Another conversation with the Harlequin Darner

“Hey, you’re back. I see you have some new gear.”

“Well, hello Mr. Harlequin Darner. Yes, I do. I picked up a new lens. It set me back some brass, but I think it was worth it.”

“I see you still have that cheap tripod, Steve. What gives?”

“Yes, maybe some day. I thought the money would be better spent on glass at this point. I use a remote shutter release so it works just fine. Next year, I’ll have to get a new set of legs.”

“So, how’s the new lens working out for you?”

“Take a look. You know how skittish those Common Whitetails are?”

“Yea, they act like they are at the bottom of the food chain.”

“Well, here’s a shot taken from about 10 feet in bright light.”

“And check out this Spangled Skimmer.”

“That’s cool, Steve-O, but how is it for shooting at longer distances?”

“I find that it does pretty good. Here is a shot of a Yellow Warbler that I took at quite a distance. He’s not going to be on the cover of GQ, but still, for a long shot, it’s pretty good.”

“I’m also finding that for birds in flight, it does well. Check out this Great Egret…”

“…same picture, but cropped down.”

“Say, I’ve noticed your eyes are greener than they were a couple of weeks ago.”

“Yes, Steve, that is correct. I’m getting older now. I’ll be around until the beginning of July.”

“Well, okay. I’ll be back, Mr. Harleqin. This is my favorite place to see you guys.” And then he flew off to the top of a juniper tree.