Saturday, June 14, 2025

Saturday's Critters # 600

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!


Tomorrow is Father's day, I wish all Fathers in blogland a very happy day!


Wow, 600 Saturday's Critters posts, thanks to all who participate and share their beautiful critters!


Click on images for better viewing.



1. April 27th, NCR rail to trail walk. I captured a Hawk flying over the trail.  It was a pretty blue sky day. 







2. April 28th, below are the spring blooms in our yard: the Columbine, Dogwood tree, Redbud tree, white Azaleas, Pink Azalea and light purple Creeping Phlox.





Miney on the fire road and a Pink Lady Slipper starting to bloom.


















The Merlin list of birds I heard while taking Miney for a walk on the fire road. 








3. April 29th, hubby and I went on a bird walk at the Cromwell Valley Park near Towson Md. I saw lots of Robins, the Gray Catbirds were calling and a Eastern Kingbird was perched near the parking lot. 




Cromwell Valley Park is a great place to see the Baltimore Orioles.  We saw a few and heard even more calling. 




Here are lists of most of the birds we saw and heard at Cromwell Valley Park. 









4. April 30th, my backyard birds are the Peacock on our deck railing and the pair of Bluebirds. 








5. May 1st, a walk with Miney on our local fire road, I keep my Merlin App on listening to the birds while walking. The Yellow-breasted Chat is not often seen here, it is listed on the chart. Maybe it was flying over?




I look forward to seeing the Pink lady Slipper orchids growing along the local fire road. This plant had two blooms and was the first plant to bloom. 





6. May 2nd, another walk and a different section of the NCR trail. There were some wildflowers blooming, my favorite are the wild pink azaleas. I am pretty sure the bird in the last row is a Northern Parula, I heard him calling. 





Back at home I saw the Gray Catbird in the back yard, standing on the top of the Bluebird house. 






7. Flashback images from June 2018 and our road trip to Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky. I saw a few warblers while walking on the trails in the park. Below is the Chestnut-sided Warbler.




Below is the Yellow-rumped Warbler.




"The birds of hope are everywhere listen to them sing."



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! 

108 comments:

EricaSta said...

Good Morning, dear Eileen. Again a Weekend with lovely birds, like the peacock. What a nice scene seeing this bird on the own terrace.
Very nice too to see Minnie, read about your walk with hearing the birds.
Thank you for sharing and for hosting.
Have fun and a wonderful week.
Greetings by Heidrun

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Eileen, please give Miney a hug 🫂 for me. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful and captivating photos. Have a wonder filled weekend.

Katerinas Blog said...

Eileen, once again I am impressed!!
What beautiful birds!!
The peacock on the fence is fantastic!!
Thank you very much for all these wonderful creatures!!
Have a nice weekend!!

Angie's Recipes said...

It's always a great pleasure to visit you on Saturday, Eileen. I am so jealous that you have that gorgeous peacock on your deck railing!! Have a great weekend!

roentare said...

Bird watching is such a good sport. Just that there were often times I spotted nothing after a long drive away from city ending up seeing nothing.

DeniseinVA said...

You have a lot of interesting birds show up on your deck. And always enjoy the walk and what you see on your travels. A great idea to use the Merlin app. I have just started using mine but only for out back up to now. Looks like Miney is loving her walks. Have a great weekend Eileen.

magiceye said...

Beautiful captures of nature and its inhabitants!
Have a super weekend!

Irma said...

Hi Eileen, Beautiful series of photos and collages of your walks.
I also really like that app, I turn it on every now and then and then you hear birds that you don't see.
I just can't make a print like you do to show it, that doesn't work for me.
I wish you a good weekend.
Greetings Irma

Iris Flavia said...

That is a summery blue for April! Oh, and all the pretty blooms!
Why.. I wanted to ask always, is it called "fire road"?
That is a wonderful orange on the bird. Cool app, really!
#7 has wonderful colors, too. And Happy 600th Birthday!
Have a nice weekend!

Mae Travels said...

You have been enjoying a beautiful spring with lots of flowers and birds. I hope you catch up with yourself soon!
Thanks for hosting... mae at maefood.blogspot.com














































italiafinlandia said...

Hello and congrsts for the 600 Saturday's Critters appointments!
Thanks for hosting.
The flowers you are sharing today are so pretty. The Pink lady orchid is the cutest.
Have a great weekend and funny walks with Miney!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari Om
Those spring blossoms surely life the spirits, don't they?! Of late, pretty much all I've been hearing and seeing is Gulls - mostly Herring but a few Black-backed - and yesterday I did manage to glimpse Heron and a solitary Cormorant. I am parked right by the shore of the Moray Firth, so not an unsurprising cast of characters! YAM xx

Cloudia said...

Fabulous !

Marit said...

Hello Eileen,
Your pictures are very beautiful. Miney is always so sweet. I love to see the Pink Lady Slipper Orchids. They are so lovely. It must be wonderful to see them in the forest.
Take care, and enjoy your weekend!

MadSnapper n Beau said...

all those flowering trees are wow wow wow! I love the birds of hope quote. Miney is beautiful and shouts JOY when I see her. a question about Merlin. if it hears a mocking bird, will it know its not 7 birds but 1? I might download it to see what it does when it hears the loud mocker we hear and see each morning.
beautiful post, you know I love that trail...

rupam sarma said...

Heartiest Congratulations on 600 Saturday's Critters Post. Beautiful series of photos, Amazing bird's. Thank you so much for hosting. Happy Weekend.

Barbara Rogers said...

Love seeing all the birds you've captured on your walks! Oriels are superb! I've never seen one. Have a great weekend!

chica said...

Que lindos ytodos os pássaros, flores, mosaicos que postaste pra nos mostrar! E são tantas as espécies que consegues ter e ver por perto! Lindo! Feliz dia aos papais daí! beijos, tudo de bom,chiuca

William Kendall said...

Miney likes her walks.

Tom said...

...Eileen, I love your flora and fauna this morning. I wish you a wonderful new week.

Stone Cottage Adventures said...

Thank you for hosting this lovely party! I enjoyed all of your photos and am curious about the Merlin App. Have a nice week! -Marci @ Old Rock Farmhouse

Jenn Jilks said...

That peacock remains the star! All these beautiful bug-eating birds!

Jeanie said...

Your spring was beautiful. Loving all the color and flowering trees. You must be a Merlin star -- that's a ton of birds!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun, for your link and comment.
We do enjoy our walks in nature with Miney.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda, for your comment and your visit.
Miney does love hugs.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Katerina, for your comment and your visit.
The Peacock is a beauty!
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Angie, for your comment and your visit.
Do love seeing the Peacock in our yard.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Roentare, for your link and comment.
Yes, birdwatching is my simple pleasure.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Denise, for your comment and your visit.
I do enjoy using the Merlin App. Miney does look forward to her walks. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jeanie, for your link and comment.
Spring was beautiful, the green trees now look beautiful too.
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 Irma, for your link and comment.
I seem to use the Merlin App now on all my walks.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Iris, for your link and comment.
The forest has many of these fire roads or trails.
They call the trail a fire road, a road if necessary to ride on the put out forest fires. The Baltimore Oriole is a beautiful bird. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Sandra, for your comment and your visit.
I do love seeing all the springtime blossoms, I wish they lasted longer. Miney is a sweet dog, she does love her walks. I think the many sounds of the Mockingbirds have been recorded for the Merlin App. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Mae, for your link and comment!
Since I only blog once a week, I do not think I will ever catch up. I may have to just skip reporting on my outings.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Luisella, for your comment and your visit.
The Lady Slipper blooms are lovely.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you YAM, for your link and comment.
Spring is a favorite time of the year, I wish the blossoms lasted longer. I hope you are enjoying your travels, any birds are a bonus. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marit, for your link and comment.
The Lady Slipper Orchids are lovely, I look forward to seeing them each Spring. 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 Barb, for your link and comment.
The Orioles are a treat to see.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Chica, for your link and comment.
I am lucky to have so much nature right outside my door.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

Such a variety of birds! Love that picture of the lady slipper. We used to see them in Wisconsin, I have yet to see one out here.

Linda G said...

I didn’t realize you had such a variety of spring blooms in your yard. No wonder the birds like it there!

Brian's Home Blog said...

Your neck of the woods is absolutely gorgeous and I love seeing so many different birds!

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Hello, Eileen! Beautiful to see the all the flowers and wonderful birds in your post. We are cold and wet here in Melbourne's winter. Thanks for hosting and have a great new week.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jim, for your comment and your visit.
The Lady Slippers are a treat to see each Spring.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda, for your comment and your visit.
Yes, we have some nice Spring blooms in our yard, the bees and birds are happy here. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Brian, for your link and comment.
We do live in a great area, with the forest and lake so close.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Nick, for your link and comment.
I love Spring, it will be summer here in a few weeks.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

RedPat said...

Congrats on the 600th Critters post, Eileen. Thanks for all the work you do keeping it going.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you RedPat, for your link and sharing your posts over the years. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

ellen b. said...

I like that, 'the birds of hope are everywhere, listen to them sing.' Another lovely gathering of birds that you've captured. More and more folks are talking about the 'Merlin' app. Take care and Happy Father's day to the dads in your family!

Red said...

Interesting how the app pick up so many birds we do not see.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I always loved the surprise of seeing a pink ladyslipper in the woods of NC. They are really special. I love your lists of birds you saw and heard. I hear so many that I wonder about but don't take the time to ID. I'm happy to be joining in today! Hugs, Diane

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Ellen, for your comment and your visit.
It is fun using the Merlin App.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Red, for your comment and your visit.
Even without the APP I hear more birds than I actually see.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Diane, for your link and comment.
The Pink Lady Slippers are special, lovely blooms.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Debbie said...

that app is so cool!! i see many of these birds here, but the orioles elude me. you may remember i had one once. my yard is swamped with catbirds right now, i have so many. as much as i enjoy the birds, i really love seeing all of the blooms!! have a great week eileen and many thanks for continuing to host this....600, now that is a huge commitment!!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Debbie, for your all links and comments over the years. You have been with me since the start of Saturday's Critters. The Merlin App is cool, I am using it a lot on my walks and in my yard. I have a couple of Catbirds in my yard. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful series of photos of our ''feathered friends' ~ The hawk is amazing but Miney more so for me ~ sweet doggie ~ hugs,

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 link and comment.
We love our Miney, she is a sweet dog.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

Timelesslady said...

Lovely post. All the collages of birds and budding trees are beautiful. Miney is such a pretty dog, and the lady slippers always astound me with their delicacy. I have to remark on one of my favorites, the catbird. I LOVE their song, and we have them in our back yard every year at this time. You captured a lovely photo of the grey bird. They have been serenading us daily. Happy Saturday.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

600 Saturday's Critters posts, woo hoo!! You have been a very good, steady, and faithful host and I don't take it for granted. I know what kind of planning and commitment it takes sometimes to keep things going.

Every week I am amazed at the variety of wildlife you find, especially the birds. I am getting better at spotting the little birds but have a long ways to go.

Mary Kirkland said...

So many great pictures. Love all the flowers and Miney of course.

21 Wits said...

Hello Eileen, lucky you to have spotted a Pink Lady's Slipper along the road it's something I look for all the time and haven't found on in the wild yet. It's Minnesota's state flower even. Great photos and I especially like the bird information! I hope your family has a great Father's Day and a sunny week ahead!

HappyK said...

Wow that sure is a lot of critter posts. Always enjoy all your photos!!!

pilch92 said...

Great photos. How cool about the peacock at your feeder. I will join up next week. :)

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

A post FULL of beautiful photographs of birds and of course your wonderful dog Miney. Have a wonderful week ahead

Linda said...

Lovely critters! I hope that Miney enjoys the walks as much as we do. Thank you for sharing them.

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Linda, for your link and comment.
Yes, Miney loves her walks.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your comment and your visit.
I look forward to seeing your critter link.
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 Karen, for your link and comment.
The Lady Slipper are a beautiful wildflower.
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 Yogi, for your links over the years and your comments. Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your link and comment.
I enjoy the Catbirds too, I have a couple that are constantly talking outside my window. Take care, have a wonderful week!

Penelope Notes said...

Love the quote about bird songs and hope. Congratulations on 600 critter posts, Eileen! And what a treat it must be to find orchids in the wild. :)

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Maria, for your link and comment!
The Lady Slipper orchids are very pretty!
Take care, have a wonderful week!

Little Wandering Wren said...

Oh look at that a House Wren and a Carolina Wren on your Merlin sounds! I've just downloaded this app and think I could seriously become addicted. Happy days one of the first birds to sing was a Eurasian Wren - Happy Days. Loved seeing all you photos as well.
Have a lovely week
Wren x

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen
Beautiful birds and flowers.
Lovely to see Miney enjoying her walks.
Happy weekend and Happy Fathers Day wishes for your hubby and son ... and to all those who celebrate.

All the best Jan

Marie Smith said...

I saw my first Catbird a month ago. Love its song. Great captures. Have a great week, Eileen!

Veronica Lee said...

What a beautiful area you live in!
Love seeing all the different birds that call it home—such a treat to spot so many species!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Wren, for your comment and your visit.
The Merlin App is fun, I am glad you heard the Eurasian Wren. Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

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

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Tom , for your comment and your visit.
We did have a colorful Spring!
Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marci, for your comment and your visit.
The Merlin App is fun, I enjoy using it while on my walks.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jenn , for your comment and your visit.
I agree, the Peacock is a star.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jan, for your comment and your visit.
I do love all the birds and blooms, such a treat for the eyes.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Marie , for your comment and your visit.
The Catbird has many fun sounds.
Take care, have a wonderful week!

eileeninmd said...

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

Majo Dutra said...

Pictures of the flowers, and birds are wonderful and enchanted me.
I liked seeing Minie and the peacock...
Very happy summer days.
~~~~~~

Hena Tayeb said...

So many lovely birds you heard and saw.

Life Images by Jill, Western Australia said...

Happy Tuesday Eileen. Always so enjoyable to see your birds and wildflowers. Your lady slipper orchid seems a little similar to our slipper orchid, which flowers in summer along one of our trails. Enjoy your week Eileen. 600 Critter posts! Congratulations!

Life Images by Jill, Western Australia said...

Hi again Eileen, I went back and checked out my slipper orchids photos. Ours are different as of course they would be. :) https://lifeimagesbyjill.blogspot.com/2020/12/summer-colour-in-south-west-western.html

eileeninmd said...

Thank you for your visit and comment.
Happy Summer to you!
Take care, have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks so much for the visit and your comment.
Take care, have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Jill, I appreciate the comment.
Our Lady Slippers bloom in May along our local fire road.
They are only seen in one spot and come back each year as long as no one picks the flowers. Take care, have a great day!

eileeninmd said...

Thanks Jill, I am going to check out your link now.
Have a great day!

Marco Luijken said...

Hello Eileen,
Very nice pictures. Great to see all the special kind of birds.
Funny with that bird app.
The pictures of the nature are very nice too. Nice post Eileen!!

Many greetings,
Marco

eileeninmd said...

Tank you Marco, I appreciate your comment.
Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

Laura. M said...

Gran post Eileen y Felicidades a los padres de tu familia.
Buena semana.
Un abrazo.

eileeninmd said...

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

EricaSta said...

I'm back again... with headache, it's to hot. But I would like to thank you for your nice comment and for linking at MosaicMonday

eileeninmd said...

Thank you Heidrun, for hosting Mosaic Monday.
Stay cool and take care! Enjoy your day!

Teresa said...

Tienes mucha suerte de ver y escuchar tantos pájaros. Siempre me encantan tus paseos. Abrazos y disfruta del fin de semana.

Timelesslady said...

Hi Eileen, Forgive me if this is a double comment. I thought I had commented a few days ago, but I don't think it went through. Thank you for commenting on my critter for this week. I enjoy your posts and taking part in the link.

Happy Monday!

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