Saturday, April 12, 2025

Saturday's Critters # 591

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 sharing various images, the first photo my new header is a view of the Gunpowder River below the Prettyboy Dam, other images are from my walks and our backyard, the birds, critters and our dog Miney.

Click on images for better viewing.


1. March 2nd,  my mosaic has photos of the sunrise, a view of the reservoir from our local fire road, Miney the dog, a squirrel eating the bird food and a Carolina Chickadee on the birdbath ends with the sunset. 






2. March 2nd, the Gray Squirrels are regular visitors to our deck railing they manage to eat a lot of the suet nuggets I put out for the birds. 





3. March 2nd, one of my yard birds the Carolina Chickadee. 






4. March 5th, our morning walk with Miney on the local fire road. I heard the usual birds on this walk. I did see two Pileated Woodpeckers, flying away.  I missed getting their photo.







5. March 6th, we were back walking on the NCR rail to trail. It is one of our favorite spots for walking, easy flat walking we can go further and it is next to the river.






6. March 6th, on the way home from the bike trail we road past the Friendly Farms pond, I notice a flock of Ring-necked Ducks. 








7.  Flashback, since April 10th was Gopher Tortoise day. I am sharing some of Gopher Tortoise photos from our Florida trips. These are from Dec 2020, a St Augustine park. 










8. A Florida 2015 flashback, I am sharing another photo of the Gopher Tortoise hubby and saw at one of our many Florida park visits.




Another Florida flashback from April 2015, one of my favorite Florida birds seen was the Sora at the Viera Wetlands, Melbourne Florida, The Sora is a small bird in the rail family. The Sora has a yellow bill and walks through the wetlands similar to a chicken.





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!

109 comments:

roentare said...

What a variety of nature to see. Turtle is always giving me life lessons - be calm and taking time

Shiju Sugunan said...

Lovely collection of photos! Miney looks like a great walking companion. Those Gopher Tortoises are fascinating, and the Sora is beautiful!

Angie's Recipes said...

Don't think I have ever seen a Carolina Chickadee over here...at first, it was a kind of tits. The sunrise is very beautiful!

Iris Flavia said...

Dear Eileen, I have good news (I think): The Walnuts are gone, "my" Squirrel might be alive and "hopping around"! I could not really join but with ordinary ducks...... I am ordinary, too, so...

Mae Travels said...

Your photos are very enjoyable, especially the sora! They are such shy little birds.
Have a good week, and thanks for hosting Critters... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

EricaSta said...

Good Morning, dear Blogfriend Eileen! I'm late today and in hurry. Therefore I will read later after buying in the supermarket :)
First I will thank you for sharing and for hosting.
Greetings by Heidrun

Marit said...

Hello Eileen,
The sunrise and sunset are so beautiful. The bike trails looks very nice. Miney looks always so sweet.
Take care, and have a great weekend!

diane b said...

Love the chickadee and all the other critters too.

Rostrose said...

See you later, dear Eileen :-)

Irma said...

Hello Eileen,
This is a great series of photos.
I think the grey squirrel is very beautiful, here in the Netherlands there are few grey squirrels here you usually see the red squirrel.
The Carolina Chickadee and the turtle are also beautiful.
Your dog Miney is a really cute dog.
I wish you a very good weekend.
Greetings Irma

italiafinlandia said...

Thanks for sharing the Sora, totally unknown to me.
I like the Carolina chickadee, it resembles one of our Tits.
Happy weekend and a sunny Sunday to you!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari Om
Oh, the Sora is a new one for me to see. What a cutie... and of course, I adore seeing Miney obviously living her best life! YAM xx

rupam sarma said...

Hello, Hope you are doing fine. Beautiful photos,
Gray Squirrels looks cute, Carolina Chickadee beautiful Bird, Glad to see Gopher Tortoise. Loved Miney :) Happy Weekend.

Cloudia said...

Always a pleasure, Eileen. Aloha

John's Island said...

Hello Eileen! I’m into my 15th year of blogging and most of those years I’ve been following Viewing Nature with Eileen. As a retired high school teacher I like to show approval by using the marks we all know from A+ to F. Out of hundreds of blogs I’ve discovered, yours definitely gets an A+. And your reliability of being here for the meme every Saturday … well, I just don’t know how you do it. 😊 I enjoyed all the photos you shared in today’s post, and your header for this post is just great! Thank you for sharing and hosting. Wishing you and yours a happy weekend and week ahead! John PS Thank you for your kind comments on my blog!

Stone Cottage Adventures said...

Beautiful photos, as always! Thank you for taking us along on your walks! -Marci @ Old Rock Farmhouse

Jenn Jilks said...

I think my favourite is the tortoise! You have an amazing set of photos!

Rostrose said...

Dear Eileen, thank you so much for leaving me a nice comment!
The photo of the Gunpowder River is an impressive new header.
I hope you're not mad at the squirrel for eating the bird food—it looks way too cute for that 😊. The adorable Carolina chickadees show a strong resemblance to "our" yard birds, the great tits. As always, I'm happy about your Miney photos and the photos and descriptions of the critters you've seen or heard. Your flashbacks are also very nice. The first Gopher tortoise is well camouflaged with all the sand on its back 😉. I hadn't heard of the Sora before—a pretty and interesting-looking bird!
All the best from Austria, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/04/weltreise-2024-reisegarderobe-resume.html

Marie Smith said...

Love the Sora especially. I didn’t see one last year. The tortoise is always a favourite of mine, since we are tortoiseless!

Bill said...

Love seeing all your critters especially the turtles. Thanks for hosting and have a great week.

Breathtaking said...

Hello Eileen :)
Johns comment is hard to follow but I concur with everything he said. :) The Sora bird is new to me, and is a beautiful bird and other flashback images I enjoyed are the Gopher Tortoises. The grey squirrel and the chickadee are also a pleasure to see, as I only see red squirrels where I live, but our Coal-tits are practically identical to your chickadees each one delightful creatures. I haven't forgotten Miney
who will be familiar with wildlife now on her walks with you. I have to say I envy your good company.
All the best, and thank you for hosting your popular critter post every week, we certainly enjoy participating.
Hugs
Sonjia.

William Kendall said...

Terrific shots.

Tom said...

...Eileen, you have assembled a fabulous collection today. I wish you a wonderful spring weekend, be well.

ellen b. said...

God created an amazing variety of birds and animals. Thanks for sharing these great photos. Hope you have a lovely Saturday!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Roentare, for your link and your comment.
I agree with the turtle lesson, be calm and take your time.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Shiju, for your link and your comment.
The tortoise are amazing, I enjoy seeing them.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie, for your comment and your visit.
The Chickadee does look like the cute Tits
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Iris, for your link and your comment.
I think you and all birds are special, not ordinary at all.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Mae, for your link and your comment.
We were lucky to see the Sora, they are shy.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

MELODY JACOB said...

What a delightful collection of critters and memories you've shared! The variety of creatures and the beauty of the landscape in your photos really show the peaceful connection you have with nature. I especially love the moments captured with Miney and the Carolina Chickadee – such a beautiful touch! It’s always wonderful to see how nature provides endless joy.

I’ve just posted something new over at www.melodyjacob.com, and I’d love for you to check it out when you have a moment. Wishing you a lovely weekend, filled with more wonderful critter sightings.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marit, for your comment and your visit.
We do enjoy our walks on the bike trail.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane, for your comment and your visit.
The Chickadees are cute birds.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

magiceye said...

Gorgeous critter captures and a lovely vibrant header!
Wish you a happy weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Traude! Enjoy your day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Irma, for your link and your comment.
I would love to see the Red squirrels, they are cute.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella, for your comment and your visit.
The Chickadee maybe a cousin of your Tits.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you YAM, for your comment and your visit.
The Sora was a great find, they are shy birds.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you John, you are kind to visit my blog and leave such a nice comment. I am happy you found my blog, the same goes for me finding your blog. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn, for your link and your comment.
The tortoise was a great find.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Traude for your link and your nice comment.
I am not mad at the squirrels for eating the bird food, I am upset the squirrel or another critter is chewing on our car wires, it cost a lot to repair. I have to stop the bird food, it attracts the bad critters. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marie, for your comment and your visit.
I do not see the Sora often, this one was a great find.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sonjia, for your link and your comment.
I appreciate your kind words. I do love my wildlife sightings, I am lucky to see some beautiful birds and critters. I do agree our Chickadee looks a lot like your Coat Tit, they are sweet birds. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Another wonderful selection of photos of beautiful critters, Eileen! I really like those squirrels! Thanks for hosting and best wishes for the new week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

RedPat said...

I hadn't heard of a Sora before, Eileen. Love seeing Chickadees.

JoAnna said...

Hi, wonderful photos of animals. I wish you great weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat, for your link and your comment.
The Sora is from the Rail family.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Happy Saturday! I don't think I've ever seen the Sora but I see birds I can't ID so maybe I have! I'm always learning. Florida is a great place to see a variety of birds. Come back down for a visit when you can! Hugs, Diane

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I feel quite nervous! I don't know how number 7 came to be with my name on it but would you please delete it pronto! THANK YOU!!!! YIKES!!!!

eileeninmd said...

That link was not working, so I did delete it.
I wasn't sure if it was from Diane's Adventure before Dementia blog.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane, for your link and your comment.
The Sora's are shy birds, they do not come out in the open often. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Red said...

You get to see much more when you walk regular routes as you do.

MadSnapper n Beau said...

that header shot is spectacular. I can hear that water. Miney looks so cute in her red harness. the chickadee could be Miney sister. black and white you know

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Red, for your comment and your visit.
I am always on the lookout for any wildlife while on our walks. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sandra, for your comment and your visit.
The river photo is a scene that my hubby loves. The Chickadees are cuties, just like Miney.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Hello Eileen, your photos are beautiful and I love how you display them as well.

HappyK said...

Super collection of photos. My favorite is the turtle.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

A sora, I have never even heard of a sora before. I learn so much from you. Miney is quite the walking dog.
Thank you for hosting.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, for your comment and your visit.
The turtle is one of my favorites too.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yogi, for your link and your comment.
The sora is in the rail family, like to hide in the marshes.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Jeanie said...

One critter in mine, but she's a love! That first photo of Miney -- she's so alert!

Mary Kirkland said...

Oh my goodness, I love all the wildlife pictures.

Debbie said...

i enjoyed this catalog of birds, especially seeing those that hang out in and around your yard. i have not been dedicated recently to taking yard bird pictures, i want to start again!! you have a great walking companion in mikey, but i have always assumed that your husband walks with you also. our sunsets have been so pretty this winter and since i am not awake for the sunrise, i really enjoy the sunsets. i think everyone on the east coast here is getting rain, so you must me too. and boy is it cold out!! many thanks for hosting have a great weekend. ps...my critter post will post at 4 pm, i am all over the place lately, i will be back to add the link!!

Barwitzki said...

Your animal encounters are wonderful. I especially like the photo of the gray squirrel and the one of the brent geese.
And I'm always happy to see turtles; we don't have them here. But I saw them in the wild in Greece and on the island of Sardinia...
In my blog, you can see a male mallard that I photographed recently; it's so beautiful with its shimmering green-blue head.
Best wishes to you.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Eileen

I love watching the squirrels that visit me--they are true acrobats and make me laugh at their antics. Chickadees are so sweet. You saew some interesdting turtles in Florida! I awalays enjoy your :critters"! Have a good weekend and week ahead!

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful series of photos of our 'feathered friends' and other critters ~ love the turtle ~ and Miney, of couse. hugs,

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

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen
Many thanks for sharing your lovely sightings ... a wonderful mix.
Wishing you a Happy Saturday and weekend.

All the best Jan

Barbara Rogers said...

Better late than never!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Barb, for your link and your comment.
It is never too late!
Happy Sunday, have a wonderful week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jan, for your comment and your visit.
Happy Sunday, have a wonderful week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Carol, for your link and your comment.
Happy Sunday, have a wonderful week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Pat, for your comment and your visit.
Yes, I always saw something great while visiting Florida.
Happy Sunday, have a wonderful week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your comment and your visit.
I always enjoy seeing the turtles.
Happy Sunday, have a wonderful week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Debbie, for your link and your comment.
I usually see more bird in my yard birds than on my walks.
Hubby and I take Miney together for the walks, sometimes I take Miney myself. It has been cold, windy and mostly cloudy, I hope for better weather this week.
Happy Sunday, have a wonderful week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Mary, for your comment and your visit.
Happy Sunday, have a wonderful week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie, for your link and your comment.
Miney is very alert, looking for everything.
Happy Sunday, have a wonderful week.

Tanza Erlambang said...

cute Gray Squirrels...
# Our regular visitors mainly "brown"

eileeninmd said...

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

Veronica Lee said...

Such a gorgeous array of natural beauty!
Miney seems like the perfect little adventure buddy.
That sunrise is absolutely breathtaking, and those bike trails look like a dream to explore.

Have a great week ahead, Eileen!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

What a wonderful selection of photographs you have on Saturday Critters today Eileen. All great Love the Squirrel and of course the shots of Miney. Hope you have a great week ahead and thanks for hosting and commenting.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Margaret, for your link and your comment.
I love taking photos of Miney, she is so cute.
Take care, have a happy and blessed Easter week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Veronica for your link and nice comment.
Nature is beautiful!
Take care, have a great day and a happy week!

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

Those squirrels can put the hurt on a suet block in a hurry! We had one (or two?) squirrel(s) totally eat a block in two days.

EricaSta said...

A little adventure walking through the wood ;) Oh, I enjoyed reading about Minnie. And the woodpeaker of course.

Thank you by the way for your lovely comment, for being part at MosaicMonday too.

Greetings by Heidrun

stardust said...

Hello, Eileen. Wonderful series of photos. My favorite is the mosaic of March 2nd. Miney looks nice with the red dog harness – nice tricolor of black, white, and red. Have a nice week.
Yoko

Violetta said...

I love the squirrels most dear Eileen. And this time I have something to link for the critters.
Have a good time and all the best
Violetta

Majo Dutra said...

I love your photos... Thank you, Eileen.
A good and peaceful week, just as you like.
I'm coming back from my break...
~~~

eileeninmd said...

Thanks for the comment! I agree the squirrels can make the bird food disappear quickly, they are piggies. Wishing you a great day and a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun, for the comment and for hosting Mosaic Monday. Wishing you a great day and a happy and blessed Easter week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yoko, I appreciate your comment and visit.
Miney is a pretty dog.
Wishing you a great day and a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Violetta, for your link and comment.
It is nice to see a critter post from you.
Wishing you a great day and a happy new week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your comment.
I am glad you are back from your break.
Wishing you a great day and a happy new week!

Teresa said...

Un gran reportaje, me ha gustado mucho siempre tienes preciosas fotografías. Un abrazo y feliz día.

eileeninmd said...

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

Marco Luijken said...

Hello Eileen,
Great pictures. Fantastic to see the special birds and the funny dog.
I wish you a happy easter.

Greetings, Marco

eileeninmd said...

Hello Marco,
I appreciate your visit and comment.
Happy Easter to you and your family.
Have a great weekend.

Little Wandering Wren said...

Lovely to join you for your fire track walk! Our squirrel tucks into our bird food too! Happy holidays
Wren x

Happy Monday!

Wishing everyone a great day and a happy new week! Happy Earth Day, April 22nd. "Our peace shall stand as firm as rocky mountains....