Saturday, February 21, 2026

Saturday Critters #636

 - 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...


Female Lesser Scaup


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.


This is my collection of bird books...the ones I use to identify my feathered friends.
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

7 comments:

Marie Smith said...

I am relieved to hear you are beginning to feel better. Covid is still nasty.

The Happy Whisk said...

Oh 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. ❤️

Dicky Bird said...

Living 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.

Rian said...

Debbie, 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!

Adam Jones said...

Love the Lesser Scaup images. I saw a Greater Scaup here today.

Caroline said...

Hi Debbie, excellent photos of these ducks. I like them. Have a nice weekend !

eileeninmd said...

Hello Debbie,
I 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.