Saturday, May 25, 2024

Saturday's Critters # 545

 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!

Happy Memorial Day weekend! May 27th, a day to honor those men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.

After our short visit to Page Arizona we headed to Green Valley Arizona and our next place to stay. This hotel was only an half hour drive to the Madera Canyon and some great birdwatching. I added more than a few lifers sitting in one spot in just a short time. 


1. Below two lifers for me, top is the Acorn Woodpecker and below is the Arizona Woodpecker both seen at the Madera Canyon.




2.  These are all Broad-billed Hummingbirds.  





Another look at the Broad-billed Hummingbird. It has a red dark tipped bill and is a vivid green color.








3.  Below are lifers, the  Mexican Jay and the Black-headed Grosbeak. Others are the Lesser Goldfinches and it looks like there is a Pine Siskin below the male Lesser Goldfinch. Bottom right is a Brown-crested Flycatcher, another lifer. 







4. Below the Yellow female Summer Tanager was seen at the Madera Canyon and the Red male Tanager was seen at the Paton Center.  I am not sure if the red male is a Summer Tanager or the Hepatic Tanager. 






5.  At the Paton Center for Hummingbirds, I captured the Gila Woodpecker a lifer and the Ladder-backed Woodpecker.






6. One of my favorite lifers was the Lazuli Bunting, a beautiful and colorful bird.






7. Another look at the Lazuli Bunting, it has turquoise colors, orange breast and a white belly.





8. Below is my lifer, a pair of the Gray Hawks.




A better look at the Gray Hawk couple, in better lighting. The are gray in color and have white bands on the tails.




More from this day to come, we went from place to place sightseeing and birdwatching. 

Edit: A short note, I had this post and more ready to go thankfully before my fall. I am healing the swelling and the bruises on my face and nose are looking better. My hand is still sore and swollen around my thumb/wrist area where I have had previous surgeries putting my thumb back into the joint. I just wish it was not my right hand. Thanks for all the kind well wishes.


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.




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:




Thank you for sharing your critters and post!

119 comments:

Mae Travels said...

We have enjoyed birding at Madera Canyon a few times.The variety is amazing, especially at the Santa Rita Lodge feeders. Did you walk into the woods to try to see a trogon? This was one of our highlights when we were there.
Good to hear that your injuries are healing — I hope you recover soon.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

John's Island said...

Hi Eileen, First of all, thanks for letting us know how your recovery is coming along. You are amazing with strength to keep blogging! Thanks for taking us along to Green Valley. The Madera Canyon sounds like a great destination for birders. Congrats on your new lifers! I especially like the Broad-billed Hummingbird. This is my first time to hear about the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. I’ve got to check it out. I enjoyed all your photos. Thanks, as always, for hosting and sharing. Wishing you and hubby a happy Memorial Day weekend. John

Yvonne said...

A lot of lifers here, so it was a good trip. I do like that Lazuli Bunting. Glad you are improving some from your fall.

Veronica Lee said...

It's always a delight to witness the beauty of nature through your lens.
I'm so glad to hear that despite your recent fall, you're on the mend.
Take good care of yourself, and may your healing journey be swift and smooth.
Looking forward to more of your adventures and critter sightings, Eileen.

Cloudia said...

So many beautiful life birds! Eileen, you're a beautiful friend and you are on my prayer list. I certainly hope you are in Tip-Top shape very soon. I don't like to think of you in pain. So good of you to host anyway. Aloha dear Aloha

EricaSta said...

What lovely, lovely Birds, most of it unknown for me. Dear Eileen, I'm glad reading of some healing. Further a good recovery for you. I can a little bit see whats about Rizarthrose do with the hands. And it's my right hand too. Very best wishes, I'm thinking on you.

Thank you for sharing and hosting. Hugs by Heidrun alias Ericasta

Marit said...

Hello Eileen,

They are all so beautiful. The grey hawk looks very impressiv. I love to see the small hummingbirds. Take care, and I hope your hand will be better soon.
Have a great weekend!

roentare said...

I don't get to see woodpeckers here. I am always fascinated by their drilling action

Soma @ InkTorrents.com said...

So many beautiful colors. Very hard to choose a favourite, they are all wonderful. Thanks so much for hosting. Have a wonderful weekend.

-Soma

Teresa said...

El reportaje es precioso. Me alegra que estés mejorando de tu caída y espero que tú mano se recupere bien. Un abrazo.

Rostrose said...

Dear Eileen, I'm so happy for you because you've seen so many lifers! The Lazuli Bunting is truly a magnificent little bird, I'm not surprised it was one of your favorites. But the other birds are also great sightings.
I wish you all the best for your recovery progress. The fact that the right hand is affected is definitely unpleasant - may it get better soon!
Hugs and blessings, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2024/05/weltreise-2024-immer-noch-tasmanien.html

italiafinlandia said...

Thanks for sharing all the lovely colourful birds. The Tanagers in particular are pretty.
Wishing you again good luck with your health and Happy Memorial day weekend too!

Iris Flavia said...

Such a color- and beautiful variety - Mother Nature is amazing!.
Glad to hear you´re on the way up, too! Have a healing weekend....

Irma said...

Beautiful series of photos from your stay in Arizona.
I think the woodpeckers are beautiful, just like the hummingbirds.
I wish you a nice weekend and get well soon.
Greetings Irma

William Kendall said...

Beautiful birds!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Dear Eileen - thank you for continuing to visit my blog even though I have missed some of yours due to this recent illness. It's still hanging around, but am definitely improving and am glad to be back here seeing all your wonderful images. Happy weekend to you. YAM xx

Tom said...

...Eileen, I'm sorry to hear about your fall. I've had trouble with gravity too. Take care and be well soon.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Prayers for you continued healing
Beautiful pictures.

chica said...

Lindas fotos e bela homenagem à data!
Que tu fique bem boazinha logo! TE CUIDA!
beijos, chica

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Southeast Arizona is a great area for birdwatching, and other wildlife pursuits for that matter. Overall, it is perhaps as good as anywhere on the continent.

Lea said...

Beautiful! Fantastic! Awesome!

Marco Luijken said...

Hello Eileen,
This is always so nice and I enjoy of all these beautiful birds.
So nice these different kinds of woodpeckers. Your pictures are wonderful.

Have a nice day.
Many greetings,
Marco

Angie's Recipes said...

So many beautiful birds! How do you tell that the two grey hawks are couples?

Barbara Rogers said...

Loved seeing all the birds you captured to share here! What fun it must have been to see lifers too. I'd never heard of some of them, including the broad-billed hummingbird! He's a beauty. Keep healing, and letting others do the typing for now.

Jenn Jilks said...

I hope you continue to heal! But quickly! No fun at all.
Terrific seeing all your 'lifers' as there are so many species to see!

MadSnapper said...

I have seen the woodpeckers at the top but not the brown one below.. so many birds to see so little time.

MadSnapper said...

not sure is the comment posted or I lost it. if it is lost I was here and glad you are healing and got to see the woodpeckers

Intelliblog said...

Another wonderful selection of birds, today, Eileen! Thank you for hosting and all the best for the new week ahead. (Nick from MAP)

magiceye said...

Beautiful captures of colourful birds!

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

You sure know your birds! I feel like I know lots of birds, but you and several others put me to shame in that category. Loved all your pictures!

ellen b. said...

So many wonderful birds. That's nice that you were close to Madera Canyon. Thank you for the update on your healing process. It is a bummer that your right hand was injured. Hope you have a peaceful Memorial Day weekend with lots of healing going on!

rupam sarma said...

Hello, Hope you are doing well. Glad to read your post, Stay well.
Beautiful bird photos. Thanks a lot for hosting. Happy Weekend.

DeniseinVA said...

Oh wow, exciting to see all the birds and those woodpeckers! Looks like you were very successful with bird sightings. Great photos as always Eileen.

Happy to read you are feeling better after that horrid fall. These things take a while to recover from and sending you lots of good thoughts for the process. Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for all the hard work putting these posts together.

Debbie said...

another great post eileen, beautiful birds and your images are exceptional!! many of these birds are new to me as well!! i'm glad you continue to heal, when i broke my wrist it was my left wrist and that was a blessing!! have a nice holiday weekend and many thanks for hosting!!

Aritha V. said...

Thank you so much for the red bird. I love to see it!!!!

Jeanie said...

It's pretty obvious that the birds just adore you! What a great grouping!

RedPat said...

So many lifers for you, Eileen. Your life list must be very long.
I'm glad to hear that you are recovering and hope the hand feels better too soon.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm glad to hear you are healing but it does take a long time. Please take it easy and don't worry about anything! I love seeing the photos of your trip and it's so neat to see woodpeckers and other birds that you don't see where you live! Sweet hugs, Diane

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I'm glad that you are healing from your injuries.
You had a great trip to Arizona. What a bunch of birds that you found including tons of lifers. Those grey hawks especially are amazing.

carol l mckenna said...

Oh wow! ~ Wonderful series of avian photos ~ favorite is the lazuli bunting ~ awesome ~ thanks, ~ hugs.

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

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen
I have been wondering how you were healing after your fall, so was pleased to read your update.
My continued thoughts and good wishes are coming across the miles to you as you continue your recovery.

This was a lovely post and such great photographs of the different birds.
Take care.

All the best Jan

HappyK said...

Beautiful pictures of all the birds.
Somehow I missed reading about your fall. I'm so sorry but glad to hear you are healing.

Marie Smith said...

Great to see the lifers! Love that brown woodpecker.

Linda said...

I’m glad you’re recovering and I wish you the best.
The woodpeckers are awesome.

Katerinas Blog said...

How beautiful your photos Elaine of the hummingbirds,
I especially liked the one with the red mullet.
I took a lot of pictures this week but not one of birds.
Have a beautiful week, thank you for the beautiful photos!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Eileen Hoping you recover soon am Delighted you are getting "lifers" still Wonderful shot s=s of the Woodpeckers. Thanks for hosting and commenting. Have a great week ahead

orchid0324 said...

Hello Dear Eileen, I'm having extremely busy days, Please let me post comment tomorrow. I promise you that, see you tomorrow. I have just finished outside work. 5:30 PM Japan Miyako

eileeninmd said...

Thanks, Mae! Yes, we did walk on a trail in the woods. I missed seeing the Trogon.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks John! Both Madera Canyon and the Paton Center are great spots for birdwatching. They both have an area set up with seats and lots of feeders attracting various birds. I appreciate your link and comment. Have a great Sunday and a Happy Memorial Day.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yvonne, I appreciate your link and comment. The Lazuli Bunting is beautiful, I was really happy to see them for the first time. Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Veronica, I appreciate your link and comment. Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Cloudia, for your link and nice comment. Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun, I appreciate your link and comment.
Arthritis can be very painful, I have already had a couple of surgeries on my right hand.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marit, I appreciate your link and comment.
The Hummingbirds are a treat to see.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Roentare, I appreciate your link and comment.
I enjoy seeing new woodpeckers, there are so many species of birds to see.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Teresa, I appreciate your visit and comment. Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Traude, I appreciate your link and comment.
I was a happy birder, finding a nice variety of new birds.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella, I appreciate your visit and comment.
I am sorry I am not able to leave a comment on your post.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you iris, I appreciate your link and comment.
Mother Nature is amazing!
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Irma, I appreciate your link and comment.
I loved seeing all of these birds!
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you William I appreciate your comment.
Yes, they are all beautiful birds.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yam, I appreciate your link and comment.
You are kind to link while not feeling good, I hope you feel better now and back to normal soon.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tom , I appreciate your link and comment.
I am especially a little wobbly first thing in the morning.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you , I appreciate your visit and comment. Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Chica, for your visit and comment.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you David , I appreciate your link and comment.
Southeast Arizona was a great place for birdwatching. I was happy with all the new birds I was able to find.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marco, for your comment and your visit.
I was excited to find some new woodpeckers.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie, for your comment and your visit.
I think it is more common to see a male and female perched together.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Barb, for your link and comment.
The hummingbirds are a treat to see!
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn, for your link and comment.
I had fun finding my lifers, there are so many new species to see.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sandra, for your comment and your visit.
Some woodpecker look so similar to the ones I see here, but there are small differences.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you, I am healing, some areas are taking longer. Take care, enjoy your day!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your comment and your visit.
I have many more birds to learn.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda , for your comment and your visit.
It is a great area to see a great variety of birds.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ellen, for your comment and your visit.
Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Memorial Day.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Denise, for your comment and your visit.
I was happy to find my lifers, a great variety in this area of Arizona.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie, for your link and comment.
I think I adore the birds more than they adore me, lol.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat, for your link and comment.
If I counted right, my life list number is at 565.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane, for your link and your nice comment.
I was happy to see all of these new to me birds.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yogi, for your link and comment.
The Grey Hawks were a treat to see, I loved finding all these new birds.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Carol, for your link and comment.
The Lazuli Bunting is a beauty!
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jan, for your comment and your visit. Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, for your comment and your visit. Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marie, for your comment and your visit.
I enjoyed finding all the new to me woodpeckers.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Katerina, for your comment and your visit. Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Margaret, for your link and comment.
It is fun to find these life birds.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

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

Jim said...

Excellent captures.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jim, for your link and comment. Have a great new week!

Rose said...

Thank you for updating us...I was wondering but hated to ask cause I know it is hard for you to type. I am loving all the birds you captured...and intrigued about the acorn woodpecker. Got to go look it up before I forget.

Rose said...

Yes, the acorn woodpecker is the one I was looking for....we saw a documentary on woodpeckers and it showed this tree that was just dotted with acorns on the outside. I did not dream its name was the Acorn woodpecker. Their trees are amazing.

This N That said...

Lots of birds there that I am not familiar with. Love your pictures. Thanks for sharing

Jill Harrison said...

I wish I had a better lens for taking photos of birds. You will see some in my blog today - but not so good as yours! Always a delight to visit. Thankyou again for the linkup.

Jill Harrison said...

so sorry to read about your fall just now Eileen. I hope you are healing well. I had a trip fall about a month ago and hurt my hand. Nothing broken, but still aches at times. It's such a shock when it happens. I concentrate now more on where I am walking. Take care.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Rose, for the visit and comment. Yes, you are right about the Acorn Woodpecker. I have seen possibly the same documentary on the Acorn Woodpecker. They were great to see in person, beautiful birds. Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Rose! The Acorn Woodpecker has been on my list of birds to see. Their stash of acorns is amazing.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Jill, for the well wishes. My hand is slowly recovering. We do have to concentrate on where we are walking and I need to slow down. Take care, have a great day!

Alexandra said...

WOW So many "lifers" all at once! That was a happening place! As a Canadian, I am respectfully acknowledging your Memorial Day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Alexandra, I appreciate your comment and link. Arizona was great place to see the birds, so many new to me. Have a wonderful week.

baili said...

first of heartfelt sorry for you had fall or something which made you wounded ?
i had no idea dear Eileen you had an accident and having hard time . i hope and pray you will recover soon by the grace f God my friend !!!!!
these photos are divine and treat to soul .i wonder why birdwatch makes me feel so happy but i love to look at them and that i know better.
each shot is like stunning pearl glowing with feathery beauties that touch heart deeply!
so enjoyed the humming bird collection these tiny swift amazingly pretty creature make heart go round wow
the header phot is captivating !
sending you lots of love and healing energy dear friend be well soon amen!

Sharon Wagner said...

Have a meaningful Memorial Day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Baili. I tripped over some carpet in my bedroom and broke a bone in my nose, along with hurting my wrist and knee. I am healing slowing, thanks for the prayers and well wishes. Take care, have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

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

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Eileen I am so sorry you fell (I was under the weather slightly last week and missed blogging and reading). It's great you had today's post ready, it is amazing. You had to have been in seventh heaven to get so many lifers -- what an amazing trip. And your pictures are wonderful.

GreenComotion said...

Absolutely loved the very many birds, especially the Woodpeckers in this post, Eileen. Thanks for hosting. Have a Happy Week ahead!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sallie, for the comment and for the visit. I hope you are feeling better. I enjoyed Arizona and it was nice to see so many new birds. Have a wonderful week.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for the visit and comment. Have a great week ahead.

EricaSta said...

Thank you, dear Eileen for your nice comment. Indeed, I`m glad reading from you. It looks like - a lit bit - recovery.

THank you too fpr sharing this Post at MM. Many hugs by Heidrun

eileeninmd said...

Thanks for hosting Heidrun! I am recovering and feeling better. Take care, have a great day!

Happy Monday!

Wishing everyone a great day and a ha ppy new week! "A new year means a new chapter. I hope this one will be an incredible part of your...