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!
These images are from our visit and walk at the Loch Raven Reservoir, Baltimore County. It is nice to take a walk in a different location than our neighborhood. Usually we can see a variety of winter ducks at this reservoir. There are usually lots of Gulls and Mallards hanging around the parking area. When we got out of our car, the ducks came running. They are used to people and being fed. Sorry ducks, we did not bring any food.
1. Our first stop was near the secondary dam, here we saw a large group of male and female Hooded Mergansers, Canada Geese, Ring-billed Gull and some Mallard ducks.
2. The Hooded Mergansers are one of my favorite ducks. The males have a fan shaped crest that can collapse. The females have a cinnamon colored crest.
This group of Canada Geese and Mallards were resting on the top of the secondary dam.
3. This large group of Mallards and Gulls were just fed, a couple in a car pulled up with some kind of food. Hopefully it was not bread.
4. The large group of Mallards are resting after just being fed.
5. I know the bottom gull is a the Ring-billed Gull, I am not sure about the top gull. It does look like a juvenile?
6. We saw a large group of the Ring-necked Ducks.
7. I tried for a closer look at the Ring-necked Ducks. The male is black, gray and white with a prominent white ring on the bill. The females are brown with a white patch near the bill.
A closer look at the Ring-billed Gull. They have a heavy bill with a distinct ring.
8. On the way home we rode past the Friendly Farm ponds, there were 5 Bald Eagles on the ground. Three adult Bald Eagles next to one pond and there were 2 juvenile Eagles across the driveway and near the second pond.
"Let us give nature a chance, she knows her business better than we do."
I wanted to ask if anyone could help me to create a new badge for the Saturday's Critters party. A new year and time for a change. Thanks in advance!
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. Also, if you like you can add the badge below on your Saturday's Critter post. Thank you to Shiju for making the new badge.
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.
All this beauty without disturbing the wildlife - a perfect example of responsible nature exploration!
ReplyDeleteThank you Shiju, for your link and your comment.
DeleteI try my best not to disturb the wildlife.
I loved the critter badge you made, it is perfect for my linky.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend!
Thank you for your link and your comment! Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
DeleteHappy New Year Eileen! This weekly meet up is a wonderful thing for all of us and I appreciate you very much. Aloha!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cloudia, for your link and your comment!
DeleteI am happy to see many bloggers appreciate and love the critters.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
I really enjoy those beautiful photos. We have lots of gulls here, but I don't remember if I have ever seen one ring-billed gull.
ReplyDeleteThank you Angie, for your comment and your visit.
DeleteThe Ring-billed Gull is very common here.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Awesome birds, Loved the post.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for hosting. Happy weekend.
Thank you for your link and your comment!
DeleteTake care, have a wonderful weekend.
Hello Eileen,
ReplyDeleteYou took a great series of photos during your walk at the Loch Raven Reservoir, it is a beautiful area there.
It was great that there were hooded mergansers, we don't have this species in the Netherlands.
The five Bald Eagles are also really great to see, as only a few pairs breed here.
I wish you a very good weekend.
Greetings Irma
Thank you Irma, for your link and your comment!
DeleteThe Hooded Mergansers are beautiful ducks, one of my favorites.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
The ducks in numbers look gorgeous
ReplyDeleteThank you Roentare, for your link and your comment!
DeleteIt is always a happy sight to see large flocks of birds.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Muito lindo teu passeio nesse reservatório que rendeu tão legais fotos!
ReplyDeletebeijos, tudo de bom!
Ótimo fim de semana! chica
Thank you Chica, for your comment and your visit.
DeleteWe do enjoy our visits to this reservoir, it is a beautiful spot for our walks.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Eileen, You sure got some interesting photos on your walk at the Loch Raven Reservoir. I especially enjoyed your second image, the Hooded Mergansers. That picture is perfect for identifying the males vs females. I learned something new from your caption on the group of Mallards and Gulls. I did a Google to find out about bread and birds … I did not know bread offers wild birds absolutely zero nutrition. This is important and thank you for mentioning it. I’m linking up my recent post which features an old brochure about visiting Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks. I think critter lovers can find something of interest in the old brochure. Thank you for hosting and sharing Saturday’s Critters and for your kind replies and comments on my blog. Happy Saturday and week ahead to you and yours. John
ReplyDeleteThank you John, for your link and your comment!
DeleteI enjoyed see the old Glacier brochure. Many parks here have put up signs asking people not to feed the birds and animals. I think many people do not know that bread is bad for the birds. Corn is a better choice.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
It's true: Mergansers are cute ducks. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a new year full of lucky captures!
Happy weekend!
Thank you Luisella, for your link and your comment.
DeleteI wish you a new year full of critters too. :)
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Happy new year of critters and thanks once again for hosting.
ReplyDeletemae at maefood.blogspot.com
Thank you Mae, for your link and your comment.
DeleteI have been enjoying your birds seen in Costa Rica.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Hello Eileen,
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos. The Hooded Mergansers are very beautiful. The Ring - billed Gull is so pretty too.
Take care, and enjoy your weekend!
Thank you Marit, for your link and your comment!
DeleteI think the Hooded Mergansers are beautiful too.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Feeding birds is actually forbidden here...Actually.
ReplyDeleteThe Ring-billed Gull looks amazing. It really looks like a ring!
With badge you mean the banner? How about water? Also blue, also filled with life.
Have a happy Saturday and weekend!
Thank you Iris, for your link and your comment.
DeleteThe Ring-billed gull is a pretty bird, I enjoy seeing all the birds.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
I did not know you have a badge, will be glad to help, just email me the info or the old badge, unless of course someone REALLY good at it offers to do it. I do wish people would stop feeding wildlife, it is not good for them, or the environment
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandra! Yes, I did have a badge showing up on my side bar, I just recently added a new badge from the blogger Shiju. I can always use a new badge, I can switch out once in awhile.
DeleteI think many people do not know how bad bread is for the birds and wildlife.
A Hooded Merganser is a very handsome duck indeed. Fortunately, it is quite common around here.,
ReplyDeleteThank you David, for your link and your comment!
DeleteThe Hooded Merganser is very handsome, one of my favorites.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Hello Eileen :=)
ReplyDeleteIt's good to go to another location for a change with expectations of seeing different species than you would normally see, and the lovely Merganser ducks were a great sighting. I do admire this species, and they look so cute when their head feathers are raised. I wish more people knew that bread is the worst kind of food to give the ducks. I don't think it's through any thoughtless act, just that people are unaware of it's dangers. Great sighting of the Bald Eagles, seeing five together must be a rare occurrence
Thank you for hosting Eileen, it's a treat to see animals from different parts of the world!
All the best for 2024
Sonjia.
Thank you Sonjia, for your link and your comment!
DeleteI agree, many people do not realize that bread is not good for the birds to eat.
The Hooded Mergansers are one of my favorite ducks, they are beautiful.
The Eagles are always a treat to see!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Such a lot of birds however my favourite you showed us were the Hooded Mergansers. HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and your family. Thanks for hosting and commenting and have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret, for your link and your comment!
DeleteHappy New Year to you and your family!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
I've never seen a Hooded Merganser, and think they are really pretty ducks! Oh my to 5 bald eagles, what a great sight to see! I offer just some shots of the tame-life in my son's home.
ReplyDeleteThank you Barbara,for your link and your comment!
DeleteI always love seeing the Eagles, they have made such a great comeback.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
A lovely selection of birds, Eileen. The new badge looks great and perfect for the New Year! I wish you happiness and health and lots of wildlife photos. Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nick! I wish you all the best in 2024, a very happy and healthy New Year! Take care, have a great new week!
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteOh I do like waterbirds... and yes, the Ring-bill in your 'duet' is first winter plumage juvenile. Love the new badge - I will replace own home-made one with it! YAM xx
Thank you YAM, for your comment and your visit.
DeleteI do love seeing any and all the birds. The Ring-billed are pretty gulls.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
...I have never seen so many eagles in one spot before, what a treat. Thanks Eileen for hosting, enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tom, for your link and your comment!
DeleteIt is always a treat to see the Eagles, they are doing so well now.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
First of all (it is still possible) for you a cozy and beautiful 2024 wishes . What a beautiful setting and what beautiful birds you saw. I found your writing and photos very lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your link and your comment!
DeleteBest wishes for a happy New Year!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
When it comes to waterfowl, I have many favorites, but the ring neck is right up there near the top!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment and your visit.
DeleteI am starting to think any bird I see at that time is my favorite. :)
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Quite a find of eagles. Love those birds and all the ducks of course. And the gulls of any sort. Let’s face it, I love this post!
ReplyDeleteThank you Marie, for your comment and your visit.
DeleteTake care, have a wonderful weekend.
Beautiful photos, Eileen. Have a fantastic weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bill, for your link and your comment!
DeleteTake care, have a wonderful weekend
A pleasure to see them.
ReplyDeleteThank you William, for your comment and your visit.
DeleteTake care, have a wonderful weekend
Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenn, for your link and your comment!
DeleteI have not forgotten that you made my first badge, thank you!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
I'm glad you remembered. Time for a better one, I guess. Shiju has far better photos than I. Change is hard for me.
DeleteNice photos, so many different kinds of ducks out there. Nature is wonderful. I love your new badge.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alan, for your link and your comment!
DeleteNature is wonderful!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend
It has been so dreary here that even the birds are getting bored. Nothing as exotic as your finds this week Eileen.
ReplyDeleteThank you RedPat, for your link and your comment!
DeleteIt has been dreary here too, today we are getting some sleet/snow and rain. Such fun!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
We have landed in 2024, dear Eileen, and I am happy to answer your call again and take part in the link party. We've just come back from a short walk - in the rain. With a cup of punch in hand, it's cozy to enjoy your post at home.
ReplyDeleteNow, with the turn of the year, we are hoping for more peace, more insight into sustainability for the whole of nature. It is urgently needed - as already mentioned! My ambition this year - as far as my health allows - is to work more urgently for animals and plants. For example, with an open letter to the local council to campaign for a ban on firecrackers.
The new badge has turned out fantastic! My appreciation for Shiju. I will use it in the next post on my blog.
Thank you so much for this wonderful post on
MosaicMonday
Warm hugs from Heidrun, wishing you and your family a healthy, happy new year 2024
Thank you Heidrun, for your link and your comment.
DeleteIt is good the wildlife has a voice, they need all the help they can get.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
I love our new badge! Thanks Shiju! And your photos are fantastic Eileen! It's my favorite day of the week! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane! Shiju made a beautiful badge. I appreciate your link and comment! Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
DeleteDear Eileen, I'm a bit late today, but now I'm here 😊
ReplyDeleteThe Hooded Mergansers are really adorable ducks, but you have seen many other interesting and pretty birds 😍.
For the last few weeks we have been regularly seeing various birds of prey (kestrels, buzzards, and I'm not sure if there weren't eagles) on our car rides to a certain farm shop, and today there were gray herons in the fields and golden pheasants - and I didn't have any usable camera with me. I've now decided to take the camera with the large lens with me next time, hopefully it'll work (and hopefully the birds will show up too 😉)
I wish you and everyone you love (humans and animals) a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year 🍄🍀!
All the best, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2024/01/rostrosen-weihnachten-2023-tiergarten.html
Thank you Traude, for your link and comment.
DeleteI wish you and yours all the best in 2024, a happy and healthy New Year.
Sounds like you have been seeing some great wildlife, maybe you should always have a camera with you.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend!
Will you be getting Eastern Seaboard snow and weather? Our turf is looking lots like yours!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeanie, for the comment and visit,
DeleteYes, we are seeing snow right now, earlier it was some frozen pellets.
It may change to rain but it is still very cold.
Take care, have a great weekend.
PS: I have now added the new badge to my sidebar - great job by Shiju! 😊
ReplyDeleteThanks Traude, Shiju's badge looks great.
DeleteNice photos, that looks like a lovely place to get out and about for fresh air.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Thank you for your comment and your visit.
DeleteIt is always nice to get outdoors for a walk and fresh air.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend!
Look at me. I am able to comment again! All I have seen have been Canada Geese, Mallard Ducks and Gulls. I hope to take another drive to NY’s Lake Erie shoreline soon and see more variety. I enjoyed all your pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda, I appreciate your visit and comment. I am sure Lake Erie has a great duck population. Have a great weekend.
DeleteDear friend thank you so much these beautiful photos. Have a wonderful sunday. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the comment and visit! Take care, have a great weekend.
Deletethe hooded mergansers are also one of my favorites!! i see them here as well, only during the winter!! beautiful captures of the ring-necked ducks, i will have to check my lakes for them!! 5 bald eagles, WOW!! a great week of images!! have a great week, many thanks for hosting!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie, for your link and comment. The Hooded Merganser are my favorites too, they are beautiful.
DeleteThe eagles have a nest in the area where I saw them so they usually can be seen there. Take care, have a wonderful new week!
Oh wonderful series of our avian friends ~ lovely photography ~ thanks, and like the new badge Shiju created ~ Wow!
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you Carol, your comment and link a very much appreciated. Take care , have a great day and a wonderful week!
DeleteGreat selection of duck. Like the ring billed gull - looks like he has tape on his bill. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen! The Ring-billed Gull is one of my favorites. Take care , have a great day and a wonderful week!
DeleteSplendid photos Eileen! It's always nice to see different birds when we go to other areas. I was riding along the other day and saw a huge Eagle sitting at the top of one of the trees along with road. I was so shocked and no long lens camera. Couldn't stop but the memory of seeing it is keeping me smiling. Thank you for sharing what you see and I wish you a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Denise! It is always a treat to see the Bald Eagles. Take care , have a great day and a wonderful week!
DeleteIt was fun to see these water birds today and the eagles by the water. Happy first weekend in 2024 to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellen, for your comment and visit. Take care , have a great day and a wonderful week!
DeleteNice variety of birds! Many people do not know that bread is bad for water birds, and it messes up the water. I like your new badge by Shiju!
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda, for your link and comment. Shiju made a beautiful badge. Take care , have a great day and a wonderful week!
DeleteJust shared a link with some short-eared owl photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda, your Owl photos are beautiful, great captures. Take care , have a great day and a wonderful week!
Deletehappy new year dear Eileen ! may it be full of happy surprises ,lots of love ,peace and health for you and family
ReplyDeletewhat a pleasure to see these shots ,my heart overflew with joy so thank you so much for sharing the nature's hues i absolutely adore them !
more blessings
Hello Baili, Happy New Year to you and your family! Thank you for your visits and comments. Take care , have a great day and a wonderful week!
DeleteBeautiful photos Eileen, especially the eagles.
ReplyDeleteThank you Caroline, I appreciate the comment. It is always a treat to see the Eagles. Take care, have a great week!
DeleteSuch lovely nature photos, thanks so much for sharing! Hope you have an amazing New Year!
ReplyDeletexoxo, MIDORI
https://www.midorilinea.com/blogs/midori-linea/my-new-creative-outlet-for-my-daughter-hannah
Happy New Year to you! Thanks for the visit and comment. Take care, have a great week!
DeleteI didn't know that bread is bad for water birds.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of wonderful and lovely creatures.
Have a nice Sunday.
Thanks for the comment and visit. Yes, the bread is bad for the birds. Take care, have a great week!
DeleteHello Eileen. No I am not on holiday, just taking a break from blogging after 12 years! It's good to hear that the mallards are not fed bread, hopefully there are signs to advise would be bread throwers. What a great name for a spot that has so many eagles for visitors to enjoy. Great pic of the Ring-billed Gull. I hope I see another of those over here soon. Thanks for allowing me to join in here, I probably will next week.
ReplyDeleteThank you Phil, it is nice for a break to be around the holidays and a well deserved break after 12 years of blogging.
DeleteTake care, have a great week!
I didn't know this either. You just inspired me to visit a lake up here in the mountains. Just a small one but with lovely birds.
ReplyDeleteThank you Inger, for the comment. A visit to the lake near the mountains sounds nice. Take care, have a great week!
DeleteLovely. I spent so much of my childhood feeding the ducks, your photos make me smile.
ReplyDeleteI discovered your blog from Bill's "somewhereinireland" blog :)
Thank you Liam for stopping by and for the comment. Take care, have a wonderful week!
Delete
ReplyDeleteTambién aconsejo no dar pan. Gran serie de fotos. Gracias por compartir.
Buen domingo y nuevo año Eileen.
Un abrazo.
Thank you Laura, for the comment and visit. Take care, have a great week!
DeleteWe also have a lot of mallard ducks in our park!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment. The Mallards seem to be seen around the world. Take care, have a great week!
DeleteFantástica publicação! Bju
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your visit and comment. Take care, have a great week!
DeleteHello Eileen
ReplyDeleteLovely post and sightings.
I especially liked the Ring-billed Gull.
I do like the new badge by Shiju.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan, for your comment and visit.
DeleteI really like the new badge from Shiju.
Take care, have a great week!
This place is comfortable for every life.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best in the New Year!
I wish you all the best in the New Year! Thanks for the comment! Take care, have a great week!
DeleteGreat shots of those birds, Eileen!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are fantastic, especially the Hooded Mergansers—they're stunning.
Happy Monday!
Thank you Veronica, for your link and comment. The Mergansers are beauties. Take care, have a great week!
DeleteHello Eileen,
ReplyDeleteNice post with wondeful pictures.
So nice to see so many eagles by each other.
Many greetings,
Marco
Thanks Marco for your visit and comment. The Eagles are a treat to see! Take care, have a great week!
DeleteNature needs to be nutured. There's nothing more important. Great quote. I've been learning about the importance of the Everglades these days.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon, for your link and comment. Nature is so important, it does need to be nurtured. Take care, have a great week!
DeleteHappy New Year Eileen! I love the photos of the mallards!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Rain! Thanks so much for the comment.
DeleteNo critter from me this week, but I always enjoy seeing yours. Have a fabulous 2024 Eileen, and enjoy your week.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jill! I wish you all the best in 2024, a happy and healthy New Year!
DeleteComo siempre tus fotografías son geniales. Gracias y abrazos.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment! Take care, have a great day!
Deletefantastic shots....
ReplyDeletehave a great day....
Hello Tanza, thanks so much for your link and comment! Take care, have a great day!
Deletenever noticed Ring-billed Gull in nature.... look pretty
ReplyDeleteThe Ring-billed Gulls are pretty. Thanks for the link and comment. Have a great day!
DeleteI'm very late commenting today... I'm amazed at how quickly the days fly by again in the new year.
ReplyDeleteYour post, dear Eileen, is again a feast for the eyes in many ways. A very welcome change when I look out of the window here at how rainy and dreary it is here. Well... it's January, it's winter time. It's supposed to get really cold in the next few days (-10 C°) and it's supposed to snow. Thank you for your contribution to
MosaicMonday
Once again, best wishes for a healthy, happy new year 2024,
Heidrun
Thank you Heidrun. Stay warm and safe. It is supposed to be very cold here this coming week. The days are flying by.
DeleteI appreciate the visit and comment. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Beautiful post
ReplyDeleteMais uma série de imagens fascinantes! Sempre um prazer imenso, viajar nos seus excelentes registos fotográficos, Eileen!
ReplyDeleteFiquei fascinada com as imagens dos patos mergulhões! Uma espécie que não encontro por estes lados... pelo menos em ambiente natural.
Um beijinho! Feliz semana!
Ana
Thanks so much for the comment Ana! Have a happy day!
Delete