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. (direct link here if the embedded video doesn’t work)
Take care everyone!
Wildlife Intrigued 
Wonderful photos. Your peeps do like hearing about your goings-on. I’m happy the ankle is progressing. You need to give your bad bird finger the bird with your good bird finger (assuming you are bird finger ambidextrous). That really sucks when all options suck.
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I keep telling Linda and she keeps dismissing me ha. I am absolutely ambidextrous with my bird fingers honed over many years of coming in contact with stupid and or inconsiderate people. Still weighing the options – one gives me better use of the finger but will require another surgery within 5 years.. ongoing for duration of that choice. One option is a fusion, only done once, no further pain, but lose most of the mobility or regular cortisone shots, but the one I had done while there didn’t do didley so big decision ahead.
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What a striking bird. Thanks Brian, it’s nice to see the “go to altar” plumage (this year) it has for a favorite.
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You are welcome Jerry – I need to find a way to get down there again during the breeding season to witness all the wedding ceremony outfits again!! So many things to see, so little time it feels. Thanks for coming by, appreciate it.
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Wonderful photos of this beauty!
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Thank you Belinda, was a real treat to be down in south Texas for the breeding season for a change. Need to get back down there to take it in again, but it won’t be for a year or two as this year we are heading to the northwest, maybe we’ll be able to catch the beautiful plumages in that area (our first time there). Appreciate you coming by and have yourself a wonderful rest of the week.
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No shortage of interesting birds out that way either! A good week to you as well.
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Beautiful blue bird! And you’re right, ick on the green color of water; or is the condition of the water?
When our body hurts and doesn’t function correctly we really get a good understanding of how important all of it is. How would you be able to take these beautiful photographs without one of your hands?!? I certainly understand the hesitation to make any decisions requiring surgery. After a ACL knee surgery over twenty years ago, I shy away from any surgery or hospitals. You will make the best decision for yourself, I’m confident.
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The water is definitely not the most appealing, but as Sam pointed out it is rich in nutrients for those that rely on it. Every time I injure one of my taken for granted appendages I think of what it would be like if I couldn’t recover from it. This finger injury may be the first time recovery is not an option and is rather depressing. Still need to make a decision on what option, but hopefully I’ll be able to find a way to work around the deficiencies … and continue to bring you images from the field. Take care Teri and be careful with that knee – I’ve torn medials on both by knees (including both sides at the same time on one knee) and tore the ACL on one of them – fortunately was younger and they were able to get it back functioning without surgery – if I couldn’t run I’d be a basket case ha. Thanks for coming by, we really appreciate it.
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Great work getting good photos at a difficult angle. Green water, in this case, is healthy water, full of algae and nutrients for fish. Lovely photos of the Triocolored Heron. I’m always amazed by the mating season color changes to herons’ bills – brilliant blue, lavender, coral, pink, coral, orange. It would be as if our fingernails suddenly decided to be a different color. Amazing.
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Good point on the water condition Sam, I tend to think more on the photography constraints ha. Stay tuned Sam, more colors are coming your way during our breeding season spectacular. We need to find a way to get back to south Texas during breeding season so we can experience all those beautiful colors again. Take care!
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I love the blue beak!
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Isn’t it stunning, I can only assume their courting mates swoon over it ha. Thanks for dropping in and have a wonderful rest of the week.
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Awesome shots, we are going to be near this park in a few days. I marked it on my map as a must see place. So fun that you were just there the way it looks. We are a few hours east of there now and seeing lots of birds in Louisiana. Added a few new ones to my list. 🙂
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Fantastic, you will definitely enjoy the High Island birding opportunities – assuming you hit the breeding and migration season – outside of that it is pretty dead. Be sure and take your Mosquito repellent there, they are thick and thirsty. If you are in that area, consider checking out Anahuac (Jocylen) and the Bolivar Flats – both really good locations that are relatively close to there. Ironically, I have not had good luck birding in Louisiana – will have to get some birding location tips from you some time. Safe travels!
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The Tricolors really turn into Quadcolors during this season. That blue is intense, and offset by the green much in the background. Very welcome, we help where we can.
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Quadcolors, love it! Still have some of your Australia posts to get out, but looking forward to your latest adventures.
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