Saturday, September 14, 2024

Saturday's Critters # 561

  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!


I am still so far behind with my photos, this post is on our last day in Arizona, we visited the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix. These are mostly images of birds we saw while walking around the gardens. 


1. The Curve-billed Thrasher, their bill is the perfect tool for hunting insects. They are grayish brown in color and have a long body. 






2. Male House Finch





3. Mourning Dove





4. Gambel's Quail, has a cute forward facing crest.







5. The Cactus Wren is a speckled brown bird with a bright white eyebrow and a little cinnamon color on it's sides. 







6. Another Curved-billed Thrasher next to a barrel cactus.





7. I found a Hummingbird among these flowers. The bird blends in well. 





8. The Queen Butterfly, is orange with black borders and white spots on it's forewings.







9. A lifer for me the Gilded Flicker, has a black bib and black spots on it's belly. Just at a glance I thought this bird was another Gila Woodpecker. The black spots on the belly are helpful with the id. 








10. This bird below is the female Lesser Goldfinch, it is a pretty bird.  







11. I was surprised to see this White Egret almost at the exit of the gardens. I did not see any water nearby? 






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!

107 comments:

  1. Great photos! I especially like the first one, with the insect in the bird's mouth.Arizona really has great birds, and I would love to go back there some winter's day!
    Thanks for hosting the critters! My mythical Assyrian beast for today is a bit obscure -- I wonder if it's ever appeared in Saturday Critters.
    best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mae, for your critter link and your comment!
      I think your Assyrian beast was a first for the critter party.
      Yes, Arizona is a great place for birding.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  2. They are all magnificent in their own special way but the egret is my pick today. what a varied line-up. Saturday afternoon here, raining, colder and we lit the fire Again !!!

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    1. Thank you Jean, for your comment and your visit.
      Egrets are beautiful birds. The fire sounds cozy on a cold day.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  3. Good Morning, dear Eileen. It's raining here, and its cold. Therefore I prefer staying inside and read websites. I love the details about the nature, the different birds. Thank you for sharing and for hosting.
    Have a wonderful week. Hugs by Heidrun

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Heidrun, for your critter link and your comment.
      We could use some rain here, it has been very dry.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
    2. Oh, you have dry climate? We can give rain! It's to much here...

      ...thank you for leaving me a comment and thank you too for sharing at MosaicMonday.

      Delete
  4. Good Morning, Eileen! So many cute critters and it took me a while before I found that hummingbird.

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    1. Thank you Angie, for your comment and your visit.
      The hummingbird can hide well in the plants.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. Thank you Cloudia, for your critter link and your comment.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  6. Hello Eileen. Fantastically beautiful birds. Congratulations on seeing Gilded Flicker.
    Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Thank you Anu, for your critter link and your comment!
      I was happy to add the Gilded Flicker to my life list.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  7. Dear Eileen, as always:
    I'll get back to you a little later with a "real" comment! Hugs in the meantime!
    Traude

    ReplyDelete
  8. A nice collection of critters, as usual.
    I do like the Hummingbird among the flowers! Great shot.
    Happy weekend and thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Luisella, for your comment and your visit.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  9. Hello Eileen,
    Beautiful series of photos
    I really like the Curve-billed Thrasher and the female goldfinch.
    I wish you a good weekend.
    Greetings Irma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Irma, for your critter link and your comment!
      The Goldfinch was a cutie!
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  10. Amazing birds, Great clicks.
    Thank you so much for hosting. Happy weekend.

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

      Delete
  11. Hello Eileen,
    It must be exciting to visit a Desert Botanical Garden. It looks like the birds enjoy to live there. The flowers looks like Aloe flowers. It seems like the hummingbird liked them. Beautiful photos.
    Take care, and have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marit, for your critter link and your comment
      Thanks for the plant id, I was not sure of it's name, the hummingbird did love the flowers.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  12. Thank you, that was very, very interesting! I never thought they can sit on a cactus. Such a variety - thank you for pointing them out so precise. I liked this very much. And I cannot even pick a favorite! Have a great weekend.

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    1. Thank you Iris, for your critter link and your comment!
      I love seeing all the birds, the cactus make good homes for the desert birds.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  13. hard to believe the flicker is pecking through all those spines. love the colors of the finch, awesome photos of all these beautiful birds..

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    1. Hello Sandra, thanks so much for the comment. Those flickers are able to make holes in the cactus for their nest. I would think they know how to avoid the spines, they look like they would hurt.
      Have a great day and a happy weekend.

      Delete
  14. Beautiful photos! I love the Curve-billed Thrashers and the Cactus Wren.

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

      Delete
  15. Liundíssimos animais e flores!
    Tuas fotos e passeios nos encantem sempre ver!
    beijos, lindo fim de semana! chica

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Chica, for your comment and your visit.
      The birds and flowers are a delight to see.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend

      Delete
  16. These species bring back fond memories of four visits to Arizona. It probably is as good a location for birding as anywhere on the continent. Too damn hot though!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you David, for your critter link and your comment!
      Arizona was a great place for birdwatching.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend

      Delete
  17. Dear Eileen, it's great that you saw so many birds in the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix - and that there was even a lifer, the Gilded Flicker! I would hardly have seen the hummingbird without your tip. There were also a beautiful butterfly and pretty plants to be found in the garden. Thank you for taking us along - and for hosting!
    All the best and have a nice weekend, Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2024/09/calle-libre-festival-2024-und.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Traude, for your critter link and your comment!
      I was happy to see the Gilded Flicker, a new bird for my life list.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend

      Delete
  18. I am fascinated with the differences in bird and environment. Thanks for the tour!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Jenn, for your critter link and your comment!
      It was nice to see these birds and their desert habitat.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  19. The Desert Botanical Gardens had so much to offer you! A botanical gardens in a desert sounds so foreign to me as does there being an Egret where there is no water! You came away from that visit with a treasure of sightings!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Alexandra, for your critter link and your comment.
      I was happy with my sightings at the garden and in Arizona.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  20. Replies
    1. Thank you William, for your comment and your visit.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  21. I enjoyed seeing your beautiful birds, especially since they were in an area I have seldom visited.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Barb, for your critter link and your comment.
      The birds are beautiful, I always enjoy seeing the birds in any habitat.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  22. ...Eileen, these images are fabulous and I thank you for hosting the party. Take care and be well.

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

      Delete
  23. All beauties! Such a lovely start to the day. Thank you, Eileen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marie, for your comment and your visit.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  24. I havent seen many birds at our feeders, only the occasional house finch and chickadee. I think “my birds” are finding their food elsewhere.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Linda, for your comment and your visit.
      The birds here seem to be finding plenty of natural food to eat.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  25. What a lovely visit with you and your great bird photos. The goldfinch is adorable and all of them are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Inger, for your comment and your visit.
      I think the birds are beautiful.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  26. That curve-billed thrasher is new to me. And oh, the gorgeous egret!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you Jeanie, for your critter link and your comment!
      The Thrasher is a cool looking bird. I liked your egrets too.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  27. All lovely captures!
    Happy weekend.

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

      Delete
  28. What a great visit you had on your outing. Lots of cool birds.
    Thank you for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

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

      Delete
  29. It looks as if you had an enjoyable day there, Eileen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you RedPat, for your critter link and your comment!
      Yes, we did enjoy the visit to the gardens.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  30. Hi Eileen, Thanks for taking us along to the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix. Lots of neat captures! I stopped and reflected on image #6 for a while … isn’t it amazing how nature gives its creatures the intelligence to avoid danger. Example, the little Curved-billed Thrasher knows to keep a distance from the barrel cactus. Then, the Gilded Flicker, in image #9, knows how to land on a cactus, no problem. Thanks for hosting and sharing another Saturday’s Critters! Happy weekend to you and yours! John

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you John, for your comment and your visit.
      Nature is amazing, the birds seem right at home on the cactus, some have nest inside the cactus. I am sure they know what to avoid, especially danger. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  31. Hello Eileen,
    Nice pictures of all these wonderful birds.
    Great to see that hummingbird and what a great cactussen.

    Many greetings,
    Marco

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marco, for your comment and your visit.
      Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete
  32. Another great series of professional photos of the sweet birds ~ such a variety too ~ thanks,

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Carol, for your link and your comment!
      I am far from being a professional photographer, I am just having fun taking photos.
      Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  33. Excellent photos! The curved bill Thrasher sure has a bill! And that photo of the lesser Goldfince has the perfect background. There is such clarity there.

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    1. Thank you Rose, for your nice comment and your visit.
      Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  34. Thank you for taking us along on your outing. Lovely series of pictures. Enjoy the coming week.

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    1. Thank you Missy, for your comment and your visit.
      Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  35. The Goldfinch is so pretty with the Spring green background! And it's fun to see birds you don't normally see. I think it's amazing those that perch on cactus! Happy weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Diane, for your link and your comment.
      I do have fun trying to find new birds!
      Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  36. The Goldfinch is always so photogenic. And what an interesting observation ... never thought of a bird having eyebrows. :)

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    1. Thank you Maria, for your link and your comment.
      I like calling the Wren's white line an eyebrow but the official name is supercilium.
      Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  37. Hello Eileen
    Many thanks for sharing these lovely bird sightings.
    I especially enjoyed seeing the Hummingbird, you caught it so well.

    Enjoy your weekend.

    All the best Jan

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Jan, for your comment and your visit.
      I do enjoy seeing all the birds!
      Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  38. Wow all are amazing. Wonderful collection of photos!!

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

      Delete
  39. Sharing your love for God's creatures through blogging and photography is such a beautiful way to connect with others who appreciate wildlife. The Desert Botanical Gardens must have been an amazing spot to capture bird life, especially the Curve-billed Thrasher, with its distinct bill perfectly adapted for insect hunting!

    Wishing you a lovely weekend. You are invited to read my new blog post: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/09/sighthill-neighbourhood-glasgow.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Melody, for your comment and your visit.
      I do enjoy sharing my wildlife sightings on my blog, which is also a memory keeper.
      Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  40. Charming creatures! Thank you for hosting.

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

      Delete
  41. Great to have seen another "lifer" Eileen. as well as the birds I flower the flowers your photographed. Thanks for hosting and commenting. Have a great week ahead

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    1. Thank you Margaret, for your link and your comment.
      I was happy to add another bird to my life list.
      Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  42. Hello Eileen:)
    Pleae forgive my tardy viist. I am having difficulty wriing as yestrday I pilt liquid polish all ovr my computr. Som
    lettr s don't work. Congrat on your lifr.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sonjia, for your link and comment. I was happy to add another lifer to my list. Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!

      Delete
  43. So many birds in the bush! But not many hands. :)

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    1. Thanks Sharon, for your link and comment. Take care, have a great week!

      Delete
  44. Replies
    1. Thanks Ana, I appreciate your visit and comment. Take care, have a wonderful week!

      Delete
  45. Hello Eileen, you know what I'm going to say, right?! Yep, my eyes are immediately drawn to your cactus Wren, which I have never seen one of these fine wrens before, so it is a treat!
    Have a great week birding!
    Wren x

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Wren, it was a treat to see the cute Cactus Wren! Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

      Delete
  46. I missed your critters post the other day. I was busy doing something and before I knew it, it is Tuesday! I am going to see if I can get out and take some pictures sometime this week. Lots of shorebirds here recently that I will need help identifying!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the visit and comment. I hope I am able to help with your shorebird ids. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

      Delete
  47. What a great collection of critters!
    The Desert Botanical Gardens look like such a cool place to visit.
    I love the shots of the Curve-billed Thrasher and the Gilded Flicker—both are so interesting.

    Thanks for sharing these awesome photos, Eileen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Veronica, for your link and comment. I enjoyed seeing all the Arizona birds! Have a great day!

      Delete
  48. Me encantaron tus pájaros de hoy, son todos preciosos. Feliz tarde.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Teresa, for your visit and comment. The birds are a lovely sight! Take care, have a wonderful day!

      Delete
  49. Sorry to be so late catching up Eileen. You see some wonderful wildlife and always happy you share them with us. Thank you so much! Have a great week!

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    1. Thank you Denise, I appreciate your comment and visit. I do enjoy reporting on the birds and wildlife I see, like a diary of my sightings. Take care, have a wonderful day!

      Delete
  50. Hi Eileen -- it is lovely to catch up as I've been away a while. You saw some wonderful birds in Arizona-- the gilded flicker is beautiful and congratulations. All you photos are so bright and clear (there is one good thing about all that Arizona sunshine!)

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    1. Thank you Sallie! Hubby and I enjoyed our Arizona trip, I especially loved all the birds I was able to find. Take care, have a wonderful day!

      Delete
  51. wow delightful series of bird images dear Eileen
    loved each photo and every bird is pretty and so nicely captured
    goldfinch is most cute looking bird and perfect paining picture wow
    thanks for making my day my friend !
    sending best wishes and lots of love

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Baili, your comment and visit are very much appreciated.. Take care, have a wonderful day!

      Delete
  52. So many beautiful varieties of birds...i like the hummingbird angle in that red flower...have a great day. Greetings

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, I appreciate your comment. I am always happy to see a hummingbird. Take care, have a wonderful day and a happy weekend!

      Delete
  53. Amazing photography. Thank you so much for cheering me up. God bless.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your nice comment and visit. Take care, have a wonderful weekend!

      Delete

Hello, thank you for visiting my blog. I always appreciate your comments.

BTW, Anonymous comments unless a name is included will not be published. Also, comments with links will be deleted.

Have a happy day, Eileen

Saturday's Critters # 564

  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 ...