Saturday, May 20, 2023

Saturday's Critters # 492

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!


A little behind here sharing my images and outings. On April 10-12th, hubby and I enjoyed a getaway which included visits to Blackwater NWR, Assateague Island Nat'l Seashore and Ocean City Md, Delaware's Indian River Inlet and Bombay Hook NWR. These images are from our first day. 


1. These are some sightings from our ride on Blackwater NWR wildlife drive. Photos were taken from our car windows. Great Egret, Willet, King Rail, Osprey, Bald Eagles, Slider Turtles, Blackwater wetland and river, Great Blue Heron. 

Click on photos for larger viewing.






2. The Ospreys have returned and there are a few nests just off the wildlife drive. We had great views of the Ospreys on their nest. 




3. The Great Blue Herons are a common wader seen in Maryland.





4. The highlight of our Blackwater NWR visit was seeing this King Rail right next to the road.  It was out in the open for quite a while, we parked the car and watched the King Rail foraging for food.  




5. We saw the King Rail at all angles, showing off it's pretty and colorful feathers. The King Rail is a large chicken like bird. It has reddish wings and breast, black and white stripe plump belly and a short tail. 





6. At the Ocean City, Maryland inlet we saw the Common Loons, lots of Laughing Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls and a pretty sunset. 





7. Common Loons can be seen at Ocean City's inlet often.  You can see this Loon has the black and white spotted back, the summer colors. 





8. At the back of the hotel we could still see some pretty colors from the sunset on the bay side. 





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. 

136 comments:

roentare said...

King Rail is something I have yet seen before. Great collection of bird photos as usual

Shiju Sugunan said...

Awesome pics of nature this week. The Ospreys in the nest and the King Rail are my top picks. Amazing sunset colors too.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Great shots of the King Rail. Wonderful to see it so out in the open, i am sure that does not happen too often Eileen. Thanks for hosting and commenting. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead.

Angie's Recipes said...

Beautiful critters! I have never seen the blue herons before..only the light coloured one. The sunset looks gorgeous! Have a fabulous weekend, Eileen.

Cloudia said...

I can hear the gulls laughing in your pretty photos, Eileen

rupam sarma said...

Another great series of photos, Loved the post, Thank you so much for hosting.

Yvonne said...

What a lovely day to go bird watching. I've never heard of a King Rail. What luck to spot it so easily, and all those photos are quite nice. With a beautiful sunset to end the day, it couldn't get much better than that.

NatureFootstep said...

wow, this is a great post. Loved to see the Osprey and the King Rail. The Rail is stunning. Wish I had seen it :) Have a great weekend. :) Sun is shining over here.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Again I admire the wonderful images you bring us, Eileen - and today, for me, the King Rail holds special interest, a bird I am not ever likely to see with my 'bare eyes'! YAM xx

Irma said...

Hi Eileen,
What a great series of photos and collages you show.
I think the ospreys on the nest are great, we see this species very little in the Netherlands.
The sunset is also super beautiful with the colors.
I wish you a very nice weekend.
Greetings Irma

Arun Goyal said...

I am bringing you my visit to bird sanctuary where I was lucky to spot Ostrich. Thanks for hosting.

MadSnapper said...

I don't think I have ever seen a king rail, even in a photo until now. he is so handsome. that is a super shot of the osprey on the nest. you must have been up as high as the nest, maybe a tower.

Tom said...

...flor me Common Loons are an important part of The Adirondack Mountains. Their call is the call of the wild. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous sunset. Take care and stay well.

Bill said...

I never heard of the King Rail, it's a beautiful looking bird. Lovely photos as always, have a wonderful weekend and thanks for hosting.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Ospreys have responded very well to the provision of nesting platforms, thank goodness. Excellent encounter with the King Rail, not a species one encounters every day. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tom, for the link and comment.
We had a loon visiting our local lake a few weeks back and heard the call for the first time, very cool sound.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Sandra, the nest was not very high. I took that photo from our car window. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Irma, for the link and comment.
I always enjoy a pretty sunset.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you YAM, for the link and comment.
We were very lucky to see the Rail out in the open, they are shy.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Monica, for the link and comment.
YAY for the sunshine! The Rail was a beauty!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yvonne, for the link and comment.
We were very lucky to see the Rail.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Cloudia, for the link and comment.
I wish I was back at the beach hearing those gulls now.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Margaret, for the link and comment.
Our timing was perfect to see the Rail out in the open.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bill, I appreciate the link and comment. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you David. Hubby and I were happy to sit and watch this King Rail. Have a happy weekend.

chica said...

Adoro ver os resultados dessas escapadelas que tu e teu marido fazem. Sempre ganhamos lindas fotos e mosaicos para ver! Beleza de fotos TODAS! beijos, lindo fds! chica

Jenn Jilks said...

You have amazing birdventures! I flushed an American Woodcock from the edge of the frogpond the other day. I was so excited! Thanks for faithfully hosting.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Chica, your comments are very appreciated. Have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn! I have only seen a Woodcock once, long ago. A great bird indeed. Have a happy weekend.

Francisco Manuel Carrajola Oliveira said...

Belas fotografias que gostei de ver.
Um abraço e bom fim-de-semana.

Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados

Linda said...

Wonderful sightings on your getaway. We see lots of osprey, loons and herons, but you showed a king rail that we don't see in person. Lovely to see the photo. Have a fantastic week.

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Your King Rail is a stellar catch. I have heard them but never got to see, much less photogrape a single one.

baili said...

Glorious Header dear Eileen !
i loved each shot seems like the Maryland is named after so many birds who make this place a merry land indeed :)
i am happy that one of my blogger friend is privileged with such beautiful surroundings that make heart full of joy :)
hugs

William Kendall said...

Beautiful shots. The heron especially.

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

It looks like a lovely place, Eileen, and you certainly got some fantastic photos of all the wonderful wildlife. Thanks for hosting and have a great new week!

magiceye said...

Gorgeous captures! Happy weekend!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Your banner photo is spectacular! And you sure saw a lot on your first day! What a wonderful nature adventure! The Osprey must have been such fun to watch! Happy weekend!

Phil Slade said...

Hello Eileen. Great pictures today. I really like the Ospreys and the way they are so close to the road. It must be wonderful to be able to see Ospreys like that. King Rail out in the open like that must be rather special too. I never see King rail on any other blogs I visit. Love that sunset too. And thanks for the link up today and for liking my pictures of Greece.

Jeanie said...

Glorious skies and a distant cousin of Harry's! All lovely.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda, for the link and comment.
The King Rail was a treat to see.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Marit said...

Beautiful photos of the Osprays, Eileen! The sunset is very pretty, and wonderful colors. Take care, and enjoy your weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ken,for the link and comment.
We were excited to see the King Rail out in the open.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

RedPat said...

I have never seen a King Rail. What a great-looking bird it is, Eileen.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Baili, for the visit and comment.
Maryland can be merry at times.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Nick, for the link and comment.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane, for the link and comment.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Phil, for the link and comment.
I was happy to see the Rail, it stayed out for a long time.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie, for the visit and comment.
Harry has a lot of relatives all around the country.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat, for the link and comment.
The Rail is a beauty!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Breathtaking said...

Hello Eileen, :=)
Those wooden structures are great for the Ospreys to make their nests, and out in the open near a road too, it's amazing. I have heard of a Rail, but not a King Rail, and from what I have read on other comments it's a bit of a rarity, so you must have been thrilled to see such a handsome rare bird. Love your beautiful sunset.
Have a wonderful weekend Eileen, and as always thank you so much for hosting.
All the best.

Penelope Notes said...

Nice to have a getaway. The sky is spectacular, but looks like its on fire.

Red said...

Interesting photos. It takes time and patience to set these photos up. In many cases you have birds doing what birds do.

Barbara Rogers said...

Hi Eileen. Thanks for making this great Saturday gathering! Loved the new-to-me bird, King Rail. Maybe he was so hungry he didn't mind a car nearby, since probably cars pass often. Thanks so much for your comments on my blog. Have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Maria, for the link and comment.
Skywatching is one of my simple pleasures.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sonjia, for the link and comment.
The Rail was a exciting bird to see, they are usually shy and stay hidden.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Barbara, for the visit and comment.
It is possible the bird is used to cars driving by. I just happy to see the King Rail and get some photos.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

21 Wits said...

Good morning Eileen, what beautiful photos especially your ospreys in the first photo! You have some really cool locations to hike and wander around! Life and nature is wonderful right!

ellen b. said...

It's always great to swing by here and see the great photos of birds I've never seen in person. Wonderful shots. Glad you could have your getaway. The Osprey and King Rail are a treat to see! Happy weekend to you.

Stefania said...

Grazie come sempre per le meravigliose immagini del post di oggi

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

You sure make the most out of your trips. And so many great shots from your car window.
The King Rail is a beautiful bird. It does remind me of a chicken. I am pretty sure that I have never seen one. Not that I am the most observant person in the world.
Thank you again for hosting Saturday's Critters.

HappyK said...

Great to see all the birds and that sunset picture is stunning.

Rostrose said...

Oh great, dear Eileen! The photos from the car window are wonderfully successful. I am particularly happy about the osprey in its nest! I didn't know a King Rail before - a pretty bird! I'm glad hubby and you enjoyed such a nice getaway!
All the best 🌱🌿🌱, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/05/costa-rica-11-kapitel-monteverde.html

Lea said...

Beautiful birds!
I especially enjoyed seeing the King Rail photos.
Have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, for the link and comment.
Maryland does have some great parks for walks and critters.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Alan, for the link and comment.
The King Rail was a great find.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Traude, for the link and comment.
The car is a good blind for taking the bird photos.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lea, for the link and comment.
The King Rail was a treat to see.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for the comment and visit. Have a great weekend!

Lydia C. Lee said...

Great pics!! That last one in particular is spectacular!!

Linda said...

Lovely birds, spectacular skies!

stardust said...

Nice captures of the critters as usual. It’s so wonderful to end the day with such a glorious sunset scene, Eileen.
Yoko

italiafinlandia said...

Thanks for sharing this variety of critters. Love the Common loons, they are so unique.
My favourite is anyway the Osprey, also because I still miss it, as a lifer.
Happy weekend and all the best!

Rajani Rehana said...

Beautiful blog

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Eileen; King Rail looks SO gorgeous and Yes, showing off it's pretty and colorful feathers, p-;) Thank you very much for letting me show rare birdies for me. So sorry for my late commenting; Lot's of LOVE from Japan, Miyako

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lydia, I appreciate your link and comment. Have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda! Have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yoko! I appreciate your comment and visit. Have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella! The Ospreys are cool birds, one of my favorites too. Have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

Anne Seltmann said...

Hallo Eileen!

Wonderful. Especially the picture with the sunset!

Have a wonderful new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Anne, for the link and comment. Have a wonderful week!

Teresa said...

Siempre es un placer pasear por tu blog. Las aves se ven preciosas. Un abrazo.

Debbie said...

i am late to the party but still happy i did not miss it. you have shared gorgeous pictures today, the king rail was def a favorite. you must have felt very joyful to see that sunset!! have a great week, and many thanks for hosting!!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Debbie, I always appreciate you linking up and your comments. Take care, have a wonderful new week.

Black Knight said...

What a beautiful place, thank you for sharing the photos. I have never seen here most of those nice birds. Have a good week.

John's Island said...

Hi Eileen,
Thank you for taking us along on your visit to Blackwater NWR. I enjoyed all the images! A big plus for all the variety. Great portrait of the Great Blue Heron. Really nice composure on the first collage! Love the closing sunset! Thank you, Eileen, for sharing, hosting, and for your kind comment on my blog. Have a happy day and week ahead.
John

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you John! I am lucky with some of my bird photos, I always enjoy watching the sunset. Take care, have a wonderful new week.

Ornery Owl of Naughty Netherworld Press and Readers Roost said...

The ospreys are beautiful birds. I don't think I've ever seen any except in pictures.

Bob Bushell said...

wow, the King Rail is beautiful Eileen.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the link and comment. The Ospreys are a favorite. Take care, have a wonderful new week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bob, I was happy to see the King Rail. Take care, have a wonderful new week.

Sharon Wagner said...

I love the photography/ negatives quote!

Laura. M said...

Gracias por compartir y enseñarnos tantas aves que no vemos. Precioso atardecer.
Buena semana Elieen.
Un abrazo.

Tanza Erlambang said...

The Great Blue Herons look so pretty.... love it

A Bit of the Blarney said...

You always have such beautiful photos! Thank you again! Wishing you a grand week! Cathy

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sharon! Have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Laura, I appreciate the comment. Have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tanza! Have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Cathy! Have a great new week!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

It always wonderful to visit you blog and I have been especially enjoying your photos of Ireland on facebook, They brought back memories to me! Eileen. Be back on Saturday as my post has wildlife in it this week!

Rainbow Evening said...

I saw Ospreys several times in our areas... great bird

Natasha said...

Such an incredible line up of the critters. I love the variegated hues of the King Rail. What a handsome bird.

It's such a pleasure to link up with you dear Eileen. Thank you so much for hosting.
Much love and a wonderful new week ahead.

https://natashamusing.com

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Pat! Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the comment. The Ospreys are great birds. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Natasha! The King Rail is a handsome, such a treat to see. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

Veronica Lee said...

Yet another delightful series of bird photos, Eileen.
I especially love the King Rail.

Hugs and blessings

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Veronica, I appreciate the link and comment. Have a great day and week ahead.

Little Wandering Wren said...

Your wildlife ride has led to come great sightings. Laughing gulls and a pretty sunsets seem a perfect way to end a glorious day out. Have a lovely day Eileen.
Wren x

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Wren! We do enjoy our wildlife sightings and outings. Have a great day and week ahead!

Majo Dutra said...

Without a doubt, Maryland is a paradise for birds...
It must have a lot of fresh water, unlike my region.
The city is called Lagos (lakes), but they were already extinct.
Flowery days and happy birds meetings... 8: ))
~~~~~~~~

Jill Harrison said...

I always enjoy seeing the critters with you Eileen. Fabulous images as always. Enjoy the rest of your week & stay safe.

Soma @ InkTorrents.com said...

It is always so great to visit you and look at your photos. Loved seeing two of my favourites - the ospreys and the loons. Have a lovely week ahead!

-Soma

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for the nice comment. Take care, enjoy your day and the weekend ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jill, I appreciate the visit and comment. Take care, enjoy your day and the weekend ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the comment Soma! Take care, enjoy your day and the weekend ahead.

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen
Thank you for sharing these lovely photographs, you had some great sightings.
What a lovely sunset too.

My good wishes.

All the best Jan

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jan! Have a wonderful weekend.

morfeas said...

Great pictures, I enjoyed your blog
good evening from Greece

eileeninmd said...

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

EricaSta said...

Sorry ... I`m again lagging behind to comment. But now I`m here to read and I enjoy your post, dear Eileen. It`s always a great pleasure. Today we have here in Germany the church festival Pfingsten and now it`s enough time to read with calm. Thats important to pay due attention for each post.

Thank you for sharing at
MosaicMonday

Have a good time. Hugs by Heidrun

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much Heidrun, I appreciate the link and comment. I will be linking up my new post to Mosaic Monday. Have a great day and happy new week!

Happy Monday!

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