Saturday, June 22, 2024

Saturday's Critters # 549

 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!


On the morning of April 24th, we stopped at the nearby Meadow Garden Park in Green Valley.  We were just here the evening before, it was so nice it deserved a second visit before we left the area. 


1. One of my Arizona lifers below is the Costa's Hummingbird, it has a lovely purple gorget, looking like a necklace on it's neck. The flowers are beautiful, such a wonderful variety of blooms and colors. 





2. A larger image of the Costa's Hummingbird.





3. Below the lifers the Abert's Towhee and possibly the  Verdin in the top row. In the bottom row I have the Vermilion Flycatcher and the Gila Woodpecker. 





4. The Vermilion Flycatcher is a beauty, I was seeing this bird often during our Arizona travels.





5. More beautiful flowers seen in the gardens.





6. I like this poem "HOPE" by Eileen Valentino Flaxman, the words speak to me.  The Gambel's Quail perched on the back of the bench, saving you a seat. The Curve-bill Thrasher had a nest nearby, I watched it fly in and out of a bush.





7. Have a seat and enjoy all the flowers and birds in the gardens.





8. Another shot of the Costa's Hummingbird and some more pretty flowers.




A Desert Spiny Lizard






I have a few more days of our Arizona trip to share, I hope you enjoyed this post, the birds, flowers and the lizard.


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!

114 comments:

EricaSta said...

Good morning, dear Eileen, it's a morning ritual to read posts on Saturday.
And I really enjoy your report. Hope is a wonderful poem! I agree with your opinion.

Thank you very much for your kind words. I also wish you all the best and a good week.

Hugs and love
greetings from Heidrun

GreenComotion said...

The bright red of the cactus flowers really caught my eye, along with the other gems in this post, Eileen! Thank you for hosting. Happy WE to you!

Cloudia said...

What a treasure trove! I haven't seen a hummingbird that big before. Wonderful post today Eileen Thank you aloha

Marit said...

Hello Eileen,
Beautiful photos of birds and flowers. I wish I had hummingbirds here because they are so pretty, but they don't live here. Take care and have a great weekend!

magiceye said...

Thank you for sharing the lovely poem and the beautiful bird and flower photos.
Have a super weekend!

Irma said...

Hello Eileen,
These are great series of photos.
The Costa's Hummingbird is beautiful with the beautiful purple collar.
I also think the Vermilion Flycatcher is a beautiful species of bird.
The blooming cacti are great to see.
I enjoyed your photos.
I wish you a good weekend.
Greetings Irma

Soma @ InkTorrents.com said...

Wow! Those colors are so vibrant. Your photos are really wonderful. Have a lovely weekend and thank you so much for hosting.

-Soma

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari Om
My but that flycatcher is eye catching!!! Always wonderful to see birds on the wishlist. YAM xx

Mae Travels said...

Your Arizona birds are neat, and remind me of our visits to that area for birding. We loved the hummingbirds, especially at the famous feeders in several places where you can just sit and watch them all day (unless you are in a hurry). Did you go to Beatty's Guest Ranch in the Huachuca Mountains? It's amazing.

Thanks for hosting... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Iris Flavia said...

The Hummingbird is so beautiful and you don´t even sit hard on that bench!
Hello Lizard :-) I did enjoy, thank you. Have a great Saturday.

roentare said...

Kosta Hummingbird looks so unique and special. All shots are so rejuvenating for me in Southern Hemisphere

MadSnapper said...

that Costa is stunning. love that purple coloring and my favorite is of course the lizard. wow is he a beauty. the cactus is stunning.. there is something so beautiful when a prickly not so pretty cactus burst into bloom. the poem is perfect with the photo

Angie's Recipes said...

That hummingbird!! I have never seen one so beautiful. Thanks for sharing, Eileen.

Tom said...

...Eileen, this is a fabulous collection of flora and fauna! Thanks for hosting the party, take care and be well.

chica said...

Quantas maravilhas,Eileen! E nunca tinha visto um beija-flor assim! Adorei tudo!
Ótimo fim de semana! beijos, chica

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I wouldn’t want to live in the desert but it is an interesting place to visit filled with its own unique life forms.

Bill said...

The hummingbird is a beauty. Fantastic photos, thanks for sharing and have a lovely weekend.

Lea said...

All great photos!
Beautiful birds and flowers!
I like the lazy lizard, and the poem, too.
Have a wonderful weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun, for your critter link and your comment.
Take good care of yourself, have a wonderful weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your critter link and your comment.
It was a beautiful garden, so much to see there.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Cloudia, for your critter link and your comment!
I think the hummer just looks bigger since I zoomed in so close.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marit, for your critter link and your comment!
The hummingbirds are pretty!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Irma, for your critter link and your comment.
The Vermilion Flycatcher is a beauty, always a treat to see.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you YAM, for your critter link and your comment!
The flycatcher is such a vibrant color, a real beauty!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Mae, for your critter link and your comment.
I wish we had more time to visit all these hotspots, they are great places for birding.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Iris, for your critter link and your comment!
Whoever sits on that bench will have a friend looking over their shoulders, lol.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your critter link and your comment!
All the hummingbirds are special, really beautiful to see.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sandra, for your comment and your visit.
The hummingbird looks like it is wearing a pretty purple necklace.
The cactus blooms were beautiful to see.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie, for your comment and your visit.
The hummingbirds are a beautiful sight!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

Stone Cottage Adventures said...

I love those shots of the Costa. The quail is great, too! We are surrounded by so much beauty wherever we are. -Marci @ Old Rock Farmhouse

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Chica, for your comment and your visit.
The hummingbirds was a beauty, a thrill to see up close.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you David, for your critter link and your comment.
I agree, it is a great place to visit but I could not live there.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bill, for your critter link and your comment.
The Hummingbird is a beauty!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lea, for your critter link and your comment.
I always enjoy seeing the cute lizards.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marci, for your critter link and your comment.
I agree, there is so much beauty to see all around us.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Barbara Rogers said...

Loved that Hummingbird! So glad you got such good photos of it. I bring you pups and ducks and a few want-ta-be animals.

Jenn Jilks said...

I love them all. What a treat snapping that exotic hummingbird! I do wish I could travel. Thanks for sharing yours.

Laura. M said...

Gracias por compartir, así descubrimos aves que no vemos por aquí.El colibrí de la costa es una maravilla.
Buen fin de semana Eileen.
Un abrazo.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Barbara, for your critter link and your comment!
I enjoyed seeing the hummingbirds, the Costa's was a beauty.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn, for your critter link and your comment.
I loved seeing all the hummers and birds in Arizona.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Laura, for your comment and your visit.
I do love discovering new birds, the hummingbirds are beautiful.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Intelliblog said...

Captivating critters, interesting information, fantastic photos and a perfect poem, Eileen. Thanks for hosting and have a great new week (Nick from MAP)

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Nick, I appreciate your link and comment! Have a great day and happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Linda, the hummer looks like it is wearing a pretty necklace. It likes to show off it's jewels. Have a happy weekend.

ellen b. said...

Desert flowers are such a treat to see. Fun photos of the hummingbird. A wonderful assortment of critters to enjoy. Happy Summer weekend to you, Eileen!

William Kendall said...

The lizard is a formidable fellow.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ellen, for your visit and comment. The critters and flowers are a joy to see. Have a great weekend.

stardust said...

Hello, Eileen. The critters and plants of the desert is so impressive and vibrant. I’d like to sit on that wooden bench in person. The seat cushion is lovely.
Yoko

eileeninmd said...

Thank you William, I was glad the lizard posed for my photo. Have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yoko, I appreciate your visit and comment. The bench was inviting, the garden was a great place for our walk, seeing great birds and beautiful flowers. I hope you well, have a great day and a happy weekend.

Jeanie said...

Meadow Park looks really lovely and I'm glad you were able to return. Only one real critter here (and a few kids and painted creatures!) Happy weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie! We did enjoy our walks around this garden park. I appreciate your taking the time to link up your post. Take care, have a great weekend.

Red said...

I enjoy seeing the cactus blooms.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

That Costa's Hummingbird and Vermillion Flycatchers are stunning. You found a great spot for viewing birds and I love all the flowers.
Thank you for hosting!!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

That hummingbird is very special and I always loved the surprise of the cactus flowers. Aren't you glad you went before it got so HOT! Happy weekend!

John's Island said...

A good Saturday morning to you, Eileen. Starting with your header photo and continuing through all of your post you have some wonderful pictures. As you will know, hummers are my favorite bird and what a beauty the Costa’s is! I do believe this is my first time to see an image of a Costa. Eileen, clicking on your images and getting the large view is simply amazing. The large image of the Costa on my big screen just fascinates me. Thank you so much for sharing your photography! The HOPE poem speaks to me too. Thank you for sharing, as always. And thank you for your kind comments on my blog. Wishing you and your hubby a great weekend and week ahead. John

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Red, for your comment and your visit.
I enjoyed all the cactus blooms too.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yogi, for your critter link and your comment.
We were happy that another birder told us about this garden. It is a great spot for birdwatching and the flowers are a bonus. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane, for your critter link and your comment.
The hummingbird was a treat to see, another new bird for me.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you John, for your link and comment. I do love all the hummingbirds, this area of Arizona has lots of new hummers for me to find. I enjoyed this poem and others that the garden had on display. They were giving out paper copies but I just took a phone photo of the Hope poem, my favorite. I appreciate you taking the time to link up and comment. I know everyone is busy these days. Hubby is sick with a bad cold so we are staying home this weekend. Just as well it is too hot to be outside. Take care, have a great day and happy weekend.

Penelope Notes said...

How incredibly well the lizard camouflages is a miracle of nature.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Maria, for your comment and visit. Nature always find ways to amaze us! Take care, have a happy weekend.

rupam sarma said...

Hummingbird looks amazing, Great pics, Loved the post.
Happy Weekend.

carol l mckenna said...

That is an awesome hummingbird ~ great photos of it and other gems of nature ~ thanks, hugs,

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

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for your visit and comment!! Happy weekend to you!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Carol, for your link and comment. Nature and it's gems are something I enjoy! Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Debbie said...

what a beautiful post today eileen, but the hummingbird really steals the show - how lucky are you!! i liked the lizard too, he gets 2nd place, you got an amazing picture of him and all of nature's amazing creatures!! have a wonderful weekend, it's going to be a hot one!! many thanks for hosting!!

VENTANA DE FOTO said...

Se ve que te interesa la Naturaleza y aportas buenas imágenes de ella.
¡Que todo te vaya bien!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Debbie, for your critter link and comment. The hummingbird is a beauty, I was thrilled to see them up close.
Take care, stay cool. Have a great weekend!

RedPat said...

That Hummingbird is amazing, Eileen. It is so good that you saw it. Thanks for hosting us each week and for all your nice comments.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the visit and comment. Yes, I do love all things nature related. Have a happy weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat, for your link and comment. He is a beautiful hummer, a treat for the eyes. Have a great weekend.

Marie Smith said...

I love the poem and all the photos as usual, Eileen.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marie, I appreciate the comment! Take care, enjoy your weekend.

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen
The Costa's Hummingbird is truly amazing, what wonderful colour.
Also lovely are the flowers you've photographed, they are very pretty.

Have a happy Saturday and a good weekend too.

All the best Jan

Rainbow Evening said...

hummingbirds have disappeared from our areas...
yes, beautiful flowers..... thank you for sharing

HappyK said...

Wow the Costa Hummingbird is beautiful. I've never even heard of them!! Great capture!!

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

I've seen one Vermillion Flycatcher once. In Arizona as well!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Great that your got the lifer of the Costa's Hummingbird Eileen All great photographs as usual and looking to see them all. Thanks for hosting and commenting. Have a lovely week ahead

Veronica Lee said...

The Costa's Hummingbird is a marvel with its vibrant purple gorget.
Your photos captured these creatures and their habitats so beautifully.
Thank you for sharing these moments of wonder and reflection.

Wishing you continued joy in your critter adventures, Eileen!

Linda said...

A colorful post! I love the Vermilion flycatcher.

italiafinlandia said...

It is nice to see these beautiful flowers, thanks for sharing.
The Vermillion flycatcher is simply stunning. All red birds are.
Happy Sunday and take care!

Teresa said...

Me ha parecido precioso tú reportaje de hoy, todo se ve maravilloso. Feliz día. Besos.

Alexandra said...

Thank You for your lovey post! How beautiful is that Costa Hummingbird with its colourful necklace! The bench with the cushion looks so inviting, I would enjoy sitting there and having the birds come visit me. As for the poem "Hope", it resonates with me and my most recent blog post, with new beginnings and changing of the seasons comes "hope" for all that is good!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda , for your comment and link! I am having trouble leaving a comment on your blog. I will stop back later. Take care, have a great day and happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jan, for your visit and comment. I really enjoyed this garden, the flowers and all the birds were great. Have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for your visit and comment. Have a great day and a wonderful week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, for your visit and comment. Have a great day and a wonderful week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for the comment. The Vermilion Flycatcher is a beauty! Have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Veronica, for your link and comment.
Nature is a joy, to see so much beauty around.
Have a great day and a wonderful week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella, for your visit and comment.
The Flycatcher is a beauty, a pretty red.
Have a great day and a wonderful week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Alexander, for your link and comment.
The hummer is a beauty! Yes, I hope all the baby birds and critters do well.
Have a great day and a wonderful week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Teresa, I appreciate your comment. Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Margaret, for your link and comment. I did enjoy seeing all my new birds. Take care, have a wonderful week!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I love your Arizona birds Eileen! I remember seeing the Vermillion Flycatcher when we spent some time in that State and I was in awe (especially because on the Pacific Coast, at least where we are from, there really aren't any red birds). Some beautiful hummers there too and the bench really does look inviting. (In that heat, you really have to go slowly -- well, I do everywhere nowadays, but I was much younger back when we were there).

Natasha said...

Thanks so very much for hosting dear Eileen. It's a delight to savour the flora and fauna here on the linky.

I could curl up on that bench with either a book or a cuppa, or just like that and relish the views and the critters that pass by.

Never seen a Scarlett coloured fly catcher - the Vermilion fly catcher is such a beauty to behold.
We don't get hummers in our part of the world, but loads of sunbirds especially when it's spring and autumn. This one's a beauty.
And the lizard can teach us a lesson or two in staying zen like. :)

Have a lovely week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sallie for your link and comment. The Flycatcher is a beauty, such a pretty color.
Luckily we were there before the heat wave, it was cool in the mornings.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Natasha, for your link and comment. The hummers are a treat to see and the Flycatcher was a beauty!
Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week ahead.

Sharon Wagner said...

I love a good lizard sighting!

baili said...

Breathtakingly beautiful post dear Eileen!
You have such a beautiful beautiful heart that finds the most cherishing beauties on earth often 😊❤❤❤
These birds are spectacular and sooo pretty oh my!
Your shots are incredible and I loved how you captured them all Amazing!!!
Cactus blooms are awesome wow
The park has abundance of heavenly glory to offer.
Thank you so much for taking along My friend!
Heartfelt best wishes for you and family

Lydia C. Lee said...

Good advice! The cactus flower always makes me think of that goldie hawn movie....Very beautiful pics. Love the lizard!! Reptiles are so under rated!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sharon, for your link and comment. I do love the lizards too. Take care, have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Baili, for your comment and visit. The cactus blooms are beautiful. Take care, have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Lydia, for your link and comment. I like seeing the lizards, they are cool critters. Take care, have a great day!

baili said...

forgot to mention you have such lovely and adorable grandsons by the grace of God !!!! health peace and happiness to them and you !

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Baili, we love our grandsons and soon we will have a granddaughter. Family time is a joy. Have a great day!

Rose said...

That poem is beautiful...and let me say I love the post above this one...that shot is fantastic. You really got to see some beautiful birds. That one of the Gambel's Quail is fantastic...also the one of the Costa's hummingbird.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Rose, I appreciate your comment. The quail is such a cute bird and the hummer is a beauty! Take care. have a great day!

Bob Bushell said...

Beautiful showing all nature Eileen.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bob, for your visit and comment. Nature is beautiful! Take care. have a great day!

DeniseinVA said...

I enjoyed these very much. Well captured the purple gorget on the hummingbird’s neck. Always fun to see new lifers also. The Vermilion Flycatcher is a beauty. I hope to see some of these one day as I would love to travel out west again. Handsome fellow the desert spiny lizard. You saw some great critters on your trip, and all those beautiful flowers. Have a great evening and a wonderful weekend Eileen.

Happy Monday!

  Wishing everyone a great day and a ha ppy new week! "Calm is a super power. Don't let stress kill your happiness." "Jud...