Saturday, May 31, 2025

Saturday's Critters # 598

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.



1. Below are birds seen in my yard on April 8th, the male and female Eastern Bluebird and the second mosaic is the White-throated Sparrow. The bluebirds eat mostly insects and berries. 





April 8th, I see a lot of White-throated Sparrows in my yard. When I go out on my deck, they fly up close expecting me to put out some food for them.





2. April 10, Miney watching the waves from a passing fishing boat on the lake. 






3. I've been seeing the Bluebirds at the birdhouses every day now. They are one of my many favorite birds, I am happy they are nesting in my yard. 







4. April 18th, our walk to the lake I opened my Merlin app, a new first of the season Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. The app captured four of the woodpeckers heard in the forest next to our home, the Pileated Woodpecker, the Downy and Hairy Woodpecker and the Red-bellied Woodpecker. 






5. April 18th, images from our walk to the lake.  







6. We celebrated an early Easter and lunch with the family, it is always a joy to spend time with the grandchildren.   






7. April 20th, A view of our Dogwood tree and the Redbud tree blooming. Bottom row is the Eastern Bluebird and a White-throated Sparrow. 




April 20th on Easter Sunday we took a walk to the lake, I saw a juvenile Bald Eagle in Flight and a small group of Double-crested Cormorants. I heard my first of the season Northern Parula. 





April 20th, back in our yard I captured the male Northern Cardinal.  




April 21st, we found our trash can across the yard, the trash all torn apart, apparently the night before a bear visited our yard.  Miney was barking like crazy that night, we had no idea she heard the bear on the deck. 


8. Below are a couple of favorite birds from my archive files, from May 2020 and May 2021.  


"Not all who wander are lost, some are just looking for cool birds."


From May 2020, a Baltimore Oriole seen at the Hashawha Nature Park in Carroll County Md. The Baltimore Oriole is Maryland's State bird.  




A Baltimore Oriole at the Prettyboy Reservoir, May 2022. He is a bright orange, so pretty.






From May 2021, my first sighting of a Red-headed Woodpecker in my backyard.  I have not seen a Red-headed Woodpecker in my yard since this sighting.  



Red-headed Woodpecker

I was happy to see this beautiful Red-headed Woodpecker on my deck railing. 





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.




Check out  Catblogosphere.com






Here is my linky:






Thank you for sharing your critters and post! 

116 comments:

Sadia Jabeen said...

Oh, this is my kind of party!** πŸŽ‰ As someone who stops to photograph every squirrel, talks to neighborhood cats, and has a camera roll that's 90% wildlife, I'm so excited to join this critter celebration.

I'll be sharing some magical moments from my recent birdwatching adventures - wait until you see the cardinal family that's taken up residence in my backyard! Also digging through my archives for that hilarious series of my puppy discovering mirrors for the first time.

What a beautiful way to appreciate all of God's wonderful creatures, big and small. Can't wait to see everyone's posts and meet all your animal friends (real, pretend, and artistic!).

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Hi Eileen, I most definitely love God's creatures and your photos are stunning. Your family photos are precious. Your posts and photos bring joy 😊 to my heart. Have a wonder filled weekend.

Mae Travels said...

Seeing a red-headed woodpecker is a real treat. I have always loved them, and we rarely find them.
Thanks for hosting... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

roentare said...

The red headed woodpecker looks so good. So are the petite birds that you get to see in spring

Iris Flavia said...

I cannot decide who is cuter, the birds or the kiddies, but I think the kids win ;-)
The Cardial is awesome, too!
And the orange! As the woodpecker... Have a great weekend!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Each of these is like a jewel! YAM xx

EricaSta said...

Good Morning, dear Blogfriend Eileen ... breakfast is done and now reading in the blogs. Wow... what fantastisc photographed birds again here in your post. I couldn't decide which is my favorite. Seeing the Red headed woodpecker or all the other beautiful birds. They are each of them eyecatcher of the nature.

Thank you for sharing and for hosting. Have a wonderful week ahead.
Greetings by Heidrun

John's Island said...

Dear Eileen,

Bluebirds and sparrows, a springtime delight,
With Miney nearby and the lake in sight.
Cardinals flash in a red-blossomed scene,
As Dogwoods and Redbuds bloom fresh and green.

Your woodland calls with woodpecker taps,
And Merlin records their musical maps.
A bear made a mess, but Miney stood guard—
A faithful protector, both brave and on guard.

From Oriole's glow to the woodpecker's head,
Your photos revive where past beauty has led.
With each gentle post, you brighten our view—
Nature feels closer because of you. 🌿🐦

— With admiration,
John

rupam sarma said...

Beautiful post, Amazing birds, Red-headed Woodpecker looks beautiful. Great series of photos. Thank you so much for hosting. Have a nice weekend.

Cloudia said...

You have beautiful birds in your yard. I love Minie and you have beautiful grandchildren. Blessings to your family dear

Nancy J said...

A delight to visit your bird photos, and see all those coloured feathers, and Miney there too.

Villrose said...

Red-headed Woodpecker! Just wow!
Have a lovely weekend.
/Irene

Irma said...

Hello Eileen,
This is a great series of photos and collages.
I think the Eastern Bluethroat and the White-throated Sparrow are beautiful.
Also nice photos from your archive of which the red-headed woodpecker is really great.
You have cute grandchildren.
I wish you a good weekend.
Greetings Irma

italiafinlandia said...

Thanks for sharing all the beautiful critters today. I love the Red-headed woodpecker, the Cardinal, the Bluebird. They are all splendid!
Your grandchildren are beautiful indeed. Enjoy the moments with them and happy weekend!

Marit said...

Hello Eileen,
Your photos are so lovely to watch. The Eastern Bluebird is very beautiful. I have never seen a Red - Headed Woodpecker before. It's very pretty.
Take care, and enjoy your weekend!

MadSnapper n Beau said...

I get the prize, I am first today. LOVE the loving blue bird couple. so precious and awesome photo of the woodpecker. that app is just to cool for words. and the quote is YOU to the bone.. yikes on the bear and your deck trash can episode.. I will keep my coons and possums, ha ha

chica said...

Eileen, Γ© um verdadeiro presente poder ver tantos pΓ‘ssaros lindos nas casinhas de passarinhos na tuaa casa! Coisa linda cada um dos mosaicos e passeios feitos. A PΓ‘scoa foi linda e bem animada com os lindos netos! A Miney estΓ‘ bem esperta e jΓ‘ sabe quando ursos se aproximam. Que medo eu teria!rs... Lindo fim de semana! beijos, chica

William Kendall said...

Terrific shots!

Brian's Home Blog said...

Those little birdies are so pretty and the lake area looks wonderful. Goodness, your Grands are so cute!

Cai said...

Its nice to look at all those birds with colorful feathers.

The kids look so cute.

Thanks for hosting this fun theme for blog hop.

Bill said...

Lots of beautiful birds, thanks for sharing and hosting. Have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda, for your comment and your visit.
All God's creatures and my family bring me joy too.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Jenn Jilks said...

I an fascinated with all the birds you find.
Miney is a peach!
Much fun with grandies, too.

Angie's Recipes said...

Thank you for posting my favourite blue birds, Eileen. Now I see the difference between male and female. Love the new header too!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Mae, for your link and comment.
I wish the Redheaded woodpecker hung around, they do fly overs now. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Iris, for your link and comment.
We do love our kiddies, the birds are a treat to see too.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun, for your link and comment.
The Redheaded Woodpecker is a beauty and a treat to see.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

Come to South Dakota, I could probably show you a redheaded woodpecker every day. The are hard to get a picture of though, they never sit still!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you John, for your link and comment.
I love your poem too, you have way with words.
Nature brightens my view.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your link and comment.
Miney loves everyone!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jean, for your comment and your visit.
I do love all the colorful birds.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your link and comment.
The Redheaded Woodpecker is a beauty!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Irma, for your link and comment.
I do love seeing all these birds!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella, for your comment and your visit.
The birds are a treat to see!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Tom said...

...thank you Eileen for sharing this beautiful post. All of your critter and landscapes are gorgeous, but three little cuties won my heart. Be well.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marit, for your comment and your visit.
The Redheaded Woodpecker is a beauty!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sandra, I appreciate your comment.
I love all the birds and I thought the quote was perfect too.
I have not seen the bear yet, but there is evidence it is around.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Chica, for your comment and your visit.
Miney is a good guard dog! The birds are a joy to see around our yard. 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 Brian, for your link and comment.
We do enjoy living close to the lake.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn, for your link and comment.
I always feel lucky finding the birds, love that they like visiting my yard too. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie, for your comment and your visit.
The bluebirds are one of my favorites too.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jim, for your comment and your visit.
I am sure there are lots of great birds to be seen in South Dakota, it is a trip on my bucket list.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

Marie Smith said...

The birds are beautiful, as always. It is good that Miney is a bear alarm for you! Scary! Now the grandchildren…perfect and great fun. Have a great weekend.

Jeanie said...

Gorgeous birds, especially that oriole and the bluebirds of course. But my biggest "Aw!" was for that darling little grand. What a sweet face. It looks like a marvelous time together!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie, for your link and comment.
The grandkids are all sweet and a joy.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marie, for your visit and comment.
I do love all my birds, Miney is a good guard dog. The grandkids are all sweet and a joy.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

magiceye said...

Beautiful captures as always!
Have a wonderful weekend!

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Hello, Eileen! Another beautful selection of photos, with pride of place taken by the splendid cardinal. Not to mention the cute human critters! Thanks for hosting and have a great new week.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

That red headed woodpecker is beautiful.
And you captured four woodpeckers on merlin. Wow!!
Your grandchildren are very lively looking!!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Nick, for your link and comment.
The grandkids are cuties. The cardinal is a showoff.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yogi, for your link and comment.
The Redheaded Woodpecker is a beauty.
The kiddies are a bundle of energy.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

ellen b. said...

I enjoyed all the birds you captured but that red headed woodpecker stole the show for me. Grandchildren are such a sweet treat in life. I'm glad you get to enjoy yours! Happy weekend to you.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ellen, I appreciate your comment.
The Woodpecker is a beauty,
Yes, the grandkids are a joy, we love to visit them.
Have a great weekend.

RedPat said...

Love the birds that you see so close to home, Eileen. The grandkids are so cute!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat, for your link and comment.
I am lucky to see some great birds close to home.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

carol l mckenna said...

You are blessed with beautiful grand children, a sweet doggie and nature ~ Awesome photos too ~ hugs and thanks,

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Carol, for your kind words and your critter link today. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Debbie said...

really exceptional images today...all so crisp, bright and colorful. your blue birds are such a beautiful shade of blue, i wish my feeders drew them in. i have read they need more of a park like setting, that draws them in and that's what you have. the oriole reminded me of the one who stayed with me for a whole winter, i never saw another. miney, always the great companion and those beautiful grandchildren of yours, you are blessed beyond words!!

Angie said...

Eileen - when we visit our daughter and son in law in Cincinnati, they always have Eastern Bluebirds and Cardinals in their yard. I am so jealous, but at least I have a place to go that I can see them! I love how you did screen shots of your Merlin app - I hadn't thought about doing that! Thanks for hosting Saturday's Critters!

HappyK said...

Such pretty colorful birds!!! Your grandkids sure are growing fast.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Debbie, for your link and comment.
The bluebirds do love a bit of grassy area, a place for them to catch bugs. The only feeders I have up now are the hummingbird feeders. Our grandchildren are a joy and blessing. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie, for your link and comment.
The Bluebirds are a treat to have around the yard and I am happy they are using my birdhouses for their nests.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, for your comment and your visit. The grandkids are growing fast. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Calendula said...

Beautiful collection of different birds! Love it!
Thank you for sharing!

Mary Kirkland said...

Goodness, you got so many great pictures! Love the kids, they are cute.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

How your grandchildren has grown Eileen Must be such a pleasure to have them around. Now this post is FULL of amazing birds well photograph. Thanks for hosting and commenting. I hope the week ahead goes well.

Veronica Lee said...

The birds are stunning, and the Red-headed Woodpecker is especially striking.
Your grandkiddos are beautiful.
Yet another fantastic collection of photos, Eileen!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Margaret, for your link and comment.
I do love seeing all these amazing birds.
Take care, have a wonderful week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Veronica, for your link and comment.
The redheaded woodpecker is a beauty!
Take care, have a wonderful week.

Barbara Rogers said...

I've finally posted my critters today...the Tuxedo Cats and rabbits wish you a Happy June!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Barb for your link and comment.
Happy June to you! Have a great week!

Linda said...

I’ve never photographed a gnatcatcher. You got some fantastic pictures this time. The grandchildren look sweet!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda, for your link and comment.
The Gnatcatchers are tiny and get lost in the leaves.
Happy June, have a great day and happy week ahead.

21 Wits said...

Hello and happy Sunday Eileen what gorgeous birds in their natural habitat enjoying life as it should be, thankfully they don't read the news right. I appreciate seeing these nature views and how cute your adorable grandchildren are and enjoy every single moment as they grow up way too quickly. It's really great for me that you tell the names of these birds I don't know them all, Enjoy your week ahead it's back to work for me tomorrow it's been great having a three-day weekend for a change but it goes too quickly!

R's Rue said...

I love the oriole. Happy Sunday.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Life Images by Jill, Western Australia said...

I am always loving seeing your birds and the vibrant coats of many colours! So beautiful. And that dogwood tree - gorgeous! Have a wonderful week and June Eileen.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Karen, for your link and comment.
It is a good idea, avoid the news and get outdoors to enjoy nature. The grandkiddies are growing so fast. The days and months are going by too quickly. Take care, have a wonderful week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Rue, for your comment and your visit.
The Orioles are one of my many favorite birds.
Take care, have a wonderful week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jill, for your comment and your visit.
The birds are a lovely sight to see.
Take care, have a wonderful week.

DeniseinVA said...

Loving those photos of your grands Eileen, cute photos of Miney too, especially her standing on the end of the log and such an incredible variety of birds. A fun visit as always. Thank you and have a wonderful week!

Zoolatry said...

We'd left our link, then forgot (apologize) to comment! As always, enjoy walking beside you and it makes me wish I'd settled in the Maryland countryside rather than the city ~ missing so much of Mother Nature. Thank you for sharing with us. Adding on: your grands are adorable!

Sharon Wagner said...

You got a good photo of the red headed woodpecker. See you next week.

Rainbow Evening said...

combine colors of Red-headed Woodpecker so wonderful .....

Have a great day

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your link and I appreciate your comment.
Hubby and I do love living in this rural area of Baltimore County. Take care, have a wonderful week.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your comment and your visit.
The Redheaded Woodpecker is a beauty.
Take care, have a wonderful week.

Majo Dutra said...

It was a pleasure to appreciate your expressive and beautiful photos of birds and your grandchildren.
Blessings and happiness.
A very pleasant week and a great October
~~~~~~

Hena Tayeb said...

Oh look at all those cuties.. both babies and birds. Great pictures.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Majo,
Thank you for the visit and comment. I do love our children and the birds are just a lovely sight to see.
Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for the comment and visit.
Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

stardust said...

Dear Eileen - The Dogwood tree is exuberant, ours were best one month ago. I’m glad to see such a beautiful Eastern Bluebird which doesn’t exist in my country. I wonder how its voice sounds. Your Grands are all so cute. How quick they grow up!

Laura. M said...

Preciosos pΓ‘jaros te visitan.
Buen junio Eileen.
Un abrazo.

Lowcarb team member said...

The birds are so colourful.
Sweet photographs of your grandchildren.

All the best Jan

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Your grandies are growing so fast! So sweet. I love your wonderful birds as always. I have only ever seen an Oriole a couple of times when we stayed on the Texas Gulf Coast. I would love to have some new views. Thank you for sharing the beauty.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Yoko, I appreciate your visit and comment.
I wish the Dogwood blooms would last longer, they are pretty. Take care, have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Laura!
Yes, I think all the birds are beautiful.
Take care, have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jan, I appreciate your comment.
The colorful birds do stand out and look beautiful.
Take care, have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sallie, for the comment and visit.
The Orioles are beautiful, a treat to see every time.
Take care, enjoy your day!

EricaSta said...

Ooops, today I'm later than usual with the comments. But yesterday's storm left its mark on the garden... we've been busy.

Happy MosaicMonday!

...thank you for your contribution to the link party, it was a pleasure to read your post.

Have a nice week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun, for hosting Mosaic Monday and for your comment. Take care, have a great weekend.

Teresa said...

Tienes mucha suerte de ver pΓ‘jaros tan preciosos. Me encantΓ³ ver la fotografΓ­a de tus nietos, la niΓ±a ha crecido mucho ¡ son guapos los tres ! Feliz fin de semana.

Little Wandering Wren said...

You have such vibrant little birds in your back yard, so lovely! Your Grandchildren are gorgeous, I'm enjoying being a Grandma now too.
Thanks as always for your lovely comments on my blog
Wren x

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Wren, you visit and comment are appreciated.
Hubby and I love being grandparents, we are looking forward to visiting them tomorrow. Take care, enjoy your day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Teresa, for your comment and visit.
Take care, enjoy your day!

Saturday's Critters # 601

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 the...