Saturday, August 26, 2023

Saturday's Critters # 506

  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!

I think I will be forever behind sharing photos, these are from our backyard, morning walks at the bike trail, local parks or on the local fire roads and to the reservoir. 


1. Hashawha Nature Center, one of my favorite local parks. They have a great trail system, going by lakes, streams and large fields. On this day hubby and I saw a cute young River Otter, it saw us and went into hiding so no photos. Below: Slider Turtle, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Kingbird, possible Rat Snake, another turtle, Song Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird, Mourning Dove, waterlilies, lake and trail and some Queen Anne's Lace. 





2. A pretty Red-winged Blackbird perched on a nearby bush.  They were very vocal in this one area. 





3. A Great Blue Heron, common to see at our local reservoir.  





4. Another morning walk to the lake, it is a short walk just down our street to the fire road trail and to the lake.  On this day, we saw the usual Great Blue Heron and Canada Geese, a Mourning Dove was standing on one of the rocks next to lake, a view of the lake and a Belted Kingfisher in the usual spot. 






5. We watched this Green Heron fishing, it found a small fish you can see on the bottom right photo. 





6. I am seeing 4-5 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds zooming around my yard and deck.  I caught this one sitting on the feeder, looks like a female. 




7. Backyard birds, the female Eastern Bluebird, Cottontail bunny, Fritillary Butterflies and a Blue Jay. We had something sad happen with the Bluebird house and nest, I was happy to hear the babies inside making noises one day and just a few hours later I look out the window and see a rat snake sticking it's head out of the nest box. We made the snake leave the box but it was too late to save the babies. 






8. These images are from our walk on the local NCR bike trail, in the mosaic are photos of the trail, a Belted Kingfisher, Acadian Flycatcher, Gray Catbird, Red Shouldered Hawk, Song Sparrow, Box turtle, Eastern Phoebe. 





9. Red Shouldered Hawk, there are a couple of Tree Swallows that kept dive bombing the hawk.  



10. The Red-shouldered Hawk did not seem amused at the dive bombing Tree Swallows , I caught 2 blurry Tree Swallows flying at the hawk's head. 



I hope you enjoyed my birds and critter photos. 

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 linking up to Heidrun's Mosaic Monday  I hope you can stop by and visit Heidrun and check out the Mosaic Monday post. 

118 comments:

Mae Travels said...

Nice pictures, especially the hummer. THanks for hosting this great blog party each week.
best,mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Yvonne said...

I guess even snakes have to eat, but sad to hear it was bluebird babies. Love all your photos as usual :)

Angie's Recipes said...

I have never seen a red winged blackbird...it looks so beautiful. Love your new header too. Have a great weekend, Eileen!

italiafinlandia said...

Thanks for sharing the lovely critters. You saw so many!
Love the poor hawk being bombed. It makes me smile.
Have a nice day and a lovely weekend!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Hi Eileen, so many different birds and wildlife that you have shared! I love the sound of red-wing blackbirds, it brings back memories of growing up beside a small pond. The drama of nature is sometimes tragic. I had a snake get a nest of juncos last summer. Life is not easy for songbirds these days, never mind dealing with snakes. Always love your informative posts with all your sightings. Don't have a post to share this time, but will join in when I do! Hope you have a relaxing weekend. x K

DeniseinVA said...

You have really great places to walk around you. More wonderful critter pictures. I was particularly interested in your hawk having just seen one in our back garden. Great captures on the dive-bombing swallows. Have a happy weekend Eileen and thanks for hosting.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Great shot of the Great Blue Heron and the Hawk Eileen. Thanks for hosting and commenting. I hope you have a lovely weekend and week ahead.

Stefania said...

Buongiorno Eileen e grazie come sempre per le magnifiche fotografie.

Anne Seltmann said...

Good morning dear Eileen!

You have a wonderful number of pictures with you today. How patient you have to be to capture the animal on camera. I'm always way too impatient! You hit the egret particularly well!

Kind regards and have a nice weekend

Anne

Rostrose said...

Hello dear Eileen, I just quickly linked my post here and will get back to you later in the day!

Have a good time!
Traude
🌻🌺❤️🌺🌻
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/08/drei-einem-tag-viva-frida-kahlo.html

roentare said...

I like red shouldered hawk that looks so sleek and regal.

Irma said...

Hi Eileen,
What a great series of photos and collages.
I think the red-winged blackbird is fantastic, it doesn't live here, maybe only in a zoo.
The great blue heron and the Canada goose are species that are very common here, but the green heron is not found in the Netherlands.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the Red-shouldered Buzzard are my favorite this time.
I wish you a good weekend.
Greetings Irma

Iris Flavia said...

So many wonderful animals. The bunny is the cutest and the Hawk... a poet? A mathematician? It looks like he thinks real hard! I once read a book, the title was "If a Lion could think" - a so-called scientific book with the author stating animals cannot think.
What a waste of time to read it, glad others proved, certainly animals can think, make tools, can love and hate, help even other species.
To Critters and a great weekend!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
...and my morning walk yielded seagulls and cormorants... and magpies. Which is why I am reminding myself of the Aussie variety I miss so much! I like your new banner photo, too. Happy weekend Eileen! YAM xx

chica said...

Tão lindas e diversas criaturas conseguiste mostrar!
Adorei!

Ótimo fim de semana!

beijos praianos, chica

William Kendall said...

I always like a good heron shot.

NatureFootstep said...

the hawk don´t seem to mind the bombing :) :) Nice catch Eileen. :)

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Mae, for the link and your comment.
I will miss the hummers when they fly south. They are so cute.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yvonne, for the link and the comment.
It was sad to loose those Bluebird babies.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella, for the link and your comment.
The hawk seemed very tolerant, didn't mind the Swallows pecking at his head.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, it is nice of you to stop by. I appreciate the comment and your visit.
I love the sounds of the red-winged blackbirds too.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Anne, for your link and comment.
Your captures of the butterflies are beautiful.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Roentare, for your link and comment.
The hawk was a beauty!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Irma, for your link and comment!
I will my miss my cute hummers when they fly south.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the link and comment.
Just how could the author prove animals cannot think.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Yam,
Thank you for your Aussie Kingfisher link and your comment.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you William, for your comment and visit.
And I like seeing the Herons.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

There are some sequences in nature that you really wish didn’t happen, even though you know they must, like the snake eating the bluebirds. But you did get to observe life as it really happens. And had you seen a heron eating a snake you would have probably felt not a moment of remorse for the snake. I am also reminded by your picture of a very handsome male Red-winged Blackbird that it is so common we take it for granted, but we shouldn’t!

Bill said...

Love the Red shouldered Hawk and the Great Blue Heron. Great variety of critters. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for hosting.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Monica, for your link and comment.
The Hawk really didn't seem to mind.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you David, for your link and comment.
I have seen an Egret eating a snake, the snake was wrapped around the bird's beak. Looked like an awkward meal.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Marit said...

Hello Eileen,
Beautiful photos of the Hawk. It's so sad to read about the bluebirdbabies. The nature can be very brutal.
Take care and have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bill, for the link and comment. Take care, enjoy your weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marit! Nature can be cruel, I was sad to loose those sweet baby birds. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Denise. Those swallows were brave flying so close to the Hawk. Have a great weekend.

Jenn Jilks said...

What a great array of critters! I think my favourite it the hawk ignoring the swallows! Thanks for faithfully hosting, Eileen.

s.c said...

I like the bird shots some so different then in our parts of the world. Great to see.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn! I thought those swallows were brave getting so close to the Hawk. Take care, enjoy your weekend.

Marie Smith said...

The tree swallows were brave to take on that hawk. It just goes to show what parents will do for their young! I love how you do your windows with so much in each pane!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marie, for the comment and visit. The swallows were brave. Have a wonderful weekend.

Lea said...

Great photos!
So sorry about the baby birds.
Love the rabbit eating a leaf photo!
Have a great weekend!

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Another collection of beautiful photos, Eileen! Thank you for hosting and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lea, for your link and for the comment.
The bunny was cute, I see them every day eating the grass.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

magiceye said...

Lovely critter mosaics! Happy weekend!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

That bunny found a garden full of goodies. Love the dive bombing swallow too. Nature is full of the odd and neat things to observe if we will just take the time. Enjoy your weekend!

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

You are lucky to have such a choice of different habitats so nearby. The variety of species bears this out. The header photo of the reservoir is so peaceful-looking. One bird attacking the hawk has white outer tail feathers like a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, or maybe more likely, a mockingbird.

MadSnapper said...

many times we sit in awe at the crazy small birds diving at the hawks. we have seen jays do it the most, but other birds do it to, even the daddy cardinal. one time it was small birds, several but did not know what they are. either crazy or BRAVE. and we wonder why the hawk doesn't attack them, he just sits there and doesn't move. you sure saw a whole host of differerent birds on this visit. your header just pulled me right in to its peaceful feeling. gorgeous

roughterrain crane said...

It's nice to enjoy beautiful bird photos. Thank you for sharing us.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane, for your link and for the comment.
Yes, there is always something beautiful to see if we just look.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ken, for your link and comment.
The birds I saw dive-bombing the hawk looked too small to be a Mockingbird.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sandra, for your visit and for the comment.
The little birds are very brave to fly so close to the hawk.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your visit and for commenting.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

RedPat said...

You see such a variety of birds so close to home, Eileen.

Tom said...

...WOW three Fritillary Butterflies on a zinnia! Thanks for hosting the party Eileen, enjoy your weekend.

rupam sarma said...

Beautiful Birds, Awesome clicks.
Happy Weekend. Thanks a lot for hosting.

Barbara Rogers said...

I always enjoy seeing your critters...as well as those who contribute theirs! Love your lake header, so peaceful!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat! I appreciate the link and your comment. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tom! The butterflies do love the zinnia. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Oklahoma has river otters and a group of them showed up at a nature center here in Tulsa. I've been up there many times looking for them but have yet to spot one. I've never seen one in the wild and I would love to at least spot one. We have green herons up there and I have just had brief glimpses of them.
Sad about the rat snake. Too bad that they just can't be happy eating rats.
I love all your other photos as well.
Thank you for hosting!!

ellen b. said...

A great variety of birds. Love the hawk photos. Wonderful capture of the tree swallows trying to get the hawk to move on! Hope your Saturday is starting out well!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Alan, for your link and comment.
I was surprised to see the River otter, it ran off quickly. Too fast for my camera.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Red said...

The rat snake story is sad but it's nature and things are set up so that things work even if we don't like it.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ellen, for your visit and for the comment.
The hawk did eventually fly off, the swallows were determined to make it leave.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Red, for the visit and comment. Nature can be cruel, but the snakes have to eat too. I just did not like having to see it happening. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the link and comment. Have a great weekend.

21 Wits said...

Good morning Eileen, you are the master of bird captures in my world and I totally believe you have a whole stored up and that's a lucky thing for us. I say this knowing in a few months I for one am going to need seeing some of those photos. Your great blue heron really is handsome, and that photo clearly shows their proud existence! Enjoy a wonderful last weekend in August of this year! Take care, Karen

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen! The heron is a handsome bird. I enjoyed your post and images, great quotes and wise words. Take care, enjoy your weekend.

Francisco Manuel Carrajola Oliveira said...

Uma maravilha estas fotografias.
Um abraço e bom fim-de-semana.

Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados

Rostrose said...

Now, as promised, I'm here again. You experience a lot on your walks and even in your backyard, dear Eileen. The experience with the rat snake and the bluebird babies was really sad, but nature is so cruel sometimes... But you also saw so many beautiful and special things. It's a pity that the cute young River Otter was hiding, but even without a photo it will remain in your memory. Very fascinating your shots of the Red-shouldered Hawk and the dive bombing Tree Swallows. They were probably also afraid for their brood...
All the best and happy weekend!
Traude
🌻🌺❤️🌺🌻

Phil Slade said...

Thanks for the great diversity of your birds today Eileen. I must tell you that I am a sucker for Red-winged Blackbirds; if only we could have them here in the UK. Small birds soon know when there is a predator around and in fact they often alert me to a predator that I may not have seen until they pipied up their alarm calling. I enjoyed you post today. Thanks for the link as ever. Enjoy your Sunday.

eileeninmd said...

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

Jo said...

Oh wow, Eileen, you have such an eclectic mix of critters in this post. I enjoyed every image, especially the Green heron fishing and the beautiful, Red-Shouldered hawk being divebombed by angry Tree Swallows, Sorry about your nest disaster. I've added my humble offering to your meme. Thank you for hosting and for always visiting my blog. Have a great Saturday Jo

Debbie said...

sooooo many of my favorites today, you are lucky to see all of these locally. the red winged blackbird and the heron, are 2 huge standouts here. i am surprised to see the tree swallows diving at the hawk. it's a great capture, i wonder if this is a normal practice for them?? you would think they would be concerned about getting too close!! such a nice variety of the locals today, have a great weekend birdwatching and many thanks for hosting!!! oooooh and i forgot about that adorable bunny, what a wonderful picture!!

Jeanie said...

Your Harry is so handsome! In fact all your birds are really lovely. (I think my blog will always be at least a week behind my real life! Today is about the only day it has been close -- only a few days off!)

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Phil, for your link and for the comment.
The bird's alarms are often heard around here, I think I have a hawk hanging out near my yard.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jo, for your link and for the comment.
I enjoy seeing your post and I always appreciate your visits.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Debbie, for your link and for the comment.
Yes, it is common to see the small birds dive bombing the raptors. I think the larger bird is confused with all the little ones flying around it's head. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie, for your visit and for the comment.
I do love all my birds, the heron is always a treat to see.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks again Traude! Yes, I think the hawk was too close to the swallow's nest. The river otter is in my memories, such a cute little critter. Enjoy your day and have a great new week ahead.

Bob Bushell said...

The Red-shouldered Hawk is one of world Eileen.

HappyK said...

What lovely places you have to walk and take your fabulous pictures.
If I had to pick a favorite it would be the bunny eating the leaf!!

Lydia C. Lee said...

Sorry, I'm an idiot. i shared the wrong one but don't seem to be able to delete it. Apologies for the repetition.

Linda said...

A lovely post. The hawk is impressive.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bob, for the link and comment.
Take care, have a great week

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, for the visit and comment.
The bunny is cute!
Take care, have a great week

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lydia, for the link and comment.
I hope you do not mind, I changed your link to one of your other post with the parrots.
Take care, have a great week

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda, for the link and comment.
Take care, have a great week

Miradas desde mi lente said...

Es emocionante encontrar tantas aves en los paseos por la Naturaleza.
Feliz domingo de descanso.

Inger said...

Yes, I so enjoyed this journey through Birdland. Here, blackbirds have taken over on my property. The house finches I so loved have moved on. There are other birds here too, of course, one recently fell down my kitchen vent and had to be rescued by my neighbor. The ravens are still here, but prefer to visit with my neighbor, Bob, who gives them treats meant for his horses. He's sort of an animal whisperer and has one of the ravens trained pretty well. It even sits next to a dog, if asked to do so. How he asks them, I have no idea. I love your Saturday posts.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for the comment and visit. Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Inger, I appreciate the comment. My yard birds have slowed down, I think they are al flying south now.
Your neighbor Bob must be a bird whisperer, I assume Ravens are smart birds when it comes to their food. Take care, have a wonderful week!

carol l mckenna said...

You go great places and get great photos of nature ~ favorite is the Bunny Rabbit ~ thanks,

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Carol, we are lucky to have lots of nature all around us! Have a wonderful week!

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen
Another week has zoomed by!
A very nice selection and variety of photographs to enjoy, thank you.
I particularly like the sweet Cottontail bunny :)

Have a good new week.

All the best Jan

GreenComotion said...

Beautiful captures, Eileen. You have even captured the hawk's eyes - quite the feet if you ask me! Thank you for hosting. Enjoy your weekend and take care.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jan! Have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your link and for commenting. Take care and have a great week!

Tanza Erlambang said...

we saw Great Blue Heron in our city lake.... beautiful bird

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tanza, I appreciate the link and comment. Have a wonderful week!

Gillena Cox said...

Happy Monday
My Monday post is HERE

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Gillena, happy Monday to you! Have a wonderful week!

Veronica Lee said...

I enjoyed seeing the different birds and wildlife you shared.
I especially loved that shot of the Great Blue Heron.

Hugs and blessings, Eileen

eileeninmd said...

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

Rumpelkammer said...

wonderful pictures

eileeninmd said...

Thanks again, have a great day!

EricaSta said...

Happy MosaicMonday

I was curious and searched at Google Maps about this Parc. he is in the north of Baltimore. It looks really fantastic. I understand very well your enthusiasm. Thank you for sharing an being part of
MosaicMonday

Have a very good week, hugs by Heidrun

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Heidrun! I enjoy the Mosaic Monday party. Have a great day and happy week ahead.

Rainbow Evening said...

lovely Red-winged Blackbird ..... pretty

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for the comment and visit. Take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend.

Happy Monday!

  Wishing everyone a great day and a ha ppy new week! "Calm is a super power. Don't let stress kill your happiness." "Jud...