Saturday, February 17, 2024

Saturday's Critters # 531

 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!


My latest trip has been to my archives. I usually prepare several post in advance so I will always be a month or so behind.  At this time, Hubby and I have not been anywhere special due to the super cold weather or the rain/snow days. So I went back and visited previous posts, taking photos from the past 5 years during the month of February. Photos are of some of my favorite places, birds and critters. 


From a February 2019 post, I was reporting on our Florida trip and visit to the Green Cay Preserve. In the mosaic are the Painted Buntings, Swamphen, a Tricolored Heron, Little Blue Heron, Palm Tree, Purple Gallinule, Green Heron, Glossy Ibis and a Pied billed Grebe. Florida is one of my favorite places for birdwatching. 




Also a few more photos from our Green Cay Nature Center are the American Bittern and below is the Green Heron.




Also from Green Cay are my favorite Florida Bird, the Painted Bunting, seen below with a female Painted Bunting. 





Another bird seen at the Green Cay Nature Center are the Wood Storks, their nest were right next to the boardwalk.







From my February 2020 post, I am sharing some of my favorite back yard birds: the Eastern Bluebirds, Downy Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, more Goldfinches with a House Finch, another Male Bluebird, a Dark-eyed Junco, a White-throated Sparrow, male Downy Woodpecker and a Carolina Wren.






From Feb 2020, one of my all time favorite birds is the Eastern Bluebird. I feel lucky when they choose one of my birdhouses for their nest. 







From a February 2021 post, I have one of my favorite woodpeckers, in my yard is the Pileated Woodpecker. 






From my post in February 2022,  we were dog sitting for our son while his house was being built. 8 months of watching our grand-dogs Nibbles and Winnie at our house. They enjoyed their walks to the lake and on the fire roads. Also in the mosaic are Eastern Bluebirds and the lake. 






From February 2023, we were excited to see my lifer the Golden Eagle in our area at the Prettyboy reservoir. It hung around for a few weeks.  





Here is a larger view of the Golden Eagle. This Eagle is a dark brown with golden brown plumage on the nape.  The Golden Eagle is a beautiful raptor. 







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.

114 comments:

EricaSta said...

Guten Morgen, bei der zweiten Tasse Kaffee lässt es sich gut lesen. Happy Weekend, dear Blogfruend.

roentare said...

I particularly like the eagle shot. Looking majestic.

Cloudia said...

A treasure trove of birds! Thank you Eileen. Aloha

Yvonne said...

You always have so many interesting birds that you have photographed. I bet the golden eagle siting was thrilling. For me, seeing a nest of wood storks would be very exciting.

rupam sarma said...

Awesome series of photos, Thanks a lit for hosting.
Happy Weekend.

Angie's Recipes said...

The female Painted Bunting looks so colourful and pretty. Still haven't seen a bluejay in my life..

Mae Travels said...

That’s a great collection of birds from past February posts. I love the Florida birds, especially, as I’ve been to that area a number of times, and it makes me remember the birds and the good visits with people who are not there now. Our last visit was for a brother-in-law’s 100th birthday; I’m afraid he only lived one more year but it was a great and long life!

I saw some good birds this week and posted them, but also wrote about a favorite fictional critter from the Land of Oz. I chose the Oz-themed post for Saturday Critters. It’s great that you host and that there are so many critter posts each week.

best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Iris Flavia said...

Sorry you have such bad weather. We have the aircon on.
The Painted Bunting is beautiful! And the Woodpecker!

Irma said...

Hello Eileen,
These are beautiful series of photos and collages.
The Eastern Bluebird and the Pileated Woodpecker are my favorites.
I wish you a very nice weekend, enjoy it.
Greetings Irma

italiafinlandia said...

Thanks for sharing the wonderful Painted Bunting, a little bird new yo me.
Love the Golden Eagle too.
Have a nice weekend and stay warm!

chica said...

Que lindo! Vale sempre revisitar os arquivos, pois sempre encontramos coisas lindas!
Adorei! beijos, tudo de bom nesse fim de semana! chica

William Kendall said...

Some marvelous birds!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Aren't archives such a blessing?! This is such a wonderful selection and count me a tad envious of the breadth and depth of your supply!!! YAM xx

MadSnapper said...

I have a special place in my heart for ugly birds, that makes the stork photo my favorite. I like pelicans, vultures, storks, all in the same ugly category. LOVE the looking up at the palm tree. I remember the 8 month dog sitting, so sweet

Marit said...

Hello Eileen,

Beautiful photos, and the Painted Bunting is very colorful. I like woodpeckers too. You have so many different of them. The Golden Eagle is very pretty.
Take care, and have a happy weekend!

Intelliblog said...

A lovely set of photos, Eileen. The little bluebirds are still my favourites! Thanks for hosting and have a great new week. (Nick from MAP)

stardust said...

The Painted Bunting is so brightly colored and beautiful. I also love the female’s colors and the Eastern Bluebird's. I haven’t seen none of them in person.
Yoko

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yvonne, for your link and comment.
The Eagle was a thrill to see and I also loved the wood storks.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie, for your visit and comment.
The Painted Bunting is a beauty.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Mae, for your link and comment.
I am glad you could visit your BIL for his 100th birthday, WOW.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Iris, for your link and comment.
Our weather is getting a little better, but I woke up to more snow on the ground this morning.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Irma for your link and comment.
The Bluebirds and Woodpeckers are my favorites too.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella, for your visit and comment.
The Painted Bunting is a beautiful bird, a treat for the eyes.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Chica, for your visit and comment.
Yes, I am happy to visit my archives, a great memory keeper.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you William, for your visit and comment.
Yes, they are marvelous birds. I love all the birds.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yam, for your link and comment.
I do enjoy looking back at my archives, the birds and trips are all happy memories.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sandra, for your visit and comment.
The Wood Storks are strange, but I love them too.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marit, for your link and comment.
The Painted Bunting are beautiful birds, I love all the woodpeckers too.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Nick, for your link and comment.
The Bluebirds will always be favorites of mine.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yoko, for your visit and comment.
They are beautiful birds!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Lea said...

What a wonderful visit to your archives!
Have a blessed day!

Tom said...

...Eileen, I would be enjoy seeing a bluebird here too, a rare sighting here. Thanks for hosting , take care and be well.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tom for your link and comment! I wish the Bluebirds were regular visitors, I am missing them now.
Have a great weekend.

baili said...

what a delight to see all these darling pretty birdies :)
hope your son's house is complete and full of life now my friend !
oh yes blue bird is my favorite as as looks so sweet and calm .i love blue jays too because blue is my very fav color
thanks for making my day with amazing bird images Eileen Florida seems to have lots of cute species
more blessings to you and family

Jenn Jilks said...

You've seen, and photographed such a variety of birds! We're getting pretty bored with our winter birds. I am ready for spring.

Marie Smith said...

That male painted bunting takes the prize for most colourful! Such a beauty! The golden eagle reminds me of immature baldies. Such a wonderful collection!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marie, the Painted Bunting is a colorful beauty! Take care, enjoy your weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn, for your link and comment. I am ready for Spring too. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Baili, for your visit and comment. Florida does have beautiful birds. My son's new house is beautiful, but he is always finding something new to work on. Take care, have a great weekend.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

This Feb has been amazing for sightings here in Florida. I love the Painted Bunting you've shown and the mosaic of all the pretty birds. Enjoy your weekend!

Barbara Rogers said...

Loved seeing those Florida birds, as well as my favorite, the blue birds. I saw one the other day, but of course a phone camera just doesn't zoom quite enough. Have a great weekend!

Jo said...

Oh wow, Eileen, your images are sharp and colorful. Thank you for sharing. I'm adding my post to your meme today. Thank you for your visits to my blog. Have a great Saturday. Jo

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane, for your critter link and the comment. Florida does have wonderful birds and wildlife, always something to see there! Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Barbara, It is nice to see a critter post and your link and comment are very much appreciated.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jo, for your link and comment this week. Take care, have a great weekend.

ellen b. said...

That Eastern Bluebird calls to me and makes me smile. Such a sweet looking bird. Happy Saturday to you, Eileen!

RedPat said...

I always loved seeing the birds in Florida when we went each year. I haven't been down there for years so it was nice to see your pics, Eileen.

Breathtaking said...

Hello Eileen::=)
Your mosaic's are filled with enchanting birds that I will never see here. Archives come in useful when it's bad weather. I enjoyed seeing all your previous February birds.The Wood Storks, Eastern Bluebirds, and Golden Eagles, are wonderful images. I remember when you got your very exciting lifer sighting and photos of the Golden Eagle.:=)
All the best, and many thanks for hosting Eileen.
Take care
Sonjia.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ellen, for the comment and visit. The Bluebird is sweet! Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat, I appreciate your link and comment. I loved seeing all the Florida birds. Take care, enjoy your weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sonjia, for your link and comment. The Golden Eagle was a thrill to see, especially with it being so close to home. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Jeanie said...

They're all wonderful, Eileen, but that painted bunting is just remarkable. Like a bird I would paint if I was painting a fantasy bird!

Mae Travels said...

I was amused that one of the other participants ALSO had photos of Green Cay where you took some of the pictures.

eileeninmd said...

Mae, It was a surprise to see another blogger had a post on Green Cay. I loved the Green Cay Preserve.
It was very birdie at the time we were there. If I was ever in the area again, I would go back for another visit.

Red said...

I'm surprised you don't have golden eagles in that area. They are one huge bird. You got some good photos as they sit for quite a while .

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Red! The Golden Eagles are only occasional visitors to my area. This one hung around for a few weeks. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie! The Painted Bunting is so colorful, a joy to see in person. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

You have awesome archives. Such a collection of birds.
The first time I saw a golden eagle was pure serendipity. It was back in the late 70's and our family was riding the Sandia Tramway in Albuquerque up to Sandia Crest and the tram operator pointed out a golden eagle soaring on the cliff faces. What a sight that was. I don't think I've seen another one in the wild.

Debbie said...

so many beautiful images of really stunning birds!! i enjoyed seeing the wood stork but the painted bunting is a real stunner!! it is amazing to think that some people actually see them at their feeders. seeing a golden eagle may be a once in a lifetime for you but let's hope not!! have a wonderful weekend eileen and many thanks for hosting!!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yogi, for your link and comment.
It was a thrill to see the Golden Eagle perched in a tree. Bird watchers from all over came to see this eagle.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Debbie, for your link and comment.
I hope to see a Golden Eagle again, I was thrilled to see this one so close to home.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Bob Bushell said...

Absolutely beautiful the birds, and astounding the Golden Eagle, fabulous Eileen.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bob, for your link and comment. It was a treat to see the Golden Eagle. Take care, have a great weekend.

carol l mckenna said...

Very Impressive shots of the Eagle and wonderful series of photos of such variety ~ Wow! Thanks,

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

eileeninmd said...

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

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

The painted bunting and eastern bluebird are so colorful and beautiful! We see a lot of Golden eagles flying around here but I never seem t o be able to get a good photo of them! Have a wonderful week Eileen.

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen
Many thanks for sharing these beautiful birds, isn't the Painted Bunting so colourful!
Great pictures too of the Golden Eagle.
Enjoy your weekend.

All the best Jan

Veronica Lee said...

It's so delightful to see such a variety of birds, Eileen!
The Painted Bunting is a gem with its vibrant colors, and the Golden Eagle is majestic.
Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos and hosting Saturday's Critters!

DeniseinVA said...

Another great collection Eileen. Fun to see all of your birds and grand doggies :) Thank you for this wonderful meme and have a great Sunday and week ahead.

Linda said...

My favorites are the painted bunting and the bluebird. Thank you for hosting.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

WOW! A Golden Eagle Fabulous Eileen Thanks for hosting and commenting and I hope you have a good week ahead

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Pat, for your critter link and your comment. The Golden Eagles are beautiful and a treat to see. Take care, have a great day and happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jan, I appreciate your comment. The Painted Bunting is a beauty, so colorful. Take care, have a great day and happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Denise, I do love the birds and our cute granddogs. Take care, have a great day and happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda, for your link and comment. Those two are my favorites too. Take care, have a great day and happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

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

EricaSta said...

Hello, what surprises, dear Eileen, in your wonderful post again today. I admire your pictures. Florida has been on my / our travel list for a long time. In particular I think of the Everglades of course ... but also the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. Not to forget the unforgettable feeling that Bob Seger once sang about.

Thanks for sharing with MosaicMonday

I wish you and your family a pleasant week, hugs
Heidrun

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Such nice selections from your archives. Of course you bring me memories of visits to Green Cay, which was a short drive from our previous home. The Golden Eagle is a rel treasure. I have only seen a few in my lifetime.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun, for your comment and your link. The Everglades is a great place to visit, I enjoyed most of the Florida parks we visited. The museum is new to me, sorry I missed it on my trips. Take care, have a great day and happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ken, for your link and comment. I really enjoyed Green Cay, I would not mind another visit there. The Golden Eagle was a thrill to see. Take care, have a great day and happy new week!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

That was a wonderful trip through your February archives (and a great idea for those times when there just hasn't been much blog-worthy happening -- really that was what happened to me last fall in Oregon). It has been too long since you two were here in Florida for the Winter! (And I hope we get to go to some of those places before too long .)

HappyK said...

It always amazes me the beautiful colors of birds.

John's Island said...

Hi Eileen,
Your venture into the archives is like a wonderful journey through memories and moments captured over the years. It's a creative and reflective way to revisit and share the beauty of your favorite places, birds, and critters, especially during a time when the weather has kept you and Hubby from embarking on new adventures. The photos from the past five years offer a unique glimpse into the seasonal nuances and the natural world through your eyes. Thanks, as always, for sharing and have a happy week ahead!
John

Rain said...

Oh wow! I've never seen a Painted Bunting! How beautiful!

Hena Tayeb said...

So many lovely bird photos.

Tanza Erlambang said...

we saw the American Bittern recently..... unique bird.....
beautiful photos.....

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sallie for your link and comment. Winter in Florida was fun, the birdwatching was amazing. Maybe we will get back there one winter. Take care, have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, I appreciate the comment. Take care, have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you John, for your comment and visit. Hubby and I do love our nature walks. Soon it will be spring and we will be getting out there for more walks. I hope you are well. Take care, have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Rain, for your comment! The Painted Bunting is a beauty! Take care, have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your visit and comment. Take care, have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tanza, for your link and comment. The Bittern is a cool bird, great sighting. Take care, have a great week!

Penelope Notes said...

The bluebird is so sweet. Woodpeckers and/or sapsuckers peck circular holes in cedar trees. Apparently these cute critters can kill a large tree eventually!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Maria, for the link and comment. We leave some of the dead trees for the woodpeckers to peck on.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week!

Sharon Wagner said...

Nice photos this week, especially that plump little blue bird.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sharon, for your link and comment. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week!

Rainbow Evening said...

love the majestic bird...eagle.... fantastic captures.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for the comment and visit. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead..

Crafty Green Poet said...

Lovely series of photos and great selection of birds! I've never really understood why the Green Heron is called the Green Heron, it is so colourful and green never seems to be the predominant colour in any of the photos I see!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Juliet! It really depends on the angle and lighting, the green color shows up down the heron's back and sometimes the dark color on it's head. Take care, have a great day and happy week ahead.

Lillian "sognafaret" said...

Amazing birdlife

Marco Luijken said...

Hello Eileen,
This is enjoyment. Very great to see all these wonderful birds.
They are very special to see. I love it.

Many greetings,
Marco

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lillian, for your link and comment. Take care, have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marco, I appreciate your visit and comment. I do love all the birds I see! Take care, have a great day!

Teresa said...

Unos pájaros preciosos que no se ven por aquí, me encantaron todas las aves. Te dejo un abrazo fuerte.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Teresa, I appreciate your comment and visit. Take care, have a great weekend.

EricaSta said...

The sun is shining today. But the temperatures are frosty. Time to visit my blog friends.Thank you, dear Eileen for hosting. Hugs by Heidrun alias EricaSta

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much Heidrun, for your visit and comment. Take care, have a happy weekend.

Happy Monday!

Wishing everyone a great day and a ha ppy new week! "Whatever your beliefs, spread love not hate." East Paden Twin Bridge, Fishing...