Saturday, April 15, 2023

Saturday's Critters # 487

 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 critter photos, join in with my critter party ! You can share your post that includes any kind of critters the real ones, pretend ones, statues and paintings, a new or old post!

March 8, this is part 2 of our boat trip to the Marietas Islands in Puerto Vallarta. If you are ever in the area, the Vallarta Adventures Marietas Eco Discovery boat tour is highly recommended. Boats are not allowed to land on the island, it is a national park and sanctuary for the birds. Snorkelers are allowed in the water for 30 minutes and have to be back on their boats in the allotted time. They have park boats around enforcing the rules. All my photos are taken from our boat. 

Click on photos for better views. 


1. Seeing the Blue-footed Booby was a highlight of the tour for me, I did love seeing the whales too. The baby Blue-footed Booby is born all white, their bright blue feet are a product of their diet. 




2. The Blue-footed Booby nest on the ground, they are excellent divers plunging into the water and eat mostly small fish. They have a wingspan of almost 5 feet. 





3. During mating season the males will strut around showing off their bright blue feet.  




4. The Magnificent Frigatebird nest on the islands too, we watched a few come and go to this nest.  Their nest are usually located near the Bromelia plant, the thorns keep predators away and providing the eggs and babies protection .





5. The Magnificent Frigatebird  is a large seabird, it has a forked tail and has a sturdy long bill with a hooked tip. They like to chase other birds and steal their food.  





6. The Brown Booby is common and widespread, my first sighting was in the Caribbean in St. Thomas. They are seen around the Atlantic and a few times at the Baltimore Harbor. 





7. The Brown Booby are a dark brown with white bellies. They have pale bills and yellow feet. Juveniles are dark billed and mostly brown in color. The nest and forage in groups, their nest can be on the beach, cliffs and hillsides. 




8. There were plenty of gulls around the island, we saw the Laughing Gulls and the Heermann's Gulls, which were both plentiful. 






9. Various photos from the boat tour, we had lunch and drinks. We had to watch the gulls they were trying to steal lunch right off our plates. Hubby decided not to snorkel, the water temps were cold. He would have needed to bring his wet suit. We were also entertained by the crew. It was a fun tour and a great last full day in Mexico. 




10. On the islands and in the sky, the birds were being seen everywhere we looked. Above are the Magnificent Frigatebirds , the Booby, Laughing Gulls and Heermann's Gulls. Also seen were Egrets and Great Blue Herons. 






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. 

105 comments:

  1. The struts with blue feet are absolutely adorable! Looks like that you had a great time in Mexico, Eileen.

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

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  2. There are wonderful coastal birds discovered through your lens.

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    1. Thank you Roentare, for the comment and link. I do love finding the birds.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  3. The birds you saw on your boat tour are amazing. What a wonderful time your must of had, and many dear memories to last until the next trip.

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    1. Thank you Yvonne, for the comment and link.
      I am looking forward to our next trip!
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  4. This was truly a wonderful tirp for you Eileen I also would have been very excited to see all those birds. Thanks for hosting and Commenting. I hope you have a great week ahead

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    1. Thank you Margaret, for the comment and link.
      I was excited seeing all the birds, a fun boat ride too.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  5. Thanks for bringing the Booby to us. A new critter to me.
    The Frigatebird is awesome too. You surely enjoyed a fun trip.
    Wishing you a great weekend! 🌈

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    1. Thank you Luisella, for the comment and link.
      It was a fun trip!
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  6. The booby birds are quite attractive. Looks like a fun sea trip, but, having gulls snatch food from your plate is rather vexing.

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

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  7. Hi Eileen,
    Beautiful series of photos from your boat trip to the Marietas Islands in Puerto Vallarta.
    The Blue-footed Booby is really fantastic.
    I wish you a nice weekend.
    Greetings Irma

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    1. Thank you Irma, for the comment and link.
      It was a fun boat ride, great to see all the birds.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  8. Hello Eileen,
    Beautiful photos.
    Take care, and enjoy your weekend!

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

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  9. Blue-footed Booby is a delight for sure. You have to wonder how they will do as rising ocean temperatures affect their prey base - to say nothing of human overfishing.

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    1. Thank you David, for the comment and link.
      It was a delight to see the Blue-footed Booby up close.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  10. What a grand tour you had and lots of opportunity to see all the various birds. Nice photos and scenery, have a wonderful weekend and thanks for sharing.

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

      Delete
  11. Que maravilhoso passeio e dia de fotos!
    Lindos mosaicos e os atobás sempre encantam!
    Adorei! beijos, ótimo fds! chica

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    1. Thank you Chica!
      It was a treat to see all the birds, a fun boat ride.
      Have a great weekend.

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  12. We saw several of the same species as you did in Mexico when we were in the Galapagos Islands. The Blue-footed Booby and the Frigate Bird also nest there. As you say, they are very impressive species.

    Thank you for hosting Saturday’s Critters!

    best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you Mae! The Blue-footed Boobies and the Frigatebirds were impressive, I really enjoyed this trip!

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  13. thanks a lot for all these pictures and explanations

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment and for linking up this week. Have a great weekend.

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  14. ...Eileen, I started counting all of your critters and I quickly lost count. What a trip you had to Puerto Vallarta. Thanks for sharing and hosting the party.

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    1. Thank you Tom! It was a great trip! Have a happy weekend.

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  15. You do have marvellous adventures! Thanks for hosting.

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    1. Thank you Jenn! We do enjoy our adventures. Have a great weekend.

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  16. How wonderful to have an Island left to the animals. The blue footed boobies would stand out in a crowd!

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    1. Thanks Marie, I appreciate your visit and comment. Have a great weekend.

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  17. Nice photos as always, Eileen. It looks like an excellent trip was had by all. Thanks for hosting, happy new week!

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    1. Thank you Nick! Yes, it was a great trip! Have a happy new week!

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  18. Great to see those blue footed boobies...and to think of a naturalist with a good sense of humor to name them thus. Sorry, I don't have any critters to add to your wonderful post which collects so many other critters!

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    1. Thank you Barbara, I always appreciate your visits and comments. Have a happy weekend.

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  19. Hello Eileen. That is very interesting information about the Blue-footed Booby and their diet. I was left wondering what might predate a Frigatebird and why they need protection from a thorny plant? Good to hear that the island is protected from snorkellers and people in boats – it would seem the Mexican authorities have their priorities right. Sorry that you and hubby didn’t get to swim in the cold water but at least you had a great day out. Thanks for the link today and enjoy your Sunday.

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    1. Thank you Phil! I am glad the authorities are protecting and taking care of this sanctuary. Have a great day and happy new week!

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  20. Seeing a Blue-footed Booby would be the biggest thrill for me, Eileen. It looks like such a bright blue. Thanks for hosting us & for all your nice comments.

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    1. Thank you RedPat! It was a thrill for me too, The Blue-footed Booby is doing well on this island. Have a great weekend.

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  21. That is quite a cruise and you saw a great variety of interesting birds. I am happy that the island is protected so well from visitors, yet via the cruises people can enjoy watching the birds.
    Thank you for hosting!!

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    1. Thank you Alan! I am glad the island is protected too. Have a great weekend.

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  22. both boobies are really interesting and all new to me, I like those blue feet the best, but both are cool birds,. great shots from the boat

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    1. Thank you Sandra! I really enjoyed seeing these birds.. Have a great weekend.

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  23. awesome sightings eileen!! i know i said this before, but what a great birding trip and such a wonderful cruise!! i have never seen, nor do i even know about boobies, those blue feet are so bright on such a common colored bird. the brown booby look a bit like pelicans. it appears from your pictures and comments, you saved the best for last!!

    what a wonderful post!! have a great weekend and many thanks for hosting and sharing this incredible trip!!

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    1. Thank you Debbie,for the comment and the link.
      Seeing the Blue-footed Boobies was a highlight of the trip.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  24. The frigate birds are thieves here in Hawaii too. Thanks for bringing us along and for hosting. Eileen, Have a nice weekend

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    1. Thank you Cloudia, for the comment and your link.
      The Frigatebirds should find their own food.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  25. Es un gran placer viajar y aún más contemplar esas maravillas.
    Feliz fin de semana.

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

      Delete
  26. Gorgeous photos of some unique birds (to me) ~ Blue Booby is fascinating to see ~ fun adventure for you and us ~

    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, for the comment and the link.
      Seeing the Blue-footed Booby was a treat for me.
      Take care, have a happy weekend.

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  27. Wonderful collection of bird pictures. All are beautiful.

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

      Delete
  28. I've never done an eco boat tour but they certainly look enticing! You've seen some remarkable birds. I wish I could see the blue feet better -- that has to be wonderful!

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    1. Thank you Jeanie! The boat tour was wonderful, a highlight of the trip for me. Have a happy weekend.

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  29. The boat tour really is the best way to see these birds in their nature habitat. How amazing to see and watch something so unique. I know you loved your trip!

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    1. Thank you Diane! It was a fun tour, so glad we were able to take this boat tour. Have a happy weekend.

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  30. A beautiful blog you have done Eileen. My favourite is the Frigatebird, fantastic.

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    1. Thank you Bob! I loved seeing all the birds! Have a great new week!

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  31. Hello Eileen :=)
    This looks like a stupendous boat tour, how exciting to see the Blue-footed Booby, the Brown Booby, and the Frigate bird. The gulls like most gulls were snatching food that was more available than fishing for their own food. They can be so annoying, but the sight of the other birds must have made up for their cheeky stealing practises. I love this post seeing the birds on the rocks in their natural environment. Lovely photo of the on board entertainment too.
    All the best and thank you Eileen for hosting.

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    1. Thank you Sonjia! I enjoyed seeing the birds on the island, they have a safe place to nest. I appreciate your comment and the link. Have a great day and happy new week!

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  32. Replies
    1. Thank you for the link and comment. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great new week.

      Delete
  33. Eileen - fascinated with the blue feet! We are heading to Grand Cayman next week and I am looking forward to scuba diving and snorkeling!

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    1. Thank you Angie, for the comment and visit. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great trip to Grand Cayman.

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  34. What a great place for a holiday adventure. The trip will stay with you forever as a wonderful nature retreat!

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    1. Thank you Maria, Yes I will always remember this trip.. Have a great day and happy new week!

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  35. Fue un precioso paseo, me encantaría hacerlo. Las aves se ven bonitas, me gustó especialmente la de las patas azules. Un abrazo.

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

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  36. I've seen ONLY ONE blue footed booby! This was extraordinary Eileen
    Thanks for sharing this blog with us at IRBB!

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    1. Thank you Anni! Seeing these Blue-footed Boobies was an awesome sight. Have a great day and happy new week!

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  37. Hello Eileen
    What a wonderful boat tour this was, you had some fabulous sightings.
    I did enjoy seeing the Blue-footed Booby, they are certainly different.

    I hope you are having a lovely weekend, my good wishes for the coming new week.

    All the best Jan

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

      Delete
  38. Dearest eileen; How amazing Blue-footed Booby look (^^♪)I always wish to be able to see these varieties of birdies. LOVE the Blue-footed Boobies; Yes, an awesome sigh! And The Brown Booby have REALLY brown body p;-) Their beaks are really amazing♬ Wishing you are (or will) have a wonderful new week.

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    1. Thank you Miyako! I appreciate you comment and your link. Have a great new week!

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  39. Thank you for these wonderful photos. We've not been able to travel much since Ron has develped neuropathy. I do enjoy your posts! Thank you! Cathy

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    1. Thank you Cathy! We do like traveling, trying to see as much as we can before we are not able to. Take care, have a happy new week!

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  40. Happy Monday Eileen! As always, I love your photos! What a fun trip to Mexico, and what a thrill to see these birds - I'll bet it's hard to know where to point your camera! 😊 Amazing!!

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    1. Thank you Kim! we enjoyed our trip! Have a great day and happy week ahead.

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  41. Good times and good birds! Greetings from Puerto Rico.

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    1. Thank you Sharon! Enjoy your trip! Have a great day and happy week ahead.

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  42. These photos are excellent and I love seeing the variety of birds.

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

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  43. interesting to know that bright blue feet of Blue-footed Booby due to diet....
    Thank you for sharing beautiful photos

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

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  44. What a great tour to be able to see all these birds. Great photos, Eileen. Happy new week to you.

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

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  45. Hello, Eileen. What a fantastic boat tour! On such a bright, sunny day, seeing the birds in their natural habitat and in the sky, is a wonderful experience. Blue-footed Booby is so impressive; especially #3 photo is a nice shot. This will surely become one of your fond memories. Have happy days ahead.

    Yoko

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    1. Thank you Yoko! It was a great tour, I do have happy memories. Have a great day and happy week ahead.

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  46. So beautiful pics.
    Have a nice week ahead

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

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  47. Look at those blue feet!!! How cool is that!?! ☺

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    1. Thank you Rain! The blue feet were cool, amazing sight to see. Have a great day and happy week ahead.

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  48. interesting to know about brown and Blue-footed Booby.....
    have a great day

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    1. Thank you for the comment and visit. Have a great day!

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  49. It is always a great pleasure to admire your photographs...
    It must have been a memorable boat ride...
    And the blue paws! I couldn't imagine!
    I have a poem on 'Convívio' about our Earth -- Blue Planet -- 'Planeta Azul'...
    You'll like it. Great and happy days.
    ~~~~~~

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

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  50. Que passeio incrível, Eileen! As imagens estão um puro fascínio!
    Confesso que mergulhar, num meio que não se conheça verdadeiramente bem... não sei se conseguiria...
    De qualquer forma, acho que tiraram o melhor partido desta sensacional e divertida viagem, por mar!
    Belíssima partilha, como sempre, Eileen! Beijinhos! Continuação de uma feliz semana!
    Ana

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    1. Thank you Ana! It was a great tour! Have a happy day and a great week ahead.

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  51. Wow. What a great tour. I'm saving this to show my hubby-- those blue-footed boobies might encourage him to book another visit to PV sometime. (We've been there but never like this!! Once before digital, before camera, before blog -- seems like centuries ago. And the next two times not for long enough,).

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    1. Thank you Sallie! It was a wonderful tour and boat ride. The Blue-footed Boobies were an awesome sight. Take care, enjoy your day!

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  52. There are many interestings things about this birds to see, to read. I enjoyed your post so much, dear Eileen.

    Thank you for sharing and being part at
    MosaicMonday.

    Have a wonderful week.
    Greetings and hugs by Heidrun

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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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