Did those judicial appointments take place? Even if they did it's FAR more rare than more mundane recess appointments
Yeah they took place. Gregory was later confirmed. Pickering wasn't, I don't know what his status is. I think he's gone by now.
There have been hundreds of recess appointments.
They're not usual, but not rare.
WIKIPEDIA:
President George W. Bush recess appointed two judges, William Pryor and Charles Pickering to U.S. courts of appeals after their nominations were subjected to a Senate filibuster by opposition Democrats. Judge Pickering of the Fifth Circuit, withdrew his name from consideration for renomination and retired when his recess appointment expired. Judge Pryor was subsequently confirmed to a lifetime appointment on the Eleventh Circuit.