Daily Archives: March 10, 2018

Paying It Forward

Tonight has been quite the event.  Headed out to Menards to get a number of 2x4s and other materials for a new project for the garage.  Sparing you the details, but thanks to an ill advised decision by the managers there, but I’ll be getting my lumber from other merchants going forward.  I only mention that to set the mood as I was already perturbed before a White-Tailed Buck opted for a game of Chicken on the way back home.  Barely avoided that before hearing a loud crash at the rear of the truck.  Those of us in big Deer populated areas know all too well, that you need to always be aware of the companions that cross behind.  Looked through my rear view mirror and groaned – couldn’t see the lumber anymore. Pulled to the side and braced myself for disappointment and went back to check the damage.  Turns out hard braking to avoid the Buck caused the tailgate to give way – that was the crash, not another Deer.  Wood was still there, just below my view line in the bed.  Now doubly perturbed, had to slam on the breaks for a second time thanks to a stupid black Cat playing Frogger across my driveway.  Some days it is just better to stay in bed!  Decided the best way to beat the stress was to post on a more uplifting experience. With that I bring you another new check in my birding list.

Common Pauraque discovered at Laguna Atascosa, Los Fresnos, TX in December 2017

How cool is that!  Wait, you can’t see that?  Well, don’t feel too bad, I definitely didn’t see it at first either.  Backing up a bit, I was taking pictures of the Golden-Fronted Woodpecker that was featured several posts back (link here).  A refuge volunteer came up and asked me what I was taking pictures of.  If you recall that post you’ll understand my response was to point to the sign being used to brace the camera.   He then responded with “Do you want to see a Parrot playing croquet?”  Now I ask you, who doesn’t want to see a Parrot playing croquet?  Correct, no one.  Responding with “sure”, I let him pass to lead the way.  Linda (who had arrived at the same time as the volunteer) allowed our tour guide to get a small lead on us before asking me if I even knew what that was. She corrected suspected my response would be “Nope”. Figured it would be a Parrot with a large mallet.

Can you see it now?

Common Pauraque discovered at Laguna Atascosa, Los Fresnos, TX in December 2017

No worries, I was having an equally hard time.

Hit the jump to find out what’s lurking in the brush.

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