Saturday, January 28, 2023

Saturday's Critters # 476

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 photos and birds are from my back yard and our nearby lake/reservoir. Hubby and I are happy that the lake is just a walking distance from our home.

We live near the Prettyboy Reservoir which is one of three reservoirs owned by Baltimore City. I recently posted about the ducks seen at the Loch Raven Reservoir which is one of the three reservoirs, Liberty Reservoir is the third reservoir. Baltimore City and five surrounding counties have plenty of drinking water. 

1. Jan 7th, in the back yard, hubby and I were watching a large group of Dark-eyed Juncos pecking away at the ground, two Northern Flickers joined the Junco group.  Photos were taken through the windows.  Click on images for better viewing.





2. The female is brownish-gray in color and has the pink bill and the white in the tail area. 





3. The male Dark-eyed Junco is a dark grey with a pink bill and white outer tail feathers which show more while they are in flight.





4. Jan 7th, the Northern Flicker pecking away at the ground. Not sure if these birds were finding seeds or bugs on the ground. 





5. Jan 7th, our walk to the lake, we saw groups here and there of the male and female Common Mergansers.  Of course most were across the lake, so I had to zoom in to get a closer look. 






6. Below the male with the green head is with a group of female Common Mergansers. 





7. Taking off, these Common Mergansers would fly from one end of the lake to the other end.  






8. Two female Common Mergansers. They started off close to us near the lake shore, but quickly swam to the other side of the lake. 




 


9. The sunlight on the male Common Merganser. He is beautiful, also known as a Goosander. They are considered a seaduck, found in rivers and lakes. 




10.  Jan 7th, a view of our Prettyboy Reservoir. If we did not look closely we would have missed seeing the Mergansers. At times they dive and disappear, reappearing in a different spot.  




11.  Jan 9th, On the NCR trail, hubby and I walked a few miles on the bike trail. A chilly day so it was a brisk walk. I have a few scenes and some Eastern Bluebirds taken from the trail. 




12. Jan 11th , after seeing beautiful photos of a Golden Eagle on the Maryland Birders facebook page, the Golden Eagle was being seen at our lake since early January. Hubby and I decided to take a chance and see if the Golden Eagle was still there, of course we missed it again. We did see more Common Mergansers, Cooper's Hawk, Vultures and a Bald Eagle. 





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. 

123 comments:

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

      Delete
  2. Hi Eileen, Thanks for taking us along on your walk to the Reservoir. As always, this time I enjoyed your photos of the birds. You always have such great variety. Really nice shot of Pretty Boy Reservoir in image #10. Thank you for sharing and hosting Saturday’s Critters. Happy weekend to you and yours. John

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    1. Thank you John, I appreciate your comment and for the link this week. Hubby and I do enjoy our walks.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
    2. Hi again Eileen, Thank you for your kind comment on my new post today. This afternoon I’ve been chatting with the AI bot and can’t resist sharing this exchange. I think it will leave you with a smile. My question: “Is the Prettyboy Reservoir near Baltimore a place worth visiting to get out into nature?” The bot’s answer: “Prettyboy Reservoir is located in northern Baltimore County, Maryland and is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, and is a great place to get out into nature and enjoy some fresh air and exercise. Some visitors say that it's a great place for a peaceful hike, and it is also a great place for bird watching, which is a popular activity in the area. Overall, Prettyboy Reservoir is considered a worthwhile place to visit for those looking to get out into nature and enjoy some peaceful surroundings.” Looks like you’re in a great location! John

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  3. Too bad you didn't find the eagle. Your photos are great this week.

    thanks for hosting.... mae at maefood.blogsot.com

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

      Delete
  4. Beautiful lake and always great to see the birds. There is a lake (ex-mining pond) in the recreational park but hardly any birds can be sighted.

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    1. Thank you Nancy! I am sorry you do not see the birds at your lake.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  5. Not sure if I have ever seen those beautiful dark-eyed Juncos...I saw lots of ducks on our daily walk though. Have a fabulous weekend, Eileen!

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    1. Thank you Angie! The Juncos are pretty birds.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  6. Love the looks of mergansers. I am learning birds names from your posts

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    1. Thank you for the visit and comment. There are so many birds and id's to learn.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  7. Wonderful series again. The pink bill of the Junco always interests me. Happy day, happy weekend!

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    1. Thank you Denise! The Juncos are sweet!
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  8. Love the shots of the Common Mergansers and the reservoir looks lovely Eileen. Thanks for hosting, and commenting on my posts. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead and stay safe.

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    1. Thank you Margaret, I always appreciate your links and comments.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  9. This is a beautiful collection of bird photos. You are lucky to have a lake within walking distance. Great way to enjoy the beauty of nature.
    Thanks for hosting. Have a great weakened!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Amila! Yes, we do feel lucky to live in such a beautiful area next to the lake.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  10. Tus paseos son preciosos, los paisajes son muy bonitos y ves muchas aves que me encantan. Gracias y abrazos.

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

      Delete
  11. Hello Eileen,
    You have many beautiful birds in your backyard. The Dark-eyed Junco is always so pretty. Lovely photos.
    Take care, and have a great weekend!

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    1. Thank you Marit! I am happy to see any bird in my yard.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  12. Hi Eileen,
    What beautiful pictures you have taken.
    I think the mergansers are really great to see.
    Would you like to post my link.
    Have a nice weekend.
    Greetings Irma

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

      Delete
  13. Tão lindo tudo isso,Eileen! Que bom que tens esse reservatório pertinho de ti e assim podemos ver essas belezas que nos trazes sempre! Ótimo fim de semana! beijos, chica

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

      Delete
  14. Thanks for sharing these delightful images of calm and restful places and wildlife. I appreciated the juncos in particular today.
    Very pretty indeed.
    Happy weekend to you and happy walks! :)

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

      Delete
  15. Beautiful photos, Eileen. It's always a pleasure seeing all the different critters you captured with your camera. Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend.

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

      Delete
  16. Dearest Eileen, it's a pity that you missed the Golden Eagle, but you saw so many other beautiful birds ❤️ The fact that Jan 9th was a chilly day can also be seen from the birds' fluffed plumage. I always admire how these little creatures survive the cold winter! Thank you for taking us with you on your virtual birdwatching tours!
    Hugs from snowy Austria,
    Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/01/manchmal-kommt-es-anders.html

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    1. Thank you Traude! We tried several times to see the Golden Eagle, I am sorry I missed the sighting.
      The birds do get fluffy when it is really cold. Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  17. You know, Dark-eyed Juncos, are inordinately beautiful little birds that bring great cheer in the landscape. They are subdued, refined, elegant and hardy, attributes humans could use to great advantage. They visit my yard every day, sometimes as many as a dozen of them, and I am happy every time I see them.

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    1. Thank you David! I am thankful for any bird that visits my yard.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  18. The junco is a very pretty bird, Eileen and you've taken great photos of it and the other critters. Thank you for hosting and best wishes for the new week ahead.

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

      Delete
  19. I do like the juncos. I wonder why they feed on the ground versus the feeders. I see a lot of them under the feeder and they always make me smile. I'm sharing Pumpkin the Deer with you today!

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    1. Thank you Jeanie. I am so glad there was a happy ending for Pumpkin the deer.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  20. ...Eastern Bluebirds are always a favorite of him. Thanks Eileen for sharing and hosting. Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Thank you Tom! I am always happy to see the Bluebirds, one of my favorites too.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  21. The bluebirds are not here but the others are around. Love the juncos but I can’t distinguish the males and females yet. Thanks for starting the day on such a lovely note, Eileen.

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

      Delete
  22. My, open water, amazing birds! We have the usual: more snow and deer! Thanks for hosting!

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    1. Thank you Jenn! We are lucky to enjoy somewhat of a mild winter.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  23. Juncos are pretty little grey birds, and I love Flickers. Never seen a Merganser, so am glad that you are sharing them here. Have a great weekend.

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    1. Thank you Barbara, I appreciate your comment.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  24. Prettyboy Reservoir is aptly named as it certainly is pretty and it must also feel pretty good walking about there. :)

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    1. Thank you Maria! We do enjoy our walks around the lake! Have a great weekend.

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  25. Hello Eileen. You are fortunate that you have the reservoir amenity so close that you can walk there. More importantly it seems to be is a place of calm and peace for like minded people to enjoy the great outdoors and the natural world. Great sighting and lovely pictures today! I'm loving your Bluebirds . Have a Happy Saturday

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    1. Thanks Phil! Over the years we have seen some great bird sightings here in our neighborhood and at the lake. The Bluebirds are one of my favorites too. Have a great weekend.

      Delete
  26. When the Juncos arrive here I know that winter is coming. They were a bit early this year. Always love to see the Bluebirds.

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    1. Thank you RedPat! The Bluebirds are one of my favorites to see. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  27. I heard woodpeckers this morning while walking and have seen several flickers in the front and back of our house in the past few weeks and today I saw a robin and a sparrow, I have never seen a robin before and sparrows are rare here. or for me they are.

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    1. Thanks Sandra! I love to hear and see all the woodpeckers. Some of them are very loud pecking away at the trees.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  28. Hari OM
    Oh I do love Mergansers and you managed some fine shots of them here. But was ever, I am in awe of what you can see from your home window! YAM xx

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Yam! Some times I do see some great birds from my windows. Have a great day!

      Delete
  29. You get out often and see many creatures.

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    1. Thanks Red! I try to get out as often as I can! Have a great weekend.

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  30. Great photos!
    I especially enjoy seeing the water birds!
    Have a wonderful weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Lea, I enjoy seeing all the birds. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  31. The Flicker is a neat bird to spot and I love Mergansers! They are so unique and you did have the lighting just right for photos. Love the little Juncos, we don't see them here! Happy Saturday and thanks for the party!

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    1. Thank you Diane! I do enjoy finding the birds on our outings. Have a great weekend.

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  32. more and more i see reports of G-Eagle in the east...very cool

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    1. Thanks Sondra! It is nice that the Golden Eagles are showing up here. I hope you are doing well, have a great weekend.

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  33. those common mergansers are so funny, i always enjoy my rare sightings of them. i usually see a lot of the hooded merganser ducks, but only during the winter!! i have not seen any juncos this winter...i usually only see them after the first snow!! awesome captures today, thanks for hosting!!

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    1. Thanks Debbie! I feel lucky to be seeing both the Common and the Hooded Mergansers at our lake. Have a great weekend.

      Delete
    2. eileen...the clutch does not need to stay plugged in. you only plug it in to charge it!! it does get plugged into you phone with a very short little wire when you are using it!!

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  34. Hello Eileen, Sorry I'm late in commenting. I forgot I hadn't visited..shame on me!! I'm sorry you didn't get to see the Golden Eagle, but you saw the Mergansers, and they are super ducks, the male is very attractive, and your photo of him is great you are right the light was just perfect. Nearer home the Dark-eyed Junco is a super sight, such an understated grey bird but so lovely, and the Flicker so beautiful, and I can only dream of seeing these birds in person. I almost forgot to mention the beautiful Bluebirds, and the lovely views of the lake.
    Have a good weekend Eileen, and thank you so much for hosting.

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    1. Thank you Sonjia! I tried my best to see the Golden Eagle, maybe another time. The Junco is a pretty bird, I only see them in the winter months. Take care, and enjoy your day and happy new week!

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  35. Always wonderful photos of nature's gems here ~ great eye and creative ~ 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! Have a great evening and a happy Sunday!

      Delete
  36. It's a rare sighting for us to see the mergansers here but it might just be that it is hard to walk here in the winter on trails. Wonderful sightings, Eileen. Hope you are having a peaceful weekend.

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    1. Thank you Ellen! We are lucky to see the Mergansers during the winter months. Have a great weekend.

      Delete
  37. I really enjoyed appreciating your wildlife post -- your beautiful critters party.
    A great week for you both. Hugs
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

      Delete
  38. You have a sharp eye for the birds!! Plus I love that you get outside a lot checking things out. I have seen Golden Eagles at the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico.

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    1. Thank you Alan! My bird watching works out well for our exercising, the walks are good for us. Have a great weekend.

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  39. Hello Eileen
    Many thanks for sharing another lovely 'Saturday Critters' post.
    You had some great sightings and the Prettyboy Reservoir looks a very nice place to visit.
    Enjoy your weekend and have a great new week. Hard to believe it will be February on Wednesday!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you Jan! Have a wonderful Sunday and happy new week!

      Delete
  40. So nice to see your collection of critters once again. A good variety of sightings.

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

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  41. Lovely photos. The mergansers remind me of a Ford Fairlane.

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

      Delete
  42. Eileen - Flickers are common visitors here, to the birdfeeders, on the ground and (unfortunately) hammering away at our fascia. The plumage is incredibly beautiful. Thanks for hosting Saturday's Critters!

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

      Delete
  43. Great photos of your beautiful walk around the lake, Eileen. The Mergansers are beautiful, and I love the Northern Flicker. Too bad you didn't get to see the Golden Eagle - hopefully next time! Hope you have a good week. x

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    1. Hello Karen,
      Thank you for the comment and link.
      Have a great day and happy new week!

      Delete
  44. I’d be happy to get a bald eagle picture.

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    1. Thank you Linda! I always appreciate your links and comments.
      Have a great day and happy new week!

      Delete
  45. Love the Mergansers, they have the best hairdo.

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  46. Beautiful as always Eileen. We don't see juncos here, so I appreciated your comparing male/female features. It was great having you link in this week at IRBB! Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

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

      Delete
  47. This wonderful nature! I enjoyed reading again, Eileen, so much. After my knee-surgery maybe we can walk around here in the so called "Westliche Wälder" nearby of Augsburg ... I hope.

    Have a wonderful week, Hugs by Heidrun

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    1. Hello Heidrun,
      I am sorry to hear about your knee surgery, I hope is all goes well and I wish you a quick recovery. Thanks for the comment and link. Have a great day and happy new week!

      Delete
    2. Thank you so much for your good wishes. The surgery will be in 3 weeks ... I have prepare anything.

      Delete
  48. Good morning Eileen, what a lovely post, I'm finding your winter views so much more to my liking. Growing up in Michigan winter was not quite as wild as Minnesota often can be. But on the other hand, it seems time is moving like it does in the summer months. I'm still trying to figure that out. Take care enjoy your week ahead and all the wonders of nature and critters.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Karen,
      Thanks for the link and comment. I am looking forward to Spring, it has been a cold winter. Take care, have a wonderful week!

      Delete
  49. Replies
    1. Thank you Sandi! Take care, have a wonderful week!

      Delete
  50. lovely colors of the Northern Flicker....pleasure to see your beautiful photos.
    thank you for sharing.

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    1. Thank you Tanza, I appreciate the comment and link. Take care, have a wonderful week!

      Delete
  51. Replies
    1. Thank you Sharon, I appreciate your comment and link! Have a great day and happy week ahead.

      Delete
  52. Common Mergansers look so cute....
    I wish to observe them in nature

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    1. Thank you for the comment. The Mergansers are cute! Take care, have a great day!

      Delete
  53. Hi Eileen! I love seeing all of your bird photos. The Common Mergansers are just so pretty. I'm seeing lots of Evening Grosbeaks still, various woodpeckers, lots of Mourning Doves, Chickadees, Red Poles and Nut Hatches this time of year! Of course, crows too! ☺

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    1. Thank you Rain! You have a nice variety of birds there. I would be love to see the Evening Grsobeak and Redpolls in my yard. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  54. I really enjoyed the tour of your reservoir -- you were lucky to get such good pictures of the Mergansers since they like to dive and come up somewhere else. (Actually, it is your skill and patience, not luck! Thanks for sharing with me -- I'm someone who doesn't have much skill or patience! ALL my pictures are due to luck.) It was interesting to read about the three reservoirs Baltimore City has -- reservoirs are always such good birding places and as you say very important because we all need plenty of water!

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    1. Thank you Sallie! The reservoirs are all great places for birdwatching and hiking. Take care, have a great day!

      Delete
  55. I always enjoy your glorious sightings, Eileen.
    The Common Mergansers are so pretty.

    Hugs and blessings!

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    1. Thank you Veronica! I always appreciate your comments and visits. Have a great day!

      Delete
  56. Muy cierto que el tiempo vuela. Siempre grandes fotos Eilien. Más la de los cisnes volando.
    A seguir bien.
    Un abrazo.

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    1. Thank you Laura! Take care, enjoy your day and the weekend ahead.

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  57. I'm back to winter robins and squirrels. No more macaws. But life is good!

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    1. Thank you Sharon! Life is good! Have a great day!

      Delete
  58. Imagens encantadoras! Mas a visão do lago é sublime! Fico sempre encantada, com o número de espécies que encontra relativamente tão próximo de casa! Grata por mais uma série de beleza, com a natureza a encantar-nos sob tantas formas...
    Beijinhos! Continuação de uma feliz semana!
    Ana

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    1. Thank you Ana! Nature is beautiful, I enjoy our walks and living near the lake. Have a happy day!

      Delete

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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