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.
Gorgeous sightings and views today!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the visit and comment.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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
ReplyDeleteThank you John, I appreciate your comment and for the link this week. Hubby and I do enjoy our walks.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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
DeleteToo bad you didn't find the eagle. Your photos are great this week.
ReplyDeletethanks for hosting.... mae at maefood.blogsot.com
Thank you Mae!
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nancy! I am sorry you do not see the birds at your lake.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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!
ReplyDeleteThank you Angie! The Juncos are pretty birds.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
Love the looks of mergansers. I am learning birds names from your posts
ReplyDeleteThank you for the visit and comment. There are so many birds and id's to learn.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
Wonderful series again. The pink bill of the Junco always interests me. Happy day, happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Denise! The Juncos are sweet!
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret, I always appreciate your links and comments.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting. Have a great weakened!
Thank you Amila! Yes, we do feel lucky to live in such a beautiful area next to the lake.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
Tus paseos son preciosos, los paisajes son muy bonitos y ves muchas aves que me encantan. Gracias y abrazos.
ReplyDeleteThank you Teresa!
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
Hello Eileen,
ReplyDeleteYou have many beautiful birds in your backyard. The Dark-eyed Junco is always so pretty. Lovely photos.
Take care, and have a great weekend!
Thank you Marit! I am happy to see any bird in my yard.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
Hi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteWhat 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
Thank you Irma!
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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
ReplyDeleteThank you Chica!
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
Thanks for sharing these delightful images of calm and restful places and wildlife. I appreciated the juncos in particular today.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty indeed.
Happy weekend to you and happy walks! :)
Thank you Luisella!
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bill!
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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!
ReplyDeleteHugs from snowy Austria,
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/01/manchmal-kommt-es-anders.html
Thank you Traude! We tried several times to see the Golden Eagle, I am sorry I missed the sighting.
DeleteThe birds do get fluffy when it is really cold. Take care, have a happy weekend.
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you David! I am thankful for any bird that visits my yard.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nick!
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeanie. I am so glad there was a happy ending for Pumpkin the deer.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
...Eastern Bluebirds are always a favorite of him. Thanks Eileen for sharing and hosting. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tom! I am always happy to see the Bluebirds, one of my favorites too.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marie!
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
My, open water, amazing birds! We have the usual: more snow and deer! Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenn! We are lucky to enjoy somewhat of a mild winter.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Barbara, I appreciate your comment.
DeleteTake care, have a happy weekend.
Prettyboy Reservoir is aptly named as it certainly is pretty and it must also feel pretty good walking about there. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Maria! We do enjoy our walks around the lake! Have a great weekend.
DeleteHello 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
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
DeleteBeautiful birds, Eileen.
ReplyDeleteThank you William! Have a great weekend.
DeleteWhen the Juncos arrive here I know that winter is coming. They were a bit early this year. Always love to see the Bluebirds.
ReplyDeleteThank you RedPat! The Bluebirds are one of my favorites to see. Have a wonderful weekend.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra! I love to hear and see all the woodpeckers. Some of them are very loud pecking away at the trees.
DeleteTake care, enjoy your day!
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteOh 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
Thank you Yam! Some times I do see some great birds from my windows. Have a great day!
DeleteYou get out often and see many creatures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Red! I try to get out as often as I can! Have a great weekend.
DeleteGreat photos!
ReplyDeleteI especially enjoy seeing the water birds!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you Lea, I enjoy seeing all the birds. Have a wonderful weekend.
DeleteThe 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!
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane! I do enjoy finding the birds on our outings. Have a great weekend.
Deletemore and more i see reports of G-Eagle in the east...very cool
ReplyDeleteThanks Sondra! It is nice that the Golden Eagles are showing up here. I hope you are doing well, have a great weekend.
DeleteThank you Eileen 🙂
ReplyDeleteThank you Cloudia! Have a happy weekend.
Deletethose 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!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie! I feel lucky to be seeing both the Common and the Hooded Mergansers at our lake. Have a great weekend.
Deleteeileen...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!!
DeleteHello 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.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend Eileen, and thank you so much for hosting.
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!
DeleteAlways wonderful photos of nature's gems here ~ great eye and creative ~ Xo
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you Carol! Have a great evening and a happy Sunday!
DeleteIt'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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellen! We are lucky to see the Mergansers during the winter months. Have a great weekend.
DeleteI really enjoyed appreciating your wildlife post -- your beautiful critters party.
ReplyDeleteA great week for you both. Hugs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you for the comment and visit. Have a great day and happy new week!
DeleteYou 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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alan! My bird watching works out well for our exercising, the walks are good for us. Have a great weekend.
DeleteHello Eileen
ReplyDeleteMany 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
Thank you Jan! Have a wonderful Sunday and happy new week!
DeleteSo nice to see your collection of critters once again. A good variety of sightings.
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen. Have a great day and happy new week!
DeleteLovely photos. The mergansers remind me of a Ford Fairlane.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment and visit.
DeleteHave a great day and happy new week!
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!
ReplyDeleteThank you Angie. I appreciate the link and comment!
DeleteHave a great day and happy new week!
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
ReplyDeleteHello Karen,
DeleteThank you for the comment and link.
Have a great day and happy new week!
I’d be happy to get a bald eagle picture.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda! I always appreciate your links and comments.
DeleteHave a great day and happy new week!
Love the Mergansers, they have the best hairdo.
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane!
DeleteHave a wonderful new week!
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anni! Have a great day and happy new week!
DeleteThis 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.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week, Hugs by Heidrun
Hello Heidrun,
DeleteI 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!
Thank you so much for your good wishes. The surgery will be in 3 weeks ... I have prepare anything.
DeleteGood 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.
ReplyDeleteHello Karen,
DeleteThanks for the link and comment. I am looking forward to Spring, it has been a cold winter. Take care, have a wonderful week!
Beautiful. Serene. 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandi! Take care, have a wonderful week!
Deletelovely colors of the Northern Flicker....pleasure to see your beautiful photos.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing.
Thank you Tanza, I appreciate the comment and link. Take care, have a wonderful week!
DeleteThe swan shot is heavenly!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon, I appreciate your comment and link! Have a great day and happy week ahead.
DeleteCommon Mergansers look so cute....
ReplyDeleteI wish to observe them in nature
Thank you for the comment. The Mergansers are cute! Take care, have a great day!
DeleteHi 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! ☺
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sallie! The reservoirs are all great places for birdwatching and hiking. Take care, have a great day!
DeleteI always enjoy your glorious sightings, Eileen.
ReplyDeleteThe Common Mergansers are so pretty.
Hugs and blessings!
Thank you Veronica! I always appreciate your comments and visits. Have a great day!
DeleteMuy cierto que el tiempo vuela. Siempre grandes fotos Eilien. Más la de los cisnes volando.
ReplyDeleteA seguir bien.
Un abrazo.
Thank you Laura! Take care, enjoy your day and the weekend ahead.
DeleteI'm back to winter robins and squirrels. No more macaws. But life is good!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon! Life is good! Have a great day!
DeleteImagens 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...
ReplyDeleteBeijinhos! Continuação de uma feliz semana!
Ana
Thank you Ana! Nature is beautiful, I enjoy our walks and living near the lake. Have a happy day!
Delete