Helmitheros vermivora: An Overdue Update

At long last, I have reliable, if brief access to the internet! Things have been absolutely nuts since I left the U.S., but it's been more than worth the madness for all the great fun we've been having. I know I promised many people to post pictures and stories from Japan, but I'm afraid all I have time to do right now is summarize the experience is as follows:

1. MK's family is amazing.
2. Japanese food is very tasty, even if the portions are too small for my ridiculous apetite.
3. Stand on the LEFT side of the escalator.
4. The birds are...

Nothern Pintail (Anas acuta)

Brown-eared Bulbul (Microscelis amaurotis)

...not too shabby.

There is much more to say about Japan, but I'm afraid I must leave it for another time, so as to at least begin to talk about New Zealand. The good ol' "N-Zed" has treated us incredibly well: the weather has been mild, the scenery beautiful, the company fantastic, and the birds...well...