Happy Thankful Thursday!

 Happy Thursday!

 I am continuing with my throwback photos of our visits to various National Wildlife Refuges around the USA.  I found out due to shortages of workers at the wildlife refuges, many of the wildlife refuges are lumped together and called a complex. A complex can consists of up to 7 or more wildlife refuges in one area of a state. A refuge complex could possibly only have a few part time or full time workers.  If you visit, you might want to check to make sure it is not closed for hunting and or maintenance. Visitors centers maybe closed due to COVID but the wildlife drives and trails are open.

 

I have so many photos, I had to break up the post. With these COVID times, we are not traveling. I am thankful to share some archived photos, I hope you enjoy. I am thankful for all these wonderful memories hubby and I have while traveling.

 

1.  I am starting off this post with  our visit to New Mexico, we were able to visit 2 wildlife refuges. This first one is called Bitter Lake NWR, not far from Roswell New Mexico. Below are the Sandhill Cranes, refuge sign, possible Lesser Goldfinch, Pied-billed Grebe, Loggerhead Shrike, White Pelicans with ducks and more Sandhill Cranes.

Click on photos for larger viewing....

 

 

 

Bitter Lake NWR this is a link to my original visit and post.

 2. While on the wildlife drive we saw the migrating Sandhill Cranes, ducks, geese and many other species of birds. Pretty view of the refuge located where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the Southern Plains and wetland area of the Pecos River watershed.

Bosque Del Apache NWR link to original post and photos.

3. This refuge is located in San Antonio New Mexico. This was one of my favorite refuges in New Mexico, the birding was great. I actually saw a Mountain Lion crossing the wildlife drive, my first time seeing this critter. Below are the Sandhill Cranes, top right is the Road Runner a lifer for this trip, Gambel's Quail lifer, White-crowned Sparrow, Marsh Wren, Snow Geese, Northern Harrier and Killdeer.

4. Sunset at the Bosque Del Apache NWR , flock of blackbirds with the Cranes.
 

 

 

 Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge   a link to my original post and photos.

5. This refuge is located in the Finger Lakes region near Seneca New York. Below are sightings from the wildlife drive the Purple Martins, Great Egrets, Canada Geese, Red-wing Blackbirds, Bald Eagle, Northern Shoveler duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Tern, Gadwall ducks, DC Cormorant, Song Sparrow, Mallards, unknown Sandpiper and lots of turtles. 

 

Pea Island NWR  my original post and photos.

6. This wildlife refuge is located in North Carolina at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Pea Island is one of 9 refuges that make up the North Carolina Coastal Refuge complex.  Below are the Great Egret, Double-crested Cormorants, White Pelicans, Swan, Ruddy Ducks and a Eastern Meadowlark.

 

 

 

 7.  Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge,  Oak Harbor Ohio. My visit here was a quick.  I was on a trip  with a couple of birding friends to Magee Marsh in Ohio. Magee Marsh is a famous spot for spring time birding. My friends and I drove the Ottawa NWR wildlife drive, visited their visitor center, we saw the Bald Eagles, Egrets, deer and the White-crowned Sparrow.  

 

Cape Meares NWR  My original post and photos

 

8. Oregon, one of my favorite states to visit. Hubby and I drove up and down the Oregon coast. Along one section of the coast is the Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Three Arch Rocks, Oregon Islands NWR complex. Nesting seabirds include the Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemots, Pelagic Cormorants and the Black Oystercatcher.  The Cape Meares Lighthouse is actually part of a state park, the surrounding area is the wildlife refuge.

9. A view of one of the islands, covered with nesting seabirds.

 

John Heinz NWR   original post and photos

10. This mosaic is photos from our visit to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum Township Pennsylvania. It is not far from Philadelphia PA. 

Included below the boardwalk trail at the wildlife refuge, views of the wetlands, turtles, ducks, marsh wren and flowers.

Savannah NWR South Carolina my original post and photos.

Now down the east coast to South Carolina, we were able to visit 2 national wildlife refuges in this state. We have been to the Savannah NWR and Pinckney Island NWR. 

11. Savannah NWR photos below lots of turtle with alligator, lots of alligators, Glossy Ibis, White Ibis, Green Heron, Great Egret with the Snowy Egret. Part of the Savannah NWR is in South Carolina and part is also in Georgia. We have been to both, the wildlife drive and the visitor center.

 

Pinckney Island NWR  My original post and photos.

 

12. Pinckney Island NWR South Carolina near Hilton Head SC .

 Below, Eastern Blue Birds, Common Moorhen, Great Egret, Little Blue Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, White Ibis with gator and Phoebes.

 

I will have one more post to finish off my National Wildlife Refuge visits.  I am thankful to enjoy all my moments with hubby.  Thankful for the joy of seeing wildlife.

Go outside and breathe deeply.  Enjoy every moment. 

Take care and stay safe! 


Live simple and be happy!  😊 Keep smiling!

Thank you Martha for hosting Throwback Thursday 

Thank you Michelle for hosting Thankful Thursday. 
 

Thank you to Yogi the host of   Skywatch Friday
 

Thank you to Jutta the host of Nature Thursday

Thank you for visiting and for your nice comments on my previous post. Have a happy day!!  😊

 

Happy Thankful Thursday!

Happy Thursday!

Happy October everyone, are you feeling the chilly air now?  We have had quite a few mornings with temps in the 30's, it felt like winter to me.  There is always lots happening lately, good and bad.  My son and DIL are having a gender reveal party this weekend. So we will go wearing our face mask and trying to keep a social distance.  These are scary times! Over 200,000 (206,852 as of Oct 1st) Americans have died from Covid. More deaths every day.  This virus is not under control, a vaccine may be ready in the 2nd or 3rd quarter in 2021 for the larger population. Wear your Mask! 

 

With the loss RBG and COVID, do we need to worry the Supreme Court  possibly overturning the  ACA affecting our coverage of healthcare. Are you worried about your pre-existing conditions being covered, the future cost of your healthcare? 

On the bright side, hubby and I are taking our walks with nature. Nature is my happy place.  Recently we visited a few different parks, a few of our favorite places for the birds and scenery. 

1. These are photos from our Sept 20th visit to North Point State Park in Baltimore County. My previous visits to North Point SP can be seen here.

 

2.  Bird and wildlife sightings: Great Blue Heron, Eastern Phoebe, Northern Flickers, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Little Blue Herons, Slider Turtles, Mallards, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Wood Duck, Yellow-throated Warbler and a couple of Belted Kingfishers. 

3. A juvenile Little Blue Heron, click on photo for larger viewing. 

4. Little Blue Herons  are usually seen at this park during the spring and summer. They should all be leaving soon.. 

5. The next 2 photos are for my Throwback Thursday theme
 

Four years ago, I used to see the Red-headed Woodpecker at this park.  They are not seen here any more, are these woodpeckers another bird that is disappearing? 

6. A Throwback Thursday and Skywatch image from the North Point State Park.

7. A view of the Chesapeake Bay from the park, I thought I could see a Bald Eagle sitting on perch out in the bay.

8. A Little Blue Heron and a Mallard looking for a meal.

9. The bay was looking a little choppy from the wind, but I believe one of these birds is a Bald Eagle, one on the left.  Edited thanks to David.

10. It was nice to see the turtles out sunning themselves. 

11. A view of the Chesapeake Bay from the trail.

 I am thankful my hubby and I are staying healthy, all of my family is healthy and happy.  I am always thankful for nature, thankful for the Maryland State Parks. Go outside and breathe deeply.  Enjoy every moment. 

Take care and stay safe! 


Live simple and be happy!  😊 Keep smiling!

Thank you Martha for hosting Throwback Thursday 

Thank you Michelle for hosting Thankful Thursday. 
 

Thank you to Yogi the host of   Skywatch Friday
 

Thank you to Jutta the host of Nature Thursday

Thank you for visiting and for your nice comments on my previous post. Have a happy day!!  😊

Happy Thankful Thursday!

 Happy Thursday!  

Hubby and I enjoy our local walks on the near by fire roads. On this day we walked for a little over 2 miles round trip from our house. I had some luck finding birds at what was once a clear cut area in the forest.  The Yellow-billed Cuckoo were seen out in the open, eating the tent caterpillars.  We also saw 20 or more Cedar Waxwings and a juvenile or female Scarlet Tanager.  On this day I had that deja vu feeling, maybe because previous years we had the same bird sightings during a similar walk.

1. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo, we saw at least 3 of these birds during our walk.  One has a tent caterpillar in it's mouth.

2. I watched a flock of Cedar Waxwings flying around us, a few times I caught them sitting on top of a tree branch, one photos has a juvenile or female Scarlet Tanager with 2 Cedar Waxwings.

 

3. Adult Cedar Waxwing

 

 

Gratitude turns what we have into enough. We are thankful for pretty sky days and lovely weather. My prayers go out to all in the areas with the wildfires. It is so sad to see so much loss and devastation..

4. Below is the Great-crested Flycatcher, middle photo is a possible Tennessee Warbler and Red-eyed Vireo on the bottom photo.

 

 5. Cedar Waxwings, there are 2 on one branch and the Scarlet Tanager is below on the right side.

6. I was happy to see this Yellow-billed Cuckoo out in the open a few times.

 

7. Another one of the 3 Yellow-billed Cuckoo that we saw during this one walk.

 

 

 For Martha's Throwback Thursday and Skywatch Friday. I am sharing the following 3 photos from my archives. A  view of some fall colors of our nearby reservoir and a sunset at the Prettyboy reservoir. A photo of our Goldie Girl, she is missed . 

8. Some fall trees and sky reflecting at Prettyboy.

9. Prettyboy sunset, you can be blessed just being in the right place at the right time. 

10. Sky reflecting at Prettyboy reservoir.

I am thankful for my archived photos of Goldie Girl, she was loved and is missed.  We remain thankful to be virus-free and healthy.

 I hope everyone takes care and stay safe. 

Live simple and be happy!  😊 Take care, keep smiling!


Thank you to Martha  @ Throwback Thursday linky  
and her Seaside Simplicity
Thank you Michelle for hosting Thankful Thursday. 
Thank you to Yogi the host of   Skywatch Friday


Thanks so much for visiting and for your nice comments on my previous post. Have a happy day!!

Happy Thankful Thursday!

 Happy Thursday!

I am thankful to see some migrating birds right in my back yard.  The warblers love to eat the berries off of the Devil's Walking Stick also known as Aralia spinosa .  The birds also catch a lot of bugs that hang around the blooms. 

Early September, I had a quick look at a Black-throated Blue Warbler. It was seen jumping around on our butterfly bush. I think it was catching bugs. He is hiding behind a part of the bush.  I can see it's white belly and some of the black-throat and a white spot on it's back wing. He landed on my deck railing for a short bit, I wasn't able to take a clear shot.

For Martha's  Throwback Thursday: I am sharing 2 archived photos of the Black-throated Blue Warbler eating the berries from the Devil's Walking Stick in our yard.  Photo below is from Sept 22, 2018.

I am thankful for nature, it is a treat to see these beautiful birds in my back yard.

Oct 8, 2013, a Throwback Thursday image of the Black-throated Warbler seen in our yard. 

  On Sept 9th, I started seeing more Fall Warblers show up in my back yard.  Below are photos taken through my windows of  the Magnolia Warbler.  The Magnolia Warbler has a gray face and eye ring, streaked underparts. 

 

I am going back and forth on id of  the bottom bird, the fall warblers, male and female can look so different. Is it a Pine Warbler, the little bit of rusty look side and white eye ring are throwing me off my guess.

I do not mind being corrected if I am wrong about my id's. 

 

Edit: thank you to both David and Sondra for the id of my second bird, it is a Bay-breasted Warbler. 

Sept 12th photos are from a recent walk on the local fire road. The top left and middle photos are the female and male American Redstarts, top right is the Black and White Warbler,  Bottom left is a Cardinal, middle bottom is looking up at the underparts of an American Redstart and bottom right is a Eastern Wood Pewee. They are all hiding behind branches and leaves, these images are mainly just for a record of the birds we saw that walk.

 

 

 My skywatching has taken place right in my backyard. The following two photos were taken just seconds apart. Thankful for colors!  The colors in the clouds changes quickly. 

I am always thankful for the simple joys: the birds and pretty colorful skies. 
My thankful list for September: happy memories, a joyful and a peaceful life, our home and the fall season.

Take care and stay safe! 


Live simple and be happy!  😊 Keep smiling!

Thank you Martha for hosting Throwback Thursday 

Thank you Michelle for hosting Thankful Thursday. 
Thank you to Yogi the host of   Skywatch Friday


Thank you for visiting and for your nice comments on my previous post. Have a happy day!!  😊

Happy Thankful Thursday

 Hello, everyone!

I am sharing photos for another throwback Thankful Thursday. Photos are again from my archives. They are images from past trips, happy memories for hubby and I.  We like looking back at trips, wishing we could travel to some beautiful place right now.   I had to renew my passport, it was expiring soon. I renewed the passport at the USPS office closest to me, this was done back in the middle of June. I finally received my new passport this week. Traveling out of the country is not about to happen any time soon, most countries do not want people from the USA visiting because of the Covid virus.

I wish this virus was gone. For now I am thankful to be  safe, healthy and happy.  

I am always thankful to see the beauty around me.  The Oregon Coastline is beautiful.  In 2012, hubby and I visited Cannon Beach in Oregon.  I loved seeing the famous Haystack Rock.

Previously our endangered species were being protected, now the current administration has weakened the Endangered Species Act.  

This is a view of the Hoh River, Olympic Nat'l Park Washington State. Our national parks are special places, great for exploring nature. I am thankful for the National Park Service for taking care and protecting these special places.

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, Albuquerque New Mexico. The Cottonwood Trees were just beautiful.  This was a 2013 trip to New Mexico/Texas

We took the Lady of the Lake ferry to spend a few days in the North Cascades Lodge in Stehekin. This view is of the North Cascades and Lake Chelan, Washington in 2010.

  Below a view of the bridge from Deception Pass State Park, May 2017

 While we are being distracted by other things, there are national parks  at risk with mining, gas and oil drilling. So far the courts have stopped some of abuse of our protected federal lands. Our leader is far from being a great environmental president, more like the opposite. 

The Grand Tetons Nat'l Park.  

Key West Florida sunset in 2013.
 

Sunset at Presque Isle State Park, Erie Pennsylvania, 2017

 Hobe Sound Beach Florida 2019

 Landscape Arch, Arches Nat'l Park in Utah  2008

 Hurricane Ridge, Olympic Nat'l Park in 2015

I am thankful for all our national parks, they were created to protect and preserve these lands.  The national parks are not for the current administration to lease out or sell the land for mining, the oil and gas companies tearing up the land. I often wonder about our country's future. What will be left of our country, for our children and grandchildren?



Since we are staying close to home, I have been enjoying looking back at our travels and archived photos. I am thankful I have my external hard drives sitting next to my computer for quick access.  I hope you enjoy!

I hope everyone take care and stays safe. 

Live simple and be happy!  😊 Take care, keep smiling!


Thank you to Martha  @ Throwback Thursday linky  
and her Seaside Simplicity
Thank you Michelle for hosting Thankful Thursday. 
Thank you to Yogi the host of   Skywatch Friday


Thanks so much for visiting and for your nice comments on my previous post. Have a happy day!!