Thanks for the respnse, were they hard to raise?
I had heard of people raising them, didn't investigate the process.
Regards,
Mike

At least that is what google says about the Praying Mantis.
Short story behind these photos. There is a historical forest preserve not far from where I live;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Portage_National_Historic_Site
The environment during the seasons was a great place to capture pictures of birds.
One of the first times my shooting buddy and I visited the preserve we met another photographer who liked bugs and Macro photography, had captured some pictures of Praying Mantis he showed us on his camera.
Well nine years later, we finally saw the elusive Praying Mantis and was able to get some captures.
Taken with D500 and Nikon 200-500mm
Shutter speed 1000, f/7.1 (probably should have shot f/8 or f/9 for some more depth of field.
Watching the pupil in the eye move was fascinating, to see in the captue downloads necessary.

When first spotted.

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Profile change

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A little closer and more zoom

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Little more detail in the wing.

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Glad you tried it, it worked.
Cinnamon Teal is not one I would see in the Central US, I checked their range.
Thanks for posting nice capture.
Regards,

Nice concept, well put together.
Mike

Gotta good chuckle from this one.
Mike

I would agree, but in Hana's defense she is showing that she was bad, and appears to be more humbled, though that is not the exact wording( sorry my words don't want to come this morning)
Great series.
Mike

Gail,
In the third screen capture of your camera settings you have highlighted the AF-ON Only, above that is the Shutter reference, if you highlight and move the control pad to the right is there another menu option to have Shutter Only??
What model of Nikon is it? My D7100 and D500 were easy to set up.
One thing to check if above is the problem is if you only press the Shutter release button does the camera change focus?

Gail,
After looking at your supplied camera menu shots, I agree with frankenrev, have to turn off focus from shutter release.
As with others I have found Steve Perry's information very informative for Nikon products as that is what I shoot. This link may help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzqQskGoURE

Nice shot of Green Heron, similar in hunting nature to the Great Blue, can stand perfectly still, for minutes on end it seems.

nice capture, don't usually get them together

Nice series of shots.
Downloads really are nice.
The TC doe not appear to have limited the detail.
Regards,
Mike

Great set, always nice when you can get an uncluttered profile.

Mike

Bob,
Appreciate the response, fun day that was.
Mike

kpmac,
Appreciate the response.
Mike

Have watched the Tufted Titmouse, look for the largest of the sunflower seeds and fly up to a tree branch and hold with their feet and break them open.

Thanks for commenting revhen.

Mike