Butterflies in the spotting scope

[Jeff & Patricia Harding]

While leading a birdwatching field trip in the Rocky Mountains, 
in Colorado last summer, I happened to see a Ringlet (Coenonympha)
land on a log some ten meters away.  So I put the spotting scope 
on it and zoomed in for a fine view.  All the participants were 
able to file by and get a good look.  I can imagine trying to get
them all to find it in their binoculars.  

If I am by myself, I wouldn't dream of taking along the scope for
woodland birding, but with novices, it sure is nice to set the thing
up so all can see.  It may be the same with a group of people 
looking for butterflies - perhaps someone ought to have a scope!
For sure someone should have a net, though.  We only got a good look
at one side.
 

Jeff and Patricia Harding	
Jeff does the butterflies and birds
Patricia does the orchids

Lebanon, Oregon, USA