Saturday, October 14, 2023

Saturday's Critters # 513

 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!

This is a mish mash of photos and various dates in September. Some photos may look familiar many are of same birds and the same views but they are taken on different days. I am still a little behind sharing our outings and birdwatching in my neighborhood and in my yard.


1. Sept 5th, our walk on the NCR bike trail. It is a popular trail for bike riders, joggers and walkers like hubby and I.  Images are of the trail, the moon, cardinal flowers and an unknown bird, possibly a Red-eyed Vireo. Just a guess. 




In my yard, at this time I am still enjoying my Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. 





2. Sept 8th, photos are from our morning walk to our local lake. The water levels are getting lower, more mud than water and we are starting to see some Autumn colors. On this day I saw the continuing Solitary Sandpipers, a new sighting for the lake was a Wilson's Snipe, the Belted Kingfisher is always nice to see. 




3. I had to check with the local bird club members to verify this bird's id, most people said it was the Wilson's Snipe, I had a few people that said it was a Whimbrel and some a little far fetch said it was  Limpkin. (At this time a Limpkin was being seen at the C&O canal trail in Potomac Md). The Wilson's Snipe tend to blend in with the muddy surrounding, it has a dark head with whitish stripes, head is round and it has short legs. The bill is long and straight.  On my photo the bill is facing down which might make it look curved some? 






4. On Sept 9th, hubby and I drove around the lake to another fire road. We had to take another trail due to downed trees across our usual trail.  It was a longer walk total 3 miles round trip. I heard more birds than I could see and photograph. The Eastern Box Turtle is almost a rare sighting around here. The Pokeberries and the Devil's Walking Stick berries were plentiful providing the birds lots to eat. 





5.  Sept 10th, at our local lake and just a short walk from our home is my favorite spot for birdwatching lately. Below are the Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Osprey, a view of the lake with the low water level and another shot of the Green Heron.





6. Sept 10th, on this day I found the Osprey sitting in a near by tree over the lake. 





7.  Sept 10th , the Great Blue Heron is always seen at our lake, the fishing must be good. 






8.  Due to the drought our lake water level is getting very low. 





9. I enjoy seeing the Green Herons at our local lake.  




10.  Sept 11th,  another day and another walk to our local lake.  The Great Blue Herons and Green Herons are constant visitors.  The Bald Eagle flew over a few times. 




11.  Sept 11th continued, unknown bird seen at the beginning of the fire road, the lake and lots of turtles lined up on a log. Canada Geese hanging out on the lake shore, a Double Crested Cormorant and more turtles. 




12. Sept 14th, I have been noticing the warblers are showing up in my yard. Below are the male and female Cape May Warblers. They do love the berries on the Devil's Walking Stick. 




13. Sept 14th, hubby and I took our walk on another section of the NCR trail. I found the Belted Kingfisher and a male Downy Woodpecker.





Still behind I am making some headway sharing our walks and bird sightings.  I hope you enjoyed the birds, turtles and 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. 

125 comments:

John's Island said...

Hi Eileen, I sure enjoyed Saturday’s Critters #513. I’m impressed with the variety of critters, as is often the case with your posts. And it’s so nice to spend a few minutes enjoying nature and getting away from the news of the week. Love the way you put together the collages. The very first image makes a great start with the view of the trail, the moon, the flowers, and (possibly) the Red-eyed Vireo. I enjoy the shots along the trail, even without critters. ๐Ÿ˜Š Thanks for sharing and hosting. Wishing you and yours a fine weekend. John

roentare said...

Beautiful nature photos around the lake. I like the turtle very much.

Cloudia said...

I love our walks Eileen

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

A fabulous selection of different birds Eileen. Love seeing the Green Heron as I do not see of them here. Thanks for hosting and commenting and I hope you have a lovely week ahead

Nancy J said...

Glorious greenery in the header, and delightful pics in every September day.

Rostrose said...

Hello, I just linked quickly, I'll get in touch after breakfast ;-)
All the best and have a nice weekend, Traude
๐Ÿ๐ŸŒป๐Ÿ‚ ๐ŸŒป๐Ÿ
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/10/auf-dem-schneeberg-und-noch-ein-paar.html

Mae Travels said...

Impressive sightings! Your photos are lovely.
Thanks for hosting Saturday Critters!
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Iris Flavia said...

Beautiful moon and that foggy lake is wonderful, too!
I had to look real hard to find the hummingbird. I so would love to see one for real in action!

Irma said...

Hello Eileen,
What great photos and collages.
The osprey and the green heron is my favorite.
I wish you a good week.
Greetings Irma

chica said...

Linda trilha e tantas fotos! Uma mais linda que outra! Adorei! ร“timo fim de semana!

beijos praianos, chica

italiafinlandia said...

You have had various treats: the Hummingbirds, the Kingfisher, the Osprey are fabulous views,in my opinion.
Love the quiet heron too.
Happy weekend and again happy walks!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Yes, enjoyed them all as you took us along with you again! As to the mystery bird, my first thought even before reading your paragraph on it was "Whimbrel"... if YAM's gut reaction is any help at all?! YAM xx

Shiju Sugunan said...

Fantastic birdwatching adventures and stunning photos. Your experiences are a delight!

Marit said...

Hello Eileen,
As always beautiful photos! I love the landscape and the nature in your area, and the very cute small turtles!
Enjoy your day, and have a great weekend!

Penelope Notes said...

"Devil's walking stick" is so creatively named … apparently the leaves in early stages were once used as a herb for cooking. Not sure I would try it though. :)

MadSnapper said...

back in 2005 when i got my first Rebel DSLR, Diane and I went out every week end to places like this one. the header is drawing me in. I love spots like this and its much like our Emerson Point Preserve. all your bird shots with the paths and trees reminds me that I told Diane, a birder like you are, that i never see birds. she never saw the trees, the stumps, the moss that i was taking. in this post my eyes go straight past the birds to the backgrounds, your focus is the birds. she taught me to look for the birds by saying, the reason you don't see them is you never stop talking or ever stand still. you have to be quiet and still to see them. all that popped in my head with all these beautful photos

Bill said...

What great sightings you had on your walks, love them all. Nice new header, I like it. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for hosting

Rostrose said...

Dear Eileen,
I've now had time to read your post and look closely at all the photos. You saw lots of birds again. I hope the waterfowl still find enough food despite the low water level. I particularly like the sighting of the rare Eastern Box Turtle, the Belted Kingfisher and the fact that the hummingbirds still visit you! The photo of the moon is awesome!
Happy weekend,
hugs, Traude

eileeninmd said...

Thank you John, for your link and your nice comment!
Hubby and I do enjoy spending time enjoying nature and walking is good exercise.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Cloudia, for your link and your comment.
I enjoy my walks too. :)
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Margaret, for your link and your comment.
The Green Heron has always been a favorite of mine.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Traude, for your link and your comment.
Luckily the birds have enough fish and they find food in the mud.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Iris, for your link and your comment.
The Hummer does blend in with all the green leaves.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Irma, for your link and your comment.
I was happy to see the Osprey and the Green Heron is my favorite too.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Chica, for your comment and your visit.
Nature is grand, you are so kind.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella, for your nice comment and your visit.
I am always happy with my wildlife sightings, they are treats.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you YAM, for your link and your comment.
I am still not sure about the bird, whether it is a Whimbrel or Snipe. The Whimbrel would be way off course, but the birds have been notice to get "lost". Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Shiju, for your link and your comment.
Your bird photos are stunning.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marit, for your link and your comment.
We are lucky to have this park setting right outside our doors.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Maria, for your link and your comment.
I would not try to eat any of this plant, the Devil's walking Stick berries are poisonous. But, they are ok for the birds.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sandra, for your comment and your visit.
As a birder, I was told I should stay quiet and just stop in one area and listen for the birds. Then you will notice them moving around you. Taking bird photos is hard, they are usually always moving around.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

Jenn Jilks said...

It's delightful seeing your critters on your treks. I'm just tromping up and down to the frog pond, and not really getting anywhere! Thanks for hosting.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

The Eastern Box Turtle is the star of the show for me this week, Eileen - and I say that as a dedicated birder! All the best - David

Tom said...

...WOW, what a collection. The cardinal flowers sure caught my eye in the beginning and then your menagerie. Thanks Eileen, for taking me along on the journey. Take care and be happy and well.

Phil Slade said...

Looks like you had an enjoyable and productive September Eileen. A Little Bit of Everything to keep the camera and our brains ticking over. Not sure about that wader, you will have to go back and get more pictures for us. I'm sure you can be persuaded. Thanks for the weekend link up and enjoy your Sunday.

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Another great selection of critters in magnificent locations, Eileen! Thanks for hosting and have a great new week!

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

I like to go through your photos at the bottom of the screen to sharpen my ID skills before reading the narrative, especially since I have not visited any wetlands over the past two years. Like you, I first thought the snipe had a curved bill, but it shape and plumage pattern were not consistent with any other species. I did not go to the books, rather checked your report and do agree.

William Kendall said...

Here the herons have gone for the winter.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn, for your link and your comment.
We try to go on more walks just for the exercise, the critters are a bonus to see.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you David, for your link and your comment.
I was happy to see the Box Turtle, they are rare to find here.
Take care, have a great weekend.

Angie's Recipes said...

What a blessing having so many beautiful birds at your local lake.. That's a great shot of hummingbird in your yard, Eileen. I wish you a wonderful weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tom, for your link and your comment.
The Cardinal flowers are pretty.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Phil, for your link and your comment .
I've been back a few times looking for that same bird, I think it is gone now.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

Jeanie said...

Your September was lovely. That moon -- beautiful. And of course I always love the waterbirds. And now, the days are short indeed...

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ken! I appreciate the id help and I do not mind being told if I am wrong with my id's. I appreciate your linking up and for leaving the comment. Have a great weekend.

Lea said...

Great photos!
My favorite - the Eastern Box Turtle. They have such pretty shells!
Have a wonderful weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you William, for your comment and your visit.
We are still seeing the heron here, some are here year round now.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie, for your link and your comment.
The days and months are going by so fast. I love all the birds.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lea, for your link and your comment.
The Box Turtles do have pretty shells.
Take care, have a great weekend.

magiceye said...

Wonderful photos of critters and nature!
Happy weekend!

EricaSta said...

Isn`t nature a wonder? Often it`s my thought in several times.

There are the tiny birds, like the hummingbirds and there are very great species like an eagle. I enjoyed again reading and regarding your fantastic photos. Thank you so much. dear Eileen, for sharing ... and of course for your hosting.

Have a very good week, Hugs by Heidrun

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the link and your comment. Take care, have a great day and happy new week!

RedPat said...

You see so many birds in your local area, Eileen. That lake level is really low. Is that normal for this time of year?

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

You are an amazing and intrepid explorer/birder. You see such an incredible variety of wildlife.
Not only that, you host this meme and I do appreciate it!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun, for your link and your comment.
Nature is wonderful, so much to see if only we are looking.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat! We are having drought conditions , we need more rain in our area. I appreciate your link and comment! Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Alan, for your link and your comment.
I see a lot of wildlife, only if I am looking and taking more walks.
Take care, have a great weekend.

Red said...

Walks give you many opportunities to see different birds. It's funny how apps find many more birds than our normal vision will find for us.

Barbara Rogers said...

Wonderful to see all your critters, Eileen. So glad that there are fish for the various birds who depend on them, though it's sad the drought is lowering the level of the lake so much. I hope there's a winter with lots of rain for you all. Have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Red, for your comment and your visit.
We enjoy our walks, more time out looking for the birds.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Barbara, for your comment and your visit.
We are having a little rain today, we need so much more.
Take care, have a great weekend.

Miradas desde mi lente said...

Has captado una gran diversidad de aves y otros animales y es bastante dificรญl identificarlos a todos.
Un abrazo

eileeninmd said...

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

carol l mckenna said...

Great series of nature photos ~ as always ~ Nature is such a gift and you capture it so well ~ thanks,

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Carol, for the link and the comment. Nature is a gift. Have a wonderful weekend.

Breathtaking said...

Hello Eileen, My family have left now after having lunch, that is why I nearly always arrive late, but I enjoy your beautiful collages and the different species of birds you see, and the views of the lake and pathways.The, I enjoy my visits Osprey sighting Green Heron and Box Turtle are fantastic, and the new birds too. I'm glad you got the right ID for the water bird.
Thank you for hosting Eileen
Have a great Weekend.

Debbie said...

what a great set of pictures this week!! i especially enjoyed seeing the sandpiper, kingfisher and all of the herons this week!! i have not seen a box turtle in ages!! i am surprised to see your lake a drought levels, we are not far from you and we have had so much rain!!

i hope you got a positive i.d.on the wading bird!! have an awesome weekend eileen, and many thanks for hosting us critter lovers!!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sonjia, for the comment and your critter link. I always appreciate any help with id's, I may not always come up with the correct ID. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Debbie, for your link and your comment.
Yes, our area is having the drought conditions, it has been mostly dry since last winter. We did not get much snow and the rain was always going around us. It is raining here today, just a light steady rain.
Take care, have a great weekend.

ellen b. said...

Great eye in capturing the Wilson's Snipe. Fun to see an unusual bird that doesn't seem common. So many great critters this week. Great job capturing them all with your camera!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ellen, I appreciate the comment and visit. Take care, have a happy weekend.

Marie Smith said...

I love the birds but always linger over the turtles!

Debbie said...

thanks for linking me up. i think i have a brain, but i'm not sure!! hehehehe

DeniseinVA said...

Always fascinating to find something like this Wilson's Snipe. Great collages of wildlife Eileen. Always a treat to see what you have for us. Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day and have a great week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

No problem, I understand I seem to be have what I call my senior moments. Enjoy your day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marie, I love the birds and turtles, just about anything nature related. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Denise! I was happy finding the Snipe, the first time seeing so close to home. Take care, have a great weekend.

HappyK said...

Wow you have a LOT of comments!!
Wonderful collection of critters!
I spotted the turtle - for some reason I really like turtles! :)

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, for your comment and visit. I love the turtles too. Have a great weekend.

rupam sarma said...

Hello, Hope you are doing fine. Another awesome post, Beautiful series of photos,
Thanks for hosting. Greetings

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Hi Eileen! As always, I love your photos! I was surprised at the beach we didn't see so many shore birds. It was a bit of a disappointment, but I think that had more to do with the time of year - But then again, I'm sure if you'd been with me, I would have! ๐Ÿฅฐ

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

Those Warblers look like they are in heaven at the all you can eat berry buffet. Beautiful pictures as always, love them!

Dina said...

You got a lot of great birds and critters! The wader is a Wilson's snipe. The head would be smaller if it was a whimbrel. The beak doesn't look curved, it might be the angle of the shot. I think your unidentified tiny bird is a white eyed vireo.

Linda said...

Delightful post! Thank you for sharing your walks with us.

diane b said...

So many places and so many birds. Nature is amazing.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your critter link and comment. Have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Kim. Overall I am seeing less birds everywhere I go. Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for the nice comment and visit. The birds do have lots of berries to eat. Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Dina, I appreciate the ID help and the comment. Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda, for your link and the comment. Have a great day and a happy week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane, for the comment and visit. Yes, nature is amazing. Take care, have a wonderful week!

stardust said...

You took many pictures of critters almost every day last week. I especially like to see the birds wading at the lake and the turtles lining up on a log to bask in the sun.
Yoko

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yoko, I appreciate the comment and your visit. I do enjoy seeing the critters. Take care, have a wonderful week!

Black Knight said...

That is a natural heaven with many beautiful critters.
Only one time, some years ago, I was so lucky to see a Hummingbird in my backyard.
Have a good week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the visit and comment. The Hummingbirds are great visitors. Take care, have a wonderful week!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Wow! You had a remarkable week. It's such a good time of year to bird watch. I love seeing the birds eating the berries now too. Enjoy your Sunday and thanks for the party!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Busy area! The lake is low. I expect the heron's have easier fishing.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane, for your critter link and the comment. It is time for the winter birds to start arriving. Have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for visiting and for your comment. The herons are usually great at finding their food. Take care, have a wonderful week!

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen
Another lovely variety of photographs you've shared, thank you.
I love your header photograph - is that from the NCR bike trail? It certainly looks a fabulous place to enjoy a walk.

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend and good wishes for the new week ahead.

All the best Jan

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jan for the comment and visit. The header photo is one our local fire trails. Take care, have a wonderful week!

EricaSta said...

I enjoyed your post .. like I wrote above.

Thank you for sharing and being part at
MosaicMonday.

Have a wonderful week.
Hugs by Heidrun

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun, for hosting Mosaic Monday and for the comment. Take care, have a great week!

Rain said...

Beautiful photos Eileen! I haven't seen a hummingbird in a few weeks now, I'm guessing they're on their way back South!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Rain, for visiting and for the comment. My hummers have left now too. Take care, have a great week!

Laura. M said...

Gusta llegar aquรญ y ver tanta naturaleza. Gracias
Muy cierto que Un paseo temprano en la maรฑana es una bendiciรณn para todo el dรญa.
Buena semana Eileen.
Un abrazo.

This N That said...

Nice series as always..I guess the hummers have gone South by now..Enjoy your week..My blog is on hold for now..I have no blog worthy subject matter...Same old stuff!!!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Laura! I appreciate your visit and comment. Have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Missy! I understand, take care and enjoy your blog break. Have a great week ahead.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

How amazing to see a KIngfisher so close up, Eileen! I only saw them in Australia. We could not put up our hummingbird feeders this summer as bears and racoons became the more frequent visitors. We are visiting Ireland/Scotland next week so I'm taking a short blog break. We love both countries but my husband's sister and husband are also coming along this time. Keep enjoying your beautiful walks and bird sightings!

Yvonne said...

I love the green heron in the middle of the lake perched on a stick. The lake views are pretty, even if the water levels are low. There's always a richness of nature around you.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Pat, Enjoy your trip and safe travels. Take care, have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yvonne! The Green Herons are my favorites. The lake is even lower now, parts are looking like a little creek going through a lot of mud. Take care, have a great day!

Teresa said...

Me encanta ver tus fotografรญas. Yo serรญa feliz paseando por ahรญ, se ve todo muy lindo. Gracias y abrazos.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Teresa, your visit and comment are much appreciated. Take care, have a great day!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

You have so many wonderful birds ! Green Herons are favorites of mine (maybe the ones we see in Florida are the same ones you see before the fly south!).....

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sallie! The Green Herons are one of my many favorite birds. I look forward to seeing them return. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend!

Ana Freire said...

Imagens absolutamente maravilhosas dos seus vรกrios passeios, Eileen! E fiquei particularmente encantada com a foto dos beija-flores! ร‰ uma pequena ave, que nunca pude apreciar de perto, e que me fascina, dada a velocidade e delicadeza dos seus movimentos...
Grata por mais uma notรกvel sรฉrie de imagens, de grande beleza!
Beijinhos
Ana

eileeninmd said...

Thank You Ana! I appreciate the comment. The Hummingbirds are one of my many favorite birds to see. They are so sweet. Take care, have a great day.

Happy Monday!

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