Saturday, November 4, 2023

Saturday's Critters # 516

Welcome to Saturday 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 am sharing a variety of photos, some from our yard, our neighborhood walk on the fire roads and to our local Prettyboy Reservoir.  There are some photos from our outing to Conowingo Dam and the Susquehanna River State Park and more from the local NCR bike trail. BTW, my header photo now shows a view of neighborhood Prettyboy reservoir and the Prettyboy watershed. 


1. Sept 17th, usually I see various species of Warblers in September they love to eat the berries from the Devil's Walking Stick plants in our yard.   This year I am not see as many different species as in previous years,  that can not be a good thing. I did see the male and female Black-throated Blue Warblers but I was not able to get their photos. The Cape May Warblers and a few Tennessee Warbler pictured in the mosaic below. 


Click on images for larger viewing. 





2. Sept 19th, more images of the Tennessee Warbler and the Cape May Warblers. 




3. Sept 19th, another walk to the local reservoir. Again I am seeing the same Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers, Solitary Sandpipers, unknown raptor standing in the mud, more images of the Sandpipers, Great Blue Heron and the Green Heron.





4. Sept 30th,  in my yard is a Northern Mockingbird enjoying the Devils Walking Stick berries.  



On the same day as above, these our the birds seen during our walk to the lake. Below are the Canada Geese, Solitary Sandpipers, Belted Kingfisher, Double-crested Cormorant and the Great Blue Heron.




5. Oct 1st, the Blue Jays are sitting in our rhododendron bush outside the den window.  Some times they are attacking the window or just sitting there fussing loudly. 




On the same day as above our walk was at the NCR Bike trail, we saw some fall flowers looking beautiful and some colorful leaves and berries.  I heard more birds than I actually saw, the birds were hiding from me.  





6. Oct 3rd, we drove to the Conowingo Dam and the Susquehanna River State Park.  Below are the Bald Eagles seen around the dam and on the towers. We also saw lots of Great Blue Herons, some Double-crested Cormorants, Vultures and Pigeons.




We drove a little further, and took a walk at the Susquehanna River State Park trail.  Views of the river and bridge, mushrooms, the Rock Run Gristmill, Great Blue Heron and more Cormorants. 








We enjoyed our lunch at the picnic area and then tried to walk (the little trail was overgrown with weeds) around the nearby pond.  Here I was able to see some Eastern Bluebirds, Mallards and some Wood Ducks. 






7. Oct 4th, another walk to our local Prettyboy reservoir. The lake water level is still very low. We need more rain.  In the mosaic below are views of the reservoir, fungi, a Great Blue Heron and the Solitary Sandpipers are still hanging around and we saw a small group of Killdeer. 



It looks like I am staying behind sharing my photos, almost a month behind and I have one more day from our Ireland trip to share.  

I will be away from my computer for a few days after Saturday, just a heads up I will be late commenting.

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.

110 comments:

Mae Travels said...

You have some really pretty photos just from your area of the country. I love the eagles at the Conawingo Dam.
Thanks for hosting Saturday Critters!
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

William Kendall said...

Beautiful shots!

Angie's Recipes said...

wow so many beautiful birds that I have never seen...I love esp. the warblers...so cute!

Shiju Sugunan said...

It's amazing to see all the different bird species that you were able to spot in your area. I especially liked the photos of the Cape May Warblers, the Tennessee Warbler, and the Northern Mockingbird.

Cloudia said...

Have a wonderful time Eileen! Aloha!

magiceye said...

Lovely mosaics as always!
Happy weekend!

roentare said...

I love the northern mockingbird very much!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Even as the year falls, there is so much to enjoy out in nature! Have a wonderful weekend, Eileen. YAM xx

stardust said...

You’re so lucky, Eileen, that you can see Blue Jays right outside the window. Abundant berries, fungi, colored leaves, autumn flowers… show the pleasing sense of autumn. I wonder how the landscape changed now. I also saw the last week post. Look forward to another talks about your Ireland trip. Have a nice week.
Yoko

Marit said...

Hello Eileen,
Your photos are so beautiful. The nature, the birds, the river and the flowers are so pretty. The Fall flowers looks like it was summer. The Blue Jays are always my favorite bird.
Take care, and have a happy weekend!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

The woord ducks are so beauatifl Eileen and it was lovely to see what birds are in your garden. Thanks for hosting and commenting and I hope you have a lovely week ahead

rupam sarma said...

So beautiful birds, Loved all pics.
Happy Weekend. Thanks a lot for hosting. Greetings

chica said...

Muito lindo e bem mostrado aqui,Eileen!
Lindo fds!
beijos praianos,chica

Iris Flavia said...

I had to look up "Devil's Walking Stick". Wiki says it is also known as "Angelica-tree" - which is a much nicer, but molre boring name! :-)
Other names are "Hercules' club, prickly ash, or prickly elder" - funny, thank you ufor the lesson, I found it here - with those names the plant is the first critter here!
The bird fits in beautifully with it´s colors. Mother Nature sure finds perfect ways.
Your Blue Jays look beautiful, too.
Hmmm, and the flowers. Here some are still blooming, too. Beautiful birds at the picnic-area.
Enjoy your time away!

italiafinlandia said...

Hello and thanks for sharing these beautiful critters. My favourite remains the Belted Kingfisher.
Wishing you a happy weekend. All the best!

Irma said...

Hello Eileen,
You show beautiful photos and collages.
The Northern Mockingbird and Blue Jays are beautiful.
I also love the Sea Eagles and the Wood Ducks.
I wish you a very nice weekend.
Greetings Irma

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Mae, for your link and your comment.
This is a great time of the year to see lots of Eagles at the dam. We will be going back again soon.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie, for your comment and your visit.
The warblers are cute birds!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Roentare, for your link and your comment.
The Mockingbird is one of my favorite yard birds.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you YAM, for your link and your comment.
We do enjoy our walks, there is always something to see.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yoko, for your link and your comment.
Those Jays are so loud, they always announce their visit.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marit, for your link and your comment and your visit.
I did enjoy all the late blooming flowers and the colorful autumn leaves.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Margaret, for your link and your comment.
I enjoy looking out my windows, my yard birds are entertaining.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Iris, for your link and your comment. I always liked the name Devil's walking stick, this plant has dangerous thorns. Mother Nature is grand. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella, for your link and your comment.
The kingfisher is one of my many favorite birds too.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Irma, for your link and your comment.
It is hard trying to get good photos out my window, but the Mockingbird did turn out well.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Bill said...

Beautiful photos as always. Have a nice weekend and thanks for hosting.

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Lovely photos as usual, Eileen. Enjoy your break. Thanks for hosting.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

A great selection of birds, here, Eileen. From warblers to Bald Eagles you have had a successful week! Well done.

Lea said...

Great photos!
My favorite is the Mockingbird.
Have a wonderful day!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you David, for your link and your comment.
I am thankful to see these birds in my yard and neighborhood.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

Jenn Jilks said...

Aren't they all wonderful?! You see such a variety. Thanks for hosting!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn, for your link and your comment!
I am lucky to see a variety of birds here.
Have a great weekend.

Tom said...

...Eileen your Devil's Walking Stick berries supply your feathered friends with many taste treats. Thanks for hosting, take care and be well.

MadSnapper said...

I have two favorites today, the one with all the jays, they are so pretty and ours are darker and a little different. they areg gone, we have zero birds in our yard, 2 squirrels is it. the park where we walk has zero birds, they took the osprey nests down, there were 3 huge ones there for years, we always saw osprey and hawks every where. now they are gone. my second favorite is the mallards and the wood ducks. wow are they beautiful

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tom! The birds did enjoy eating all those berries. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Sandra for the comment.
You seem to have lots of hawks and some owls in your neighborhood, that may spook the smaller birds away.
The wood ducks are beautiful. Take care, have a great weekend.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love seeing the Killdeer! They are such an elegant little bird. Enjoy these next few days. I hope you are going on an adventure! Hugs, Diane

Jeanie said...

You've had a productive sighting month. I love seeing them eat the berries -- bulking up for winter!

John's Island said...

Good Saturday morning Eileen. Very nice new header … great view of Prettyboy reservoir and watershed. I like your images of the Cape May Warblers and Tennessee Warblers in the first two mosaics. You must be keeping a journal about your walks … I love the way you have recorded the dates and interesting behavior of the variety of critters you spot. Love the mosaic with the flowers and colorful leaves and berries. By the way, speaking of berries, you mentioned the Devil’s Walking Stick. I had to do a quick search to see where the name came from, and found this on Wiki, “viciously sharp, spiny stems, petioles, and even leaf midribs.” 😊 Special congrats on your shots of the Mallards and Wood Ducks. Thank you, as always, for sharing your blog, and for your kind comments on mine. Happy weekend and week ahead to you. Safe journey as you are away for a few days. Best regards from Seattle! John

RedPat said...

I keep hearing warblers but haven't been able to spot them up in the trees. Love the Wood Ducks. Thanks for hosting us Eileen and for all your comments.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane, I love those sweet Killdeer too. Take care, have a happy weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie! We do have lots of berries here for the birds to eat, they will not go hungry. Take care, have a happy weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you John! I am happy to see the warblers stopping for a feast before heading south. I do like keeping a record or journal of my bird sightings. The Devil's walking sticks have some vicious thorns. It is always a treat to see the Wood Ducks. The Mallards are more common to see. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat! I have had what I call warbler neck from trying to find the warblers in the tree tops. The Wood Ducks are pretty. Have a great weekend.

Red said...

I hope your warbler population is not like ours. Our songbird population has crashed.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Red, for the visit and comment. I do think our songbird/warbler population has gone down, very sad. Take care, have a great weekend.

Black Knight said...

A very beautiful new header.
I love to see all those birds. My favorite is the Bald Eagle.

eileeninmd said...

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

Penelope Notes said...

With all the natural wonders it's easy to see how Prettyboy got its name. :)

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Maria, for your link and comment. Have a wonderful weekend.

Rostrose said...

Dear Eileen,
I've made similar observations this year regarding fewer species than usual in our garden, especially when it comes to insects. (Fortunately there were a few sightings of butterflies etc. in October that had not occurred in the summer). But I agree with you that this is not a good sign. The warblers in your Devil's Walking Stick plants look pretty - delicate birds. And the Northern Mockingbird also enjoys this plant - the berries are apparently very popular bird food. Blue jays are also beautiful birds.
I'm very happy about your bird- and plant-sightings during your outings - it's just sad that the water is still so little. The “rainy season” has now begun here in Austria, although we are not traditionally a country with a rainy season/dry season. But that may be changing...
All the best - I hope you've had a good start to November,
Traude
🍂🍃🍁🍃 🍂
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/11/herbstimpressionen-und-blogparade-dirty.html
PS: There aren't many animals in my post today, mostly snails and a few toy animals...

Breathtaking said...

Hello Eileen :=)
I lost my comment this morning, so I'm trying again. Firstly I love your new header, the trees look beautiful. I enjoyed seeing your yard birds, Mockingbird, Blue Jays, and the Warblers. Your mosaics are always thrilling to see because you see so many birds on your walks, and include beautiful scenery, flowers, and berries The Wood ducks are special favourites of mine., and the Belted Kingfisher and Bald Eagle. Thank you for hosting Eileen, it's always a pleasure to visit.
Have a wonderful few days break.
All the best
Sonjia.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Traude, for your link and your comment.
I did notice the toy animals, they were cute. It is sad to see any species on the decline.
I am happy that my berries are still attracting some birds to my yard.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sonjia, for your link and your comment.
I do enjoy taking photos on all my walks, luckily I still see some birds. The leaves are falling off the trees quickly now, after a few windy days. The Wood Ducks are beautiful. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

ellen b. said...

It's always a pleasure to see all the birds you see when you are out and about and looking intentionally. Those Wood Ducks are outstanding! Loved seeing what you saw. Enjoy your time away from the computer!

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Hi Eileen!!! A lots of birds and flowers and beautiful places... Have a great weekend

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ellen, for the comment and visit. The Wood Ducks are beautiful! Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ana, I appreciate the comment. Take care, have a great weekend.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Great photos!

HappyK said...

Excellent photos. Can't even pick a favorite

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

You are a great friend of nature and it shows.
Wood ducks surprise me every time I see them. They have such a striking appearance.

Lydia C. Lee said...

Great pics - that fungi tho kind of icks me. It's a weird reaction I know. No idea why....(good pic of it, just the fungi itself)

Angie said...

Eileen - always a pleasure to go on a walk with you and see so much wildlife. I am a huge fan of Belted Kingfishers, and I love that rattly call that they make! Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Linda said...

Fine photos! The devils walking stick sounds like a great plant for attracting birds.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, for the visit and comment! Have a great day and happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Alan, for the visit and comment!
Th Wood Ducks are beauties!
Have a great day and happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lydia, for the link and comment! Have a great day and happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie, for the visit and comment!
I love the Belted Kingfishers too.
Have a great day and happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda, for the link and comment!
The birds to love those berries.
Have a great day and happy new week!

Francisco Manuel Carrajola Oliveira said...

Gostei de ver estas belas fotografias.
Um abraço e bom Domingo.

Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados

EricaSta said...

It`s about time to write now a comment... outside the wind blows the leaves away, and we - hubby and myself - are inside with cups of good tea and some cookies.

Dear Eileen, there are again many, many plants and birds in your Post, I become more familiar with your fine description. And to understand better some of it. It`s wonderful to read.

Thank you so much for sharing at
MosaicMonday

Hugs by Heidrun, wishing you a very good week

carol l mckenna said...

Wow! Love the eagles ~ and wonderful series of photography of awesome birds of all kinds ~ thanks,

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

21 Wits said...

Good morning Eileen, I'm in finally this week, things have been so busy in my life as my hubby and I are Lions and we've been so busy lately with our club that my social networking has been at a slack, but I'm still here! What gorgeous shots you've posted and I especially am drawn to the water views, they are just beautiful! Enjoy your week, Karen

Nasreen said...

Beautiful photos.

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen
I do like your header photograph, such wonderful colours.
I enjoyed seeing your mix of photographs and mosaics, you've shared a great variety of birds, ducks, flowers and fungi.

I hope you have a good few days away from your computer.
Happy November wishes.

All the best Jan

DeniseinVA said...

I always enjoy seeing your weekly birds and other nature photos. I haven't seen a mockingbird in ages. Thanks Eileen :)

Rain said...

You see so many wonderful birds Eileen. I love those cute little Warblers!

Sharon Wagner said...

Wildlife is abundant in your post today. Nature in every square inch!

Rainbow Evening said...

we saw Great Blue Herons at our city lake....
beautiful bird

Veronica Lee said...

How awesome that you were able to see such a diverse range of bird species in your area.
I especially love the Blue Jays.

Hugs and blessings, Eileen

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen.
I'm wondering if my earlier comment may be in spam folder, or possibly you are still away from your computer?!
Whichever is the case, you've posted a lovely selection of photographs here.

My good wishes,

All the best Jan

Tanza Erlambang said...

Northern Mockingbird came to our yards several times...
smart bird... love it

Teresa said...

Maravilloso reportaje como siempre. Haces unas fotografías preciosas. Feliz fin de semana.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, for your link and your comment.
I am always happy to see a new critter post from you.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jan, I was away for 5 days and now I am catching up with my visits and comments.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

Bob Bushell said...

Superb photos Eileen, I love them.

Ana Freire said...

Cada imagem tem belezas tão particulares, que não consigo destacar nenhuma em especial... mas fiquei especialmente encantada com aquela tirada do seu quintal, e com as da trilha da NCR Bike, com as flores de outono a captarem a nossa atenção! Mas todas as imagens estão incríveis! Grata por mais uma partilha de excelência, Eileen!
Beijinhos! Continuação de um feliz Novembro!
Ana

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ana! We enjoy enjoy our walks in nature, so much beauty to see. Take care, have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Bob, I appreciate your link and comment. Take care, have a wonderful day!

Happy Monday!

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