I’m Waiting

Apparently my state forgot to pay its heat bill this weekend as we are experiencing well below cold temps since late Friday night. This even came with some of the white fluffy stuff we here about so often when we return from our winter retreat. Nothing stuck which is unfortunate as one of our wells is incredibly stressed and we could have used that to help re-saturate the ground. Last week decided to haul water and top it off just to insure we stay off the new well as much as possible. Beyond that, things are definitely looking up. They are ramping me up in physical therapy and the ankle (and the rest of the body) is taking well to the work. Surgeon even released me to go without the brace for routine outings – a break the chains moment for me as I’ve been in either a boot, surgery bandages or a brace every day since January. Now I start shifting my sights from recovery to training and that is where my mindset needs to be to keep the crazies at bay. Beyond that, the only other thing to mention is the 2025 Halloween season is officially over. Today I got the last of the props back in storage and the RV back in the out building – luck would have it I had to finish it off in the freezing temps. Definitely looking forward to shifting our event back to its usual time at the end of September as my hands were constantly reminded me I wasn’t a Polar Bear. Probably should get to what brought you here today, another featured feathered friend to enjoy!

Hit the jump, but warning, wildlife was harmed in the lead up to this post.

Seems appropriate to hearken back to a setting that had PLENTY of water –

Come and read-a my story
‘Bout a man named Bri
A dry Brimfielder,
Barely kept his shallow-wells full.
And then one day
He was shootin’ at Her-on,
And all around the rocks was a-bubblin’ gold
Water that is, Texas [City] tea.

I should probably stop dating myself like that, but in my defense my relationship with that show was only reruns as I was ~4 when that show ended. So, obviously this series of shots was taken at the Texas City Dike. For those not familiar with this location, this dike is considered the longest man-made fishing pier in the world being nearly 5.3 miles in length extending out into the Texas City Channel (there does appear to be some challenges to this, but for our purposes I honor their claim). The channel is a major shipping lane to the Gulf of America/Mexico (pick your poison, I have better things to worry about) and the dike was introduced to help address sediment buildup, cross winds and then later protection for the city itself from damaging winds and hurricanes. I am not knowledgeable on how effective that is, but I do know Hurricane Ike battered it bad causing its closure for nearly two years afterwards. Note, Texas City is still there, so evidence suggests it met expectations.

Of course, today’s feathered friend could not care less about the historical significance of this particular dike, but it clearly recognizes this location as a place abundant in food. I happened to be looking for a rarity Purple Sandpiper on this trip when I came upon this Great Blue Heron that was quite proud of his capture. Somewhat fortunate for me as I never did locate that Sandpiper, which would have been a lifer for me. Before I go any further, I should mention I try not to play any favorites in the “wildlife” circle of life. The good thing about big glass is it tends to put you right up close to those raw events – the bad thing about big glass is it tends to put you right up close to those raw events. To eliminate any doubt..this fish was the life “giver” that day.

Honestly, I think this Heron was pretty proud of its catch as it basically stayed put while it bird-handled its prey completely aware I was there. This Dike can be a busy place and likely conditioned to human interaction – if not a direct beneficiary as I’ve seen them snatch up a fisherman’s castoff. To its credit, our specimen caught this likely Hardhead Catfish all on its own. Note, my fish species knowledge is right up there with my expertise on mating rituals of the Northern Bald Ibis.

There I stood/sat/kneeled/somersaulted and attempted handstands in an effort to capture as many shots I could of this feeding Heron as it speared and tossed its prize about. Linda was clearly getting restless back at the car (remember, I was supposed to be shooting a Purple Sandpiper), but I really wanted to see how that fish was going to make it down that throat. I’d seen it successfully done before, but this was the closest I had ever been to the act. Patience, patience, patience…and then…

..it achieved the proper downing position, threw its neck up and …then it stopped. A quick scan of the area didn’t reveal any encroaching Pelicans – not even a single Gull ridiculously claiming rights from afar. The peep show was over, the curtain was coming down. “Come on, my reader peeps really want to you finish this fish off!” Clearly not a persuasive argument as the Heron spit the fish back out, stabbed it again and headed for a more private place.

Sorry to leave you hanging everyone, but this Heron was just a big tease.

Well now it’s time to say
Goodby to Bri and all his shots,
He would like to thank
You folks for kindly droppin’ in.
You’re all invited back again to this locality
To have a heapin’ helpin’ of his photography

Take care everyone and for the record, I know nothing about the mating rituals of the Northern Bald Ibis…but it is one of the 10 rarest animals in the world so thinking it isn’t very good at it ha.