Saturday, February 8, 2025

Saturday's Critters # 582

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!

Click on images for better viewing.

These are images from Jan 2025.  January was a cold month, weeks and days of temps in low 20's for the high and in the teens for the lows.  Wind Chill temps were crazy low.  I tried going out for walks bundling up for the cold weather.  I usually saw more birds in my yard than on any walk.  


1. Jan 3rd, the female Red-bellied Woodpecker waited while I put out some suet nuggets on our deck.





2. Jan 3rd,  photos are from our walk to the lake. The Hooded Mergansers were seen at the lake near the boat dock. 





3. Below are the Hooded Mergansers, the female is on the left and the male is seen on the right side of the photo.






4. I see birds rights outside my kitchen window, I do not always have to go far to birdwatch.  On this day the Pileated Woodpecker was pecking away at this tree across the driveway. 





5. The male Pileated Woodpecker has an extra red mark on the (cheek) malar. This red mark lines up with the bird's bill. The mark on the female is black. 





6. Miney photos from Jan 11 and the 12th. We started fostering Miney on January 11th. We officially adopted Miney on January 20th. It didn't take long for us to decide Miney was going to be our dog.






7. I see lots of the gray squirrels here, there is one of the deck railing eating bird food and one on the table drinking water. 





8. So far, Miney is doing great.  She seems easy to train and is a super happy and friendly puppy dog. 




A flashback to a year ago Feb 2024, we had some snow and my yard birds were enjoying any food I put out for them like this Tufted Titmouse.





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!

104 comments:

Mae Travels said...

We have some juncos at the feeder now, more than in January. Also others. Maybe the reason is a change in the type of seed we are putting out. Your backyard birds look quite varied.
thanks for hosting…mae at maefood.blogspot.com

roentare said...

The red bellied woodpecker looks absolutely gorgeous

Angie's Recipes said...

I have never seen a gray squirrel...just brown one. We have lots of woodpeckers here and they knock the stone walls instead of trees...very loud.

EricaSta said...

A puppy dog... Oh, how lovely to see Minney. And I enjoyed very much the many details about the woodpecker and the other birds or the sweet squirrel. Yes, it's amazing reading about. By the way: we have here a squirrel too, which visit us on balconny.
Have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for sharing and for hosting.
Greetings by Heidrun

John's Island said...

Hi Eileen, I sure enjoyed your photos in today’s Saturday’s Critters. It’s just great the way you have so many different birds right in your backyard. And, Miney looks like a sweet, happy dog. Have we seen Miney before? You mentioned the cold weather, and, yes, it has been cold and snowy this last week in Seattle too. Thank you for sharing and hosting another Saturday’s Critters. Wishing you and yours a happy weekend! John

Iris Flavia said...

It stays amazing for me how these tiny, very beautiful creatures stand the cold! Oh, they are all so cute! Have a great weekend. Here it´s cold but at least sunny!

italiafinlandia said...

It's nice to watch birds through the kitchen window, we do the same. I feel lucky when they visit, especially if new ones.
Miney looks really pretty.
Happy weekend and enjoy your kitchen window! 😉😄

Irma said...

Hello Eileen,
This is a beautiful series of photos.
I think the Pileated Woodpecker is photographed wonderfully.
I also think the dog and the squirrel are great to see.
I wish you a very good weekend.
Greetings Irma

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
I remain envious of your kitchen bird viewing! Now I can also be a tad jelly at your delightful new family member. Miney looks to me to be a very fine pupster indeed! YAM xx

chica said...

Que linda a fêmea do pica-pau e ele também! Adorei o esquilinho e a Miney cresce querida e educadamente! beijos, lindo fim de semana! chica

Marit said...

It's so good to know that your new dog is enjoying your company so much. The grey squirrels are so beautiful, but I assume they eat a lot of bird food like all other squirrels.
Take care, and have a nice weekend!

Jenn Jilks said...

Good for you, with Miney! Such fun and joy puppers bring.
I've a bird you might be able to ID. You are far more well-travelled than I!

Bill said...

The red bellied woodpecker is very cute and pretty. Your new pup is adorable and it's great that he has a new forever home. Wish you the best with him, I'm sure you'll make new happy memories. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for hosting.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Mae, for your link and your comment.
I think most birds love the peanuts and sunflower seeds.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Roentare, for your link and your comment.
The woodpeckers are one of my favorite birds.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie, for your comment and your visit.
We only see the gray squirrels here.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun, for your link and your comment.
I do love my yard birds, especially nice they are seen right outside my windows. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you John, for your link and your comment.
We starting fostering Miney on January 12th and officially adopted her on January 20th. It is nice to have a dog again.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Iris, for your link and your comment.
It seems our cold weather will continue into next week.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella, for your link and your comment.
I do see a nice variety of birds outside my windows.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Irma, for your link and your comment.
The Pileated Woodpeckers photos turned out ok especially since they were from my window. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you YAM, for your comment and your visit.
Miney is a great dog, we just need to stop her from jumping up on people and the counter. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Chica, for your comment and your visit.
Miney is a dear, really sweet. The woodpeckers are one of my many favorite yard birds. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marit, for your link and your comment.
The squirrels are piggies, they will eat everything in sight.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn, for your link and your comment.
I am happy to have a dog in the house again, she is a sweetie too. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Bill, for your link and your comment.
I was happy to have found Miney, I think she is happy that we adopted her. Take care, have a great weekend.

s.c said...

Those woodpeckers are really fantastic captured. Thanks for showing us.

Jeanie said...

Miney is awfully cute! It looks like she has found a wonderful home and seems very contented. Well done, you, giving her such a wonderful new lease on life. I like the idea of suet chunks. My suet feeder doesn't seem to be well visited and this year I haven't seen any downy woodpeckers, which I always have before. I might try the chunks too. Can't quite figure out why I haven't even gone through two suet cakes since December.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your link and comment.
The woodpecker are great visitors in my yard.
Take care, have a great weekend.

Penelope Notes said...

Miney is absolutely gorgeous! I would not be able to resist giving her a home either ... but you have the perfect one. :)

Barbara Rogers said...

Welcome to your furever home Minni! She does look very nice, and I'm sure you all are training her to be a very smart dog. I've got just a blue jay to watch outside my window...loved seeing your woodpecker!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie, for your comment and your visit.
Miney is a cutie, she seems to be a really good dog.
The birds love these suet nuggets, I buy them at Walmart but other stores sell them too. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Maria, for your link and your comment.
Miney is a pretty dog, a happy dog too.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Barb, for your link and your comment.
I think Miney will love living with us, lots of walks and loving.
Take care, have a great weekend.

magiceye said...

Beautiful captures of cute critters!
Happy weekend!

Tom said...

...Good morning Eileen, this week I feel a bit defeated. The squirrels have chewed my feeders ti pieces to get to the feed. What do I do??? The metal suet holders are attracting woodpeckers. Stay well.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

We have a lot of birds and squirrels at our feeders in the courtyard. It sure is fun to watch them. How neat to see that BIG pileated. January was cold here too but now it's warmer than normal! Crazy! Enjoy your weekend. Go Chiefs!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tom, for your link and your comment.
I spread my bird food out on the deck railing, I stopped using the feeders due to the squirrels ruining my feeders years ago. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane, for your link and your comment.
I do love seeing the birds in my yard, especially the woodpeckers. It is still cold here. Take care, have a great weekend.

MadSnapper n Beau said...

Oh My, Miney, you are sooooo beautiful and I want to hug and kiss you...love your face... and eyes.. do you call her mine ee or min ee. after seeing the beautiful pastel colors of the female red belly, I realize I have only seen males. never one like this. she is adorable

RedPat said...

Miney looks like a fine dog, Eileen. You are going to have a lot of fun walks with her next summer.
The squirrels are such a pest on my deck - eating everything in sight- so we no longer put out bird seed.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sandra, for your comment and your visit.
We think Min-ee is beautiful too. She is a happy dog, loves to go on walks. The Woodpeckers are beautiful. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat, for your link and your comment.
The squirrels are pigs, they ruin feeders and they eat all the food. I spread these nuggets all over the railing, just to give the birds a chance. Take care, have a great weekend.

Taken For Granted said...

We also get to see occasional Red Bellied Woodpeckers, but we are too far west to get Pileated Woodpeckers. I like seeing our critter photos. Enjoy your weekend.

ellen b. said...

Ahh...looks like Miney has found a good home. Glad it's working out. Those woodpeckers are fun to see. That red-bellied is so pretty. Enjoy your Saturday!

Debbie said...

isn't it funny how the birds watch us and they know exactly what we are doing!! beautiful captures of the pileated woodpecker, they are here in my area but i never see them. i am so happy you found miney and she found you. you are a family that needs a dog!! looks like a match made in heaven!! enjoy the rest of your weekend, and many thanks for hosting!!!

Hena Tayeb said...

So many cute little critters.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

At first I let the cold keep me inside in January but once I started getting out it got easier.
You saw quite a variety of birds when you were out and about plus the woodpecker from your window.
Congratulations on your new dog. We are in the beginning process of looking for another dog.

rupam sarma said...

Awesome series of birds photos, Miney looks great. Loved your post.
Thanks a lot for hosting, Happy weekended,

Linda G said...

I think a dog chooses you, just as a cat chooses its human. Money seems very content with you and. Michael.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
Thank you for your link and your comment.
I love all the woodpeckers, one of my favorite bird species.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ellen, for your comment and your visit.
I like to think Miney has a wonderful home with us.
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Debbie, for your link and your comment.
Yes, I have been looking for just the right dog. Miney fits us perfectly. Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yogi, for your link and your comment.
Most of my birds are seen right in my yard or in the woods across from our house. I can birdwatch from my windows. Good luck on your dog search!
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your link and your comment.
Miney is a great dog!
Take care, have a great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda, for your comment and your visit. We love Money, she is a great dog. Take care, have a great weekend.

Alexandra said...

Oh My Gosh Congratulations on Miney! I hope she brings you much joy! She can take you for a walk to see the birds! The sights & sounds of birds bring such brightness to the cold days, I am sure they made you smile when you saw them!

HappyK said...

Glad to hear Miney is doing so well. :)
Love the pileated woodpecker.

Linda said...

Miney is cute! Easy to train sounds heavenly to me.

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

What a lovely dog, Miney is! Definitely a keeper. Thanks for hosting, Eileen, and have a great new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Alexandra, for your link and your comment.
Miney has brought joy to our home. Yes, the birds and ducks do make me smile, bird watching is my simple pleasure. Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda, for your link and your comment.
Miney is a good dog, she has had a few bad moments. She likes to chew. So we have to keep her occupied.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Nick, for your link and your comment.
Yes, Miney is a keeper.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

William Kendall said...

Cute puppy!

eileeninmd said...

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

Breathtaking said...

Hello Eileen :)
Lovely shots of the woodpeckers and also they are pretty woodpeckers. Like you when I go for walks I sometimes come back without a single bird image and find more on my home turf. Sweet capture of the Titmouse and squirrels and I love all the photos of Miney. I'm so glad you decided to adopt her. I still miss my little Mel, and would also adopt a dog if I felt I would be able to cope, but sadly I know I couldn't.
Have a great day and week ahead and many thanks for hosting Eileen.
All the best
Sonjia.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sonjia, for your link and comment.
Miney has been a great dog, she brings us much joy.
I am lucky to see good bird right in my yard.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week!

Rainbow Evening said...

interesting to see Woodpeckers at backyard... wonderful.
Thank you for sharing photos and descriptions.

stardust said...

Hello, Eileen - I love the color combination of the female Red-bellied Woodpecker. So nice that you can watch birds from the comfort of the warm room. Your new family member, Miney, is so lovely.
Yoko

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yoko. for your comment and your visit.
The woodpeckers are beautiful birds.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

We are in the land of piliated woodpeckers down here in Florida. I have heard a couple, but they have been elusive!

Marie Smith said...

Money is an extremely lucky pup to have found you. I bet you feel lucky too. Love those woodpeckers!

21 Wits said...

Good morning Eileen, well our blizzard here is over for now. Just a quick note on the posters, well they were all ordered to be taken down, as viewed too political or not inclusive for all. So crazy I can't even expand on it and my blog post today I can tell is me trying to see the bright side of things. Thanks for being you and bringing us this blog post to create on! Enjoy your weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, for your link and comment.
We had some freezing rain here, no snow.
It is a shame the posters were taken down, it's not right.
I guess it is best to keep looking at the bright side of things. Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jim, I appreciate the comment.
I have had some good sightings of the Pileated in Florida.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marie, for your comment and visit.
I just love all the woodpeckers.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen
Aww Miney looks such a sweet and happy dog ...lovely photographs.
Also nice to see the birds and squirrels.There are quite a few that visit the garden here, although I enjoy the birds who visit, I like to see the squirrels too :)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and have a good new week.

All the best Jan

carol l mckenna said...

so glad you adopted Miney `~ handsome doggie ~ always great photos here too of the birds ~ hugs ~

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jan, for your comment and visit.
Miney is a happy dog!
Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Carol for you link and comment.
We are happy we adopted Miney.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

Leslie's Garden said...

Cute, precious Miney. Looks like an adorable addition to your family.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Leslie, for your comment.
Miney is a sweet dog. We love her.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

Majo Dutra said...

Thank you for your beautiful photos, Eileen...
We walked with temperatures of 17 - 10ºC...
That woodpecker neighbor of yours is really nice... I also liked your Miney...
Cozy and very happy days.
~~~~~~~~

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your comment and visit.
I do love my visiting woodpeckers.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

EricaSta said...

Compliment, its again a wonderful post, dear Eileen. Thank you for sharing at MM.

DeniseinVA said...

I am thrilled you have another sweet dog in your home Eileen. That’s fantastic! Miney certainly is a sweet looking dog. I am late commenting this week and I always enjoy your Monday posts too and can tell you that this week’s Mt. Denali is a breathtaking sight and you have captured her beautifully. Great photos of your birds and squirrel also. If I have missed anything out, I enjoyed each photo very much. Thank you for everything you do and have a great week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun, for hosting Mosaic Monday!
Take care, enjoy your day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Denise, for your comment!
We do love our Miney, she is a sweetie.
Take care, have a great day!

baili said...

Hey dear Eileen ,I missed your exceptional images ♥️
Thanks for filling heart with delight as birds are sooo pretty and cute 🥰
I tell hubby how amazing is part of the land where you live full of stunning ,awesome beautiful birds 😍
How sweet of you to include gorgeous and sweet Miney in your family!
This is so nice she is a friendly creature ♥️
Many more blessings to you and loved ones my friend!

Teresa said...

Has hecho unas fotografías preciosas. Tu perrita me encanta, se ve tan linda. Un abrazo.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Baily, I appreciate your nice comment.
I am lucky to see lots of birds in my yard and neighborhood.
Miney is a sweetie, she is loved.
Take care, have a wonderful day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Teresa, for your comment and visit.
Take care, have a wonderful day!

Veronica Lee said...

Beautiful critter photos!
The woodpeckers and Hooded Mergansers are such great sightings.
Miney looks like a sweet and happy pup—so glad she found a loving home!

Thanks for sharing your wonderful nature moments. 😊🐦🐾

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Veronica, for your link and comment.
I do enjoy seeing all the birds and Miney is a sweet dog.
Take care, have a wonderful day!

Laura. M said...

Miney ha tenido mucha suerte. Me gusta esa ardilla en la mesa.
Buen miércoles.
Un abrazo.

Tanza Erlambang said...

gray squirrels look cute .... rare in our area....

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Laura, I appreciate your visit and comment.
Take care, have a wonderful day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tanza, for your link and comment.
Take care, have a wonderful day!

Life Images by Jill, Western Australia said...

What a cute little red hat on the woodpeckers! Enjoy your weekend ahead and thankyou so much for visiting my blog this week.

eileeninmd said...

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

Happy Monday!

Wishing everyone a great day and a ha ppy new week! "Happiness comes in waves." Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Ponce Inlet Florid...