Saturday, March 26, 2022

Saturday's Critters #432

 A spin around Lake of the Lilies never disappoints me.
The air has been crisp and cool on some days and warm and sunny on others.


There are always a lot of Mallards...they are here year round.
Can you handle those cute little tail curls?


The Greater Scaup
This is a bulky, robust diving duck, present here only during the winter.


The Red Winged Black Birds have returned, they do not spend winters here.



I see a lot of Killdeer during my visits and have hundreds of pictures of them.


The Killdeer is boldly marked, long legged and noisy.
This Plover has long wings and a long tail, when standing, it has a more elongated appearance.
Sexes are similar.


I love the way the feathers look in this picture.





The Mute Swans are slowly returning.


My bird book says that these swans are here year round but I don't see them in the winter.



- for one minute, walk outside, stand there, in silence, 
look up at the sky and contemplate how amazing life is -

Sharing today's images with Eileen at 
for Saturday Critters

19 comments:

Lisa said...

I used to have a mallard that would lay her eggs in my flower bed. She visited every summer for the first 3 years after we bought our home. I sure miss her. Those Greater Scaup are amazing. You have some incredible pictures.

Marie Smith said...

I saw the first blackbird of the year yesterday. They are back already. A Kildeer walked along the icy shoreline too. It must have been in shock amidst the ice and snow there. It wasn’t long and slim but puffed up…no wonder!

Susie said...

I enjoyed seeing the ducks and birds. I also like to hear the red wing blackbird's calls. I heard some last weekend on a nature walk with my daughter. This morning I woke up to snow. Bummer, it just seems so cold after nicer days. Blessings to you and yours, xoxo, Susie

Debbie said...

translated: I enjoyed these beautiful photographs.
A hug and have a nice weekend.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love the Killdeer...they have such a beautiful pose! I thought of you yesterday. We saw a pair of Wood Ducks on our way into our hike...on the way out, 2 babies! I got SO excited! We only got one decent photo of them but they sure were cute! Happy weekend!

Conniecrafter said...

Oh I didn't notice the curl in the tail until you mentioned it, glad you did :) I so love the killdeer, not sure if it is because they are petite or the markings/coloring or what it is! Always a treat to find flowers blooming, love that quote too!

Breathtaking said...

Hello Debbie,:=) WoW! Amazing photography! Your images are beautiful and sharp. The only bird I see of all these birds is the Mallard. They make a handsome pair in your images.The killdeer is such a distinctive bird with those dark rings around his neck and chest. The plovers I have seen, are tiny by comparison. The Red-winged Blackbird is a beauty, and the elegant swans are always nice to see. Lovely post Debbie.:=)

eileeninmd said...

Hello Debbie,
Beautiful birds, your photos are always a treat to see. I think the Killdeer and the Swans are my favorites. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

RedPat said...

I always love to see a Kildeer and your shots of this one are great.

Mae Travels said...

The red-winged blackbirds are a lovely sign of spring here too.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Debbie said...

hi susie...i keep hoping you will post an update but i do really appreciate your comments. i think this may be a difficult month for you, so i am sending you extra hugs!! thanks so much for checking in!!

The Furry Gnome said...

Love them all!

Ruth Hiebert said...

What a treat to visit your blog! Each bird image is exquisite.

DrumMajor said...

Well, I didn't know the male mallard had to curl up his tush to show off and get a date. Beautiful close-ups of your bird friends.
Every spring, I'd see a red-winged blackbird who seems to live in the circle area of a highway off ramp, which is kind of reedy. Linda in Kansas

Linda said...

Great collection of birds!

21 Wits said...

Oh thank you for posting the charming and darling Killdeer which is always a treat for me, and you have some gorgeous ones, not that the other feathered friends aren't wonderful they all are! Enjoy your week ahead.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Gorgeous birds Debbie. I love the Kildeer, when we lived at the Lake in Oregon the RV Park manager would put up little string fences around their nests on the ground so walkers wouldn't step on them. That was one of the reasons I loved that spot!

Debbie said...

hi linda...red winged black birds love reedy areas and water, those are the 2 places you will almost always find them!!

Brian King said...

Beautiful! Our blackbirds have been back for a couple of weeks, too. You were right about not disappointing!