Mokka mit Schlag

Black Swallowtail, Papilio polyxenes
Ridgewood Reservoir, 2007-07-14

You’d think a Yellow-headed Blackbird, which is at least a native American species, if not a common New York species, would be easier to find around here than a Western Reef Heron; but if you were me you’d be wrong. I struck out again this morning at Jones Beach looking for the Yellow-headed Blackbird. If it’s still around next weekend, maybe I’ll try in the afternoon when it’s been a tad more regular.

On the positive side, I did get a chance to take my new scope out for a spin. It’s a Kowa TSN-601 with a 20-60 zoom eyepiece. It gave absolutely gorgeous views of Least Sandpipers, American Oystercatchers, Least Terns, Willets, and various gulls. I just wish I could have tried it out on a Yellow-headed Blackbird too. One note: after carrying it around for only about an hour, I’m really glad I sprang for the carbon-fiber legs and paid attention to the total weight when choosing the scope. The 80mm Swarovski’s are gorgeous, but they weigh almost twice as much. By the end of the day, every ounce counts.
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American Lady, Vanessa virginiensis
Ridgewood Reservoir, 2007-07-14
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For a while, I’ve thought that Google Maps’ driving directions are inferior to Yahoo’s and MapQuest’s, though Google Maps are superior in other respects. In particular, Google tends to send me on strange, winding paths through local neighborhoods instead of taking slightly longer but more direct routes down major thoroughfares and highways. However recently that changed.
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Eastern Cicada Killer, Sphecius speciosus
Ridgewood Reservoir, 2007-07-14
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