Mason. Está precioso Eileen un beso grande para él 😘〰💗.
Un abrazo.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much Laura, for the visit and comment. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

baili said...

Oh this last image took myv heart away ❤️ what an adorable baby, may God bless him always with all the goodness in life amen!

Dear what a delight to take such wonderful walk. Your area seems full of beautiful birds and water birds as well.
Thank you so much for sharing such a treat with us. Thoroughly enjoyed the variety amazing water birds. Really well taken pictures wow!
Oh happy birthday to cute little boy!

eileeninmd said...

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

Ana Freire said...

Que lindo o seu netinho! Muitos parabéns, para ele, embora já um pouco atrasados... e muita saúde e felicidades para todos vós!
Adorei as imagens do lago, a pulsar de vida, conseguindo reunir um vasto número de aves!
E muitos parabéns, Eileen, pelas suas deslumbrantes imagens de segunda feira, que são sempre admiráveis!!!
Beijinhos! Tudo de bom! Continuação de dias felizes!
Ana

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ana! I appreciate your visits and comments. Take care, have a great weekend!

Happy Monday!

  Wishing everyone a great day and a ha ppy new week! "It's never too late - never too late to start over, never too late to be hap...