Life Intrigued

Blue Means it’s Frisky Time

Well, we are in April now and it is time for me to start earning my keep around here – break time is over boys and girls – at least as it pertains to my absence. Big thanks to Brad and Jan for keeping the ball rolling here. The finger issue is still a concern, I just haven’t decided what course of action to take as the three possible options pretty much suck. On the positive side, the ankle continues to improve and now pushing 8 to 9 miles at a run and nearly every day. On the off days rucking the hardest bluff trails in the area for another 7 to 8 miles. Still a long way to go to hit my October goal, but the knee scooter sitting in the corner of the weight room is a constant reminder of the struggle. That isn’t the only progress this month. I’ve been working day and night to get through the spoils of the Texas trip (sheepishly looks down) from last year – I am trying, I am really, really, trying to get caught up. Along with that effort I did get another Halloween tutorial put together – will give a link to that at the end in case you are interested.

Linda: “All I hear is blah blah blah, how about finally getting to the real reason your audience is here!?!” “But my peeps like to know what I’m up to…“See that blue billed thingy right there, get to it, pronto!“

Tricolored Heron found at High Island Rookery, Texas in April 2024

That sound you just heard is the Intrigued CEO putting her foot down ha! How about we get to Little “Bird” Blue right after the jump.

Bad Day to be a Crab…by Brad Marks

Well, when I said in a previous post I was going to take a “break” I had no idea that was going to turn out to be literally. Some would say I might have jinxed myself, others might look at my recent history and invested in the predictive market. As a guiding rule, I prefer to focus on rehabing one injury at a time – stay focused, put the effort in, get past it and prioritize whatever is left. I was having issues with a joint in one of my fingers prior to retiring with a nod to typing being a major component of my career for all 31+ years. I exited the grind, it seemed to get better, started hurting again and then broke my elbow – new priority. Continued to hurt, then broke my ankle – new priority. Having been cleared of that latest injury, went back to my elbow surgeon to FINALLY deal with the finger. Words you do not want to hear when the doctor pulls up your xray – “Whoa, that joint isn’t just damaged, it’s obliterated!” Optimistic day, meet Craptastic day. Looking at joint replacement or joint fusion – for certain, my guitar days are officially over. Got a shot in the joint to relieve some of the pain until I make a decision. As a result, my break may extend longer than originally intended – at least until I can hit the E-C-D keys again. Worry not, for Brad has a number of great posts from their jet-setting adventures already in the queue to entertain you!

Take it away Brad…

One day during our Australian photo assignment, Jan and I went different directions. The tour group’s activity for the day was to go to the Great Barrier Reef, something I’ve always wanted to see. That is, until the wave conditions on the day were expected to be between 1-2 meters high (3-6 feet). Gads! Intrigued readers know of my fondness for small boats in rough seas . . . NOT! (see here) I made the choice that day to keep my feet firmly planted on land. Jan, who’s afraid of nothing (learned to ski Double Black Diamond runs when she was about five) went on the boat ride to Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef. She did tell me later that several people succumbed to motion sickness on the rough 45-minute transit to and from Green Island and that I would NOT have had a good time on the boat.

Once the tour bus took the rest of our group to the boat headed for Green Island, I grabbed my Aussie hat and went outside to see what the tidal flats of Cairns (pronounced “cans”) were offering that day. After an hour of photographing shore birds and wading birds in the tropical sun, something caught my eye in the trees to the right.

Sacred Kingfisher found by Brad Marks in Cairns, Australia

That’s NOT a wading bird!!! Hit the jump to read more about this fishing royalty!

White-Faced Heron…by Brad Marks

Hi folks! Rather big week for me personally. I mentioned previously I had a follow-up with my ankle surgeon last Thursday. Have to admit, was pretty apprehensive going in not really knowing what that outcome would be, which ended up being great news and not so great news. On the great front, ankle appears to be healed (as it is probably going to get) and fairly strong. All that rehab work paid off and now officially released to push it even harder and continue getting it to ultra-condition. Then the mood dampener came when he admitted the current level of “pain” will continue for some time – in the 1.5 year range. Apparently the residual level of annoyance still being experienced with shattered elbow will also occur with this latest injury. I can deal with this discomfort now that I know it has structural integrity. Celebrated with a 9 mile run yesterday (longest since the injury back in October 2024) and today went for a 25lb ruck for 7.5 miles on the hardest hills on the Illinois River bluff. I’m back baby hahahaha! As mentioned previously, I am taking a break (to develop the training plan for this October’s 100 miler race) and will be digging into Brad’s adventure queue – did I hear cheers, I think I heard cheers.

Take it away Brad…

How many times have you been birding and taking photographs when you think you know what the bird is in the viewfinder? Happens to me all the time. Not!

After breakfast on our first day in Cairns (pronounced “cans”) in Queensland, northern Australia, Jan and I decided to wander along the waterfront during very low tide. Our assignment from Intrigued HQ was to photograph anything that flies for future stories. Just “up” the beach from our hotel (towards the Equator to the left looking out over the water), a squadron of Australian Pelicans catches Jan’s eye. Off she runs to take some photos. About the same time, this heron-sized bird flies into view and I begin to wander to the right, or “down” the beach, to catch some photos. At first glance, through the tiny viewfinder, I think it’s a Little Blue Heron. It’s about the right size and color. I do notice there are some interesting colors and a bit of what looks like aging on its face. You know how some breeds of dogs (and Intrigued photographers) get white-faced when they are older? That’s what this looked like. I’ve only seen an adult Little Blue one time, but never a really old one. I take a few (dozen) photos and move along. Then my subconscious realizes something didn’t look quite right. Maybe this is a teenager in between juvenile and adult plumage? Nope. A morph with a Snow egret? Again, no dice. This is a whole new bird from what we’ve seen before. In other words, a +1 in birding parlance.

White-Faced Heron found by Brad Marks in Cairn's Australia

Did some devious clown bird throw a meringue pie in that Heron’s face? Hit the jump to learn more about this intriguing international specimen!

The Earl of Terns

Not sure who we pissed off, but the 75 degree weather we were enjoying has turned downright cold along with a steady 20-30 mph. By Monday they are expecting snow with a nightly windchill into those nasty negative numbers. One last gasp for Mr. Winter I guess before it gets its butt outta here. Braved the biting wind today to post my first 8 mile run since well before the ankle surgery last year. Admittedly, managed to see my lungs as they flamed out of my rib cage, but an excellent benchmark for the upcoming visit with the surgeon this week. Would like to push it a little more before the appointment if the weather calms down a bit. Beyond that, not much new other than after the run I braved the cold to stand in a large meadow in the middle of a forest in order to get the Timberdoodle checked off the list for this year. Accidentally got up close and personal with a Coyote that didn’t see me until it was too late – we both had a brief but intense moment of reflection – me hoping it didn’t see my weakened ankle and he wondering if that large black glass held projectiles. I waved, it pointed to its fangs and we mutually agreed not to send Christmas cards.

“Birds Bri, they are here for the birds.” Sorry, let’s get to that. I am actually planning on taking a break for a bit with the doctor’s visit coming up and we need to get our Washington trip planned. Brad and Jan are back from the field and figured that would be a good time to pop a few of their adventures off the queue to keep you entertained. Before I do that though, wanted to get this companion piece out to the previous Least Tern post. Like that featured feathered friend, todays is also a +1 for Intrigued (just leaving one Tern in my backlog queue if you are keeping score ha).

Sandwich Tern found on Convention Center Flats, Sout Padre Island, TX in March 2024

This Tern leaves quite the first impression eh? Hit the jump to see more shots of this readily ID’d Tern and learn a bit more about this particular species.

The Least of Them

So, last night Linda and I gathered up a few critical items and took them to the basement in light of the tornado armageddon that was supposedly heading our way. Things you don’t want to be looking for in your neighbor’s lots should the winds rip your roof off. We then went about our normal business as that is life in the Midwest. As per usual, predictions here were completely off (well wishes to those much further north that took a twister to the gut). The real oddity was I ran Friday – 72F, ran on Sunday – 61F, rucked on Monday – 68F, ran yesterday – 80F, the front comes through last night and today I headed out – it’s 33F and snowing. My body does not take too kindly to shorts one day and then a heavy coat the next.

In order to accelerate the hand warming, decided to do some tapping on the keyboard and bring you another featured feathered friend.

Least Tern found at Port Aransas South Jetty, TX in March 2024

One that also dislikes the cold winters and heads down to the Caribbean Islands and the northern shores of South America to keep its talons warm.

Hit the jump to read more about this diminutive Laridae family member.

Sawbills – and Call for Help

Greetings everyone! Good news, Brad and Jan have checked in and all appears to be going well on their current trip into the field. Luckily I had several years of Spanish so I could translate their message. Although at the ready, we will hold off on sending our lawyers guns and money. Not much really to relay from the Intrigued HQ beyond a personal highlight of getting in my first 7 miles road run since the ankle surgery. Not pretty by any means, but it means the hard work is finally paying off and on the trajectory to the end of the year 100 miler goal (crap, did I say that out loud – forget you saw that).

I do need some help from my birding friends familiar with the Northwest. The Canine Performance Events Agility Nationals are being held in Auburn, Washington at the end of May and I am looking for advice on good places to bird in the area. This is my first time visiting there in non-official work capacity and want to make the most of the birding opportunity. We are still planning our route, but it looks like the southern trek through Wyoming-Utah-Idaho-Oregon-Washington out and then across Washington-Montana-North Dakota-Minnesota back in order to catch Glacier NP. Any recommendations are welcome, but the Oregon/Washington hotspots are my main focus right now as that is the biggest opportunity for lifers for the trip. If you have some, feel free to drop those in the comments or I can send you out my email address if you prefer a more direct communication. Thanks in advance!!

Let’s not keep you waiting any longer and get you right to today’s featured feathered friend.

Male Red-Breasted Merganser found on North Jetty of Bolivar Peninsula in April 2024

Quite the splash of color on this specimen eh? Hit the jump to learn more about our thin-bill waterfowl.

Fancy Tail

Taking a break from fixing all our Haunted Trail decor that failed for one reason or another during our last event. Most of these are pretty easy having been at this for a while now, but there are those spirits in the machine that require a deeper dive into the finicky world of electronics – especially ones that were exposed to a nonstop deluge of rain like on our last night – damn thee weather gods ha. Needed to step away a bit to clear the head and figured it was a good time to relax and get a post out. In honor of the colors of Halloween, let’s go with a black(ish) and orange(ish) specimen for our featured feathered friend of the day.

Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher found on Laguna Madre Trail by South Padre Island Convention Center, TX in March 2024

Absolutely gorgeous from my perspective, but completing the theme, a nightmare for any insects that try to cross its killing field. Hit the jump to see more shots of this fancy-tailed Flycatcher.

Days in White Satin

Apologies to those patiently waiting for the far more entertaining stories from Brad and Jan, but I missed a small window I had between their trips into the field. Went with the two-parter on the RomEos (did everyone catch the RE or Reddish Egret secret coding there ha) and that ended up pushing us through February and now they are filling up their tins with new adventures. Have no worries, Brad has filled up his post queue so we’ll be getting to those upon their return – we like to keep our operatives focused in the field and not having to find creative ways to get access for replies etc. Long story short, you are stuck with me for at least the next couple of posts.

Being that we just featured a rather large, white (morphed) shorebird in our last two posts, decided to keep the theme going to start March off.

Great Egrets at High Island Rookery, Texas, March 2024

Granted, today’s featured feathered friend is larger than the Reddish Egret and naturally white versus a genetic variation, but you get the picture (literally ha). Hit the jump to learn more about these breeding plumaged Great Egrets – I promise to limit my use of song lyrics this time hehehe.

I’m Too Sexy for my Plumes (and some Brags)

We are quickly approaching another page turning on the calendar. Normally I feel a bit down when this time comes as it marks another month gone, never to be recovered and the inevitable “I could have done more” feeling that has nagged me most of my life. In this case.. bring it on, this weather is too damn COLD!! Sorry, I’m not conditioned for these Midwest Tundra Februaries anymore ha. Before I get into today’s “redemption” post, need to get some brags out of the way. Ruger and Raven had their end of the year award recognition event last week and they wanted to show off their trophy plaques.

Raven has had a pretty incredible agility career over his 11 years so far and likes to hold it over his younger brother that he is on his 4th board. Those plates represent all his Agility Titles including Championships with a Tricks title thrown in – “Eat my dust Ruger-child!“.

Ruger likes to point out that he is only 4 and already filling a 2nd board with his Agility Titles including Championships along with his FastCAT Championship titles (100yd dash) and a Versatility in Poodle Certificate – “Suck it old man Raven!“

Ruger Agility/FastCAT/Versatility Awards 2025

The brag bickering these two do back and forth on a daily basis is nearly insufferable. Don’t tell them or their heads will get bigger than they are, but we are very proud of both of them. The Boys and I are also very proud of “Mommy” who puts in all the work to get each of those plates. Well done everyone!

Okay, we need to get to today’s post which is really a companion piece to my last post.

Reddish Egrets found at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center in January of 2025

So, I got a lot of feedback on how sad they felt for the male Reddish Egret that was embarrassingly rejected in front of all the locals at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center (link here). It just so happens another encounter was occurring further south of there. Hit the jump to see if this meeting turned out any better.

Love Hurts

Before I go ANY further…

CONGRATULATIONS to our men’s and women’s Olympic hockey team players/coaches/staff – you did us proud!!! What the men did for the Gaudreau children is the antithesis for today’s post. Okay, back to the regularly scheduled programming (as I wipe away a few tears of joy).

Since I lost my voice thanks to “our” (I am sure I helped in some way) OT win this morning, figured I would sit quietly down and put the finishing touches on a post I was planning on putting out back on Valentine’s Day. Traditionally, I feature the “red” feathered birds for that special someone’s day – problem was I didn’t have one of those ready to go, so I went with a series that played out last year at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. After getting most of it ready to go, I decided that wasn’t a good time to feature courtship rejection.

Love hurts, love scars
Love wounds, and marks
Any heart, not tough
or strong enough

White Morph Reddish Egrets found at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, Port Aransas, TX in January 2025

You will understand after the jump.

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