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!“
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.
As mentioned, it is April and for a large percentage of the bird world, that means it is time to get down to business. You know, the time when the male studs put on their finest digs, pop the cork on a good spirit, dim the lights, throw rose petals about the nest and put on Natalie Umbruglio (link here).
A majority of our time in Texas is spent during the winter as we escape the Midwest tundra months. Back in 2024, we switched up our plans and went to Arizona to escape the white stuff instead (ironically, only to have it snow on us for a majority of our time in the state). That provided us the opportunity to enjoy our adopted state during the start of the breeding season.
This provided us some excellent views of species in their breeding plumage – in some cases this was the first time I had ever experienced that transformation first hand…and I have to say, I was absolutely stunned at the extra level of beauty on display. This Tricolored Heron is a perfect example. Take a look at that neon blue bill and sassy white plumes sported by this breeding specimen.
Apologies for the high point of view in these shots. We were on the boardwalk at the High Island Rookery when this stunning specimen flew down and perched below us. There to pick out a sexy stick for its sweetie, perhaps to snag a bite to eat to keep the energy up or maybe to pick up a bottle of Inniskillen Ice Wine to sweeten the lips – answer…none of these.
It just sat there on the log Voguing for the paparazzi showing off its goods…look to the right, look down, look up, work it for the camera baby. “Be sure and get my good side that shows off my new blue bill, tantalizing eye and white ‘Call Me Maybe’ plumes“
I will admit, I wish the water was less slimy, seems a shame to be talking about a beautiful specimen in the proverbial bird gutter. Fortunately, based on the multitude of eligible Tricolor mates in the rookery with scarves on the nest doorknob, the quality of water doesn’t seem to be an issue. Wait, is that music I hear coming from the trees? I think it might be time for us to go ha.
Before I let you go, wanted to give a link to a new video from out Haunt Department. The Zombie Rooster! A short one this time as we were testing out our new camera and getting back into the groove from our long ankle layoff.
Take care everyone!
Life Intrigued 