Tag: Playa Kenepa Grandi

Small Corn Bird…by Brad Marks

Hello everyone! The adage regarding the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated (or the many other variations of that saying) come to mind after my absence here these last 6 or so days. I am proud to say our annual haunt event is officially in the books and based on the feedback received so far, a huge success. I do not want to go into detail now and take away from Brad’s post – not to mention I really, really need some sleep, but I did want to note how much we appreciated all the prep/build help we received this year. Especially my brother Ron who spent many a weekend down here working very long hours and the rest of the Intrigued staff, including Brad and Jan, who spent multiple days in the rain and mud with us to get the props into the absolutely saturated valley, stage the scenes and power it all up – forever grateful! Not sure how much sleep I actually got over these last couple of weeks, however I can tell you the somewhere along the trail sits the 14 pounds I lost in the process. Just need to finish the tear down, restore the body and then get focused on the big race in a short couple of weeks. Will hopefully touch base again soon, but until then, enjoy another incredible find from Brad and Jan on their Caribbean assignment.

Take it away Brad…

Jan and I were enjoying a warm Caribbean day overlooking a beach taking photos.  We were on assignment in Curaçao (pronounced “kyer-uh-SAU” or “cure-uh-SOW” with the end rhyming with how or plow) and had stopped for a bit at Playa Kenepa Grandi (Large Kenepa Beach in English) on the island of Curaçao. 

Most of the members of our tour group were ignoring the fantastic view from the bluff and were standing in line for a frozen adult treat, or visiting the facilities.  The beach was about a quarter mile away and 100 feet below us. Picture a horseshoe; we were standing near the left end of an upturned horseshoe with the beach down in the “saddle” area of the “U”. There was a winding trail from the edge of the parking lot down to the beach. It was rumored to be a clothing optional beach, but we were unable to verify. Imagine, if you will, light blue water near the beach and graduating to a deep blue further out to sea. There was also a slight ocean breeze blowing towards us from the beach.  Jan and I, of course, were exercising our cameras.

While photographing the bright orange Venezuelan Troupial (link here), this other yellow bird kept leaping into the frame. Later in our photoshoot, we found out that two other bright yellow birds were indeed juvenile Troupials. So, who is this photobombing bird? The new bird looked a bit different than the juvenile Troupials we caught a few minutes later. This new yellow bird wasn’t making any noise so Merlin couldn’t help.

Yellow Orioled found by Brad and Jan on Playa Kenepa Grandi

Learn more about this colorful photobomber after the jump!

Continue reading Small Corn Bird…by Brad Marks

Bugle Birds…by Brad Marks

Wow, July is really “cooking” by – literally ha. We were spoiled with a few recent mornings/nights in the low 60’s but today’s morning run was a return to the humidity wall – the “feels like” section in the weather report shot to 106F degree by mid-day. To be honest, beyond the trail of sweat left on the pavement, I didn’t really notice the heat as I was completely captivated by today’s podcast selection. Not a big surprise as Mike Rowe’s ‘The Way I Heard’ It is a masterclass in how to find and interview intriguing individuals. Thanks to the distances I train at, I go through ravenous amounts of podcasts and interviews on some form of running, self-improvement, psychology, behavioral, technical and on rare occasions just something fun and light. The more thought provoking, the better or I might start thinking about what I’m physically doing and NOBODY wants that hahaha. At times though, something or someone about knocks me off my feet with an insight or topic that blows me away – today was one of those days. If you are curious, the name of the episode was Todd Rose – One Good Thing. He is the author of Collective Illusions – a book that was put on my wish list the moment I got into dry clothes. His company works in the “private” polling arena which attacks the blatant flaws in assessing public opinion. If you want to know what Gen Z is REALLY thinking, Todd is at the heart of the matter and it will absolutely surprise you. I will not waste print on the details, but if are interested have a listen on your favorite podcast service, Mike Rowe’s website (link here) or if you are not consuming while running, it is on YouTube (link here). There is one thing I know that is definitely not an illusion and that is Brad and Jan out in the field bringing you another great story from their travels afar. While I attempt to replenish the fluids in my body, Brad is going to take over and force birds to play the bugle for us…wait..is it play the bugle for the birds..hmmm, a classic from the Buggles (link here) or maybe just some happy Budgies singing (link here). I really need to start paying more attention at our weekly planning meetings.

In any case, take it away Brad…

On assignment in the Southern Caribbean (I know, don’t feel sorry for us) Jan and I had been riding on a tour coach for a couple of hours when we stopped at a secluded beach area.  If my notes were correct, we had just stopped at Playa Kenepa Grandi on the island of Curaçao.  The coach parking lot is a couple hundred yards from the beach and is elevated about 100 feet above the water.  Getting to the beach itself involves a hike down to the water from the parking area.  We only had about 15 minutes off the coach to stretch our legs and use the facilities, so a beach visit was out of the question.

After taking selfies with the beach in the background, Jan and I wandered to the right a little bit to see if we could find the bird Merlin was telling us was in the greenery.  We left the pavement to walk a little way along the path when something bright orange caught our eyes.  Merlin was having trouble hearing over the people and sounds of ocean.

There it is. I tried to get the camera on it, but it was gone already.  Over there.  Lifted the camera, but I was too late, again.  This bird was teasing us quite a bit by staying inside the foliage on the edge of the cliff.  Then Jan spotted an orange flash leaving the bushes and heading across the parking lot to the shady side of the greenery.  Dang it, we missed our chance. We walked towards the shade (it was quite warm outside) and were rewarded with a bright orange bird sitting openly on a branch about eye level.

Venezuelan Troupial found by Brad and Jan Marks at Playa Kenepa Grandi

Now that is what I call a video (err, picture) star. Hit the jump to read more about this colorful find!

Continue reading Bugle Birds…by Brad Marks