- good morning friends -
I am writing these words today, as I have slept for the better part of the week.
It is 3 a.m. on this gorgeous Saturday morning and I decided to share some images I took on
Valentines Day.
While writing, I am keeping a watchful eye on the back window.
I have convinced myself that I will be rewarded for getting up early with a beautiful sunrise,
we shall see.
I feel better, a little happier and I am now certain I am not going to die.
It was touch and go for a few days there.
The last time I was outside the house was last Saturday, for our Valentines Celebration.
Sunday morning I woke to undeniable Covid symptoms.
I did not pick it up at the lovely restaurant,
as it would have taken longer for the symptoms to rear their ugly heads.
These pictures are from our special day...
after eating we parked at the inlet across the street to watch the afternoon happenings.
We saw 2 of the more common winter ducks, ones we only see at the Jersey Shore during winter.
The first 5 pictures are of one of my favorites...
The Long Tailed Duck
Sexes are dissimilar, I believe all of these are males.
They are attractive diving ducks and only the males sport the long tail.
In all of the pictures I took, I could see the tail falling and cascading in the water.
I think they look like puppies.
This is the best picture that captures the long cascading tail.
The next 4 images are of a...
Although a familiar diving duck, they only visit us here at the Jersey Shore in the winter.
They are said to be similar to the Greater Scaups counterparts
but the peaked crown is a reliable diagnostic feature as is the upper wing pattern when in flight.
I am fairly confident these are all females.
The tan book on the left was my Aunts book...she was my favorite person.
We spent many hours watching birds at her dining room window.
All of these pictures were taken on Valentines Day.
Sharing today's images with Eileen at
for Saturdays Critters
I am relieved to hear you are beginning to feel better. Covid is still nasty.
ReplyDeleteOh no, Debbie. So sorry you were this sick. I've not been reading blogs until just this last day or so because I've been off in declutter land. So glad that you're feeling that you won't die. Did you get that terrible Covid headache too? Either way, not fun at all. Here's to a good rest of the weekend for you. ❤️
ReplyDeleteyes, i did get the nasty headache...i could not even move my head. this is my 3rd dance with covid, this one was about as bad as the first. i felt better a lot sooner this time, it's not gone, but i can function!! and blog!!
DeleteLiving in north central WI I can say, I've never seen some of the waterfowl you share. The first black and white ones - so pretty! Hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better. That ugly virus is still around. It's why we continue to wear our masks when in groceries or crowds. It's no guarantee, but at least it's something we can do (besides the vaccine). I remember years ago when I had the flu (back in 1991 I think), I thought (and possibly wanted) to die. Never missed a flu vaccine after that... even as I said, there's no guarantees. Take it easy. Sending hugs and good vibes your way!
ReplyDeleteLove the Lesser Scaup images. I saw a Greater Scaup here today.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, excellent photos of these ducks. I like them. Have a nice weekend !
ReplyDeleteHello Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you are feeling better, if I remember correctly you have had Covid previously too. The Long-tailed ducks are beautiful and one of my favorites. The Scaups are cute too. I love all your photos, well done. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Bummer you got covid. Hope you feel better soon! Stunning photos of the ducks with the really long tail. Don't think they come to Kansas. Linda
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are feeling better. Covid is so nasty. Great pics as usual.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are feeling better. Love the pictures of the ducks. I have never seen one like the one in the first picture
ReplyDeleteSo very pleased to read that you are beginning to feel better, Covid can be very nasty... keep on improving.
ReplyDeleteI send healing wishes across the miles.
I did enjoy looking at all the lovely photographs you've shared.
All the best Jan
I am so so thankful you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteThose ducks are beautiful!!!
So happy to hear you're feeling better! These Valentine's Day shots are lovely.
ReplyDeleteYou see the most fantastic critters in your area! These are absolutely beautiful. And good news you're improving!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful winter ducks!
ReplyDeleteIt's so great you're on the mend; it's something going around to so many folks. Your feathered water friends here are a day brightener for me! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYour photos of the winter ducks are so pretty. Sorry to hear about your bout of Covid and that it was a bad one. Glad you are over the worst and best wishes for a speedy complete recovery.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever seen a Long-tailed Duck.
ReplyDeleteI am still working on catching up and did not realize you'd been so sick until just this minute -- I'm so sorry and glad you are recovering, Covid is awful. I love the ducks and that one picture for sure sure looks like a swimming spaniel puppy, so funny! Don't overdo -- it takes a while to be yourself, even after covid even after the test comes back negative.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos! I’m glad you are recovering.
ReplyDeleteso good to hear you are doing better, sounds like it hit you quite hard. I sure hope you were rewarded with a lovely sunrise since you were up early to see it :)
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh because before I read you say they look like puppies I was thinking the same thing, such lovely unique markings they have, I am glad you enjoyed a wonderful day before getting so sick.
I am late in reading this post, Debbie, and glad you had a wonderful V-Day celebration, but unfortunate to read about your sickness. Hope you are fully recovered now.
ReplyDeleteDear Debbie, I am so sorry that you had issues with your health. I am glad to hear that you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you so much for your kind comment on my blog.
I have been tired too of hearing people complain about the weather.
I love Winter and snow ❄️ and am grateful to be living in Montreal where we have 4 seasons. Praise God.
Your posts are beautiful and inspiring, and so are you. Thank you so much for sharing.