I had one pecking on a live walnut tree out my bedroom window this morning. Beautiful birds. I have seen three at the same time on my 37 wooded acres last year. Haven't gotten a good shot of one yet.

I agree. The cell phone is with them all the time, they never have to think about a camera, they are always prepared to take a photo anytime, and it is second nature to shoot and post on social media.

Yes I do.

Thanks for referencing the site...very informative.

Well, you might be looking at the wrong insurance (travelers). I have had three claims in the last 24 months :(smoke damage $9500) lawn mower in pond ($6500) and most recently roof replacement due to hail damage ($32,000 for a 15 year old roof). My insurance company is Auto Owners and I have a replacement cost policy plus a rider for all my camera equipment ($40.00 premium for photo rider). Read your policy, ask questions, and assume nothing! Just my experience.

Good words of advice. Thanks for posting and thanks for serving.

Well, just like being informed as a investor of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds a person needs to read everything available, go to the camera stores and ask lots of questions, do a hands-on with different makes and models, talk to other camera users, read the camera reviews from several sources, and then pose the question "what should I buy" and look for consensus with the replies.

I think there are two variables in photography...the equipment and the talent/abilities of the photographer. So, I bought the very best camera and lens I wanted so I could eliminate one of the variables...the equipment. If a photo I take doesn't turn out too great, I blame by abilities as a photographer, not the equipment. Works for me.

Linda: Your representation of Realtors is not exactly accurate. I spent 45 years in the profession with the last 35 as a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser working independently for banks, S&L, VA, FHA, attorneys, courts, and everyone in-between. I dealt with Realtors daily, some were good and most were not. I rarely found a property representation that was accurate, complete, and in compliance with reporting requirements. Even though I was an appraiser, I was required to be a Realtor and hold a brokers license in addition to my appraisers license. Misrepresentation is common and blatant with Realtors and I gave a ton of examples that would prove my point. Realtors are interested in one thing and one thing only...the commission check...and they will do whatever it takes to get it. I don't mean to be overbearing on this issue, but I understand the reality of the business.

I would ask the Realtor when they took the photo. They may have sold the property before and just used an old photo when the property was in much better condition. There are many ways to make a property look better than it really is, and it sounds like they used every trick in the book to do just that. Unless there is an obvious misrepresentation or omission, there probably isn't much you can do other than file a complaint with the local Board of Realtors, and/or the brokerage office representing the property for sale. Good luck and be persistent.

Realtors generally do their own video's and still shots of their listings. Realtors don't get paid until the listing is sold, and often the listing expires or is never sold. Reasonably good photo's are used for the brochures and MLS services and are created and provided by the listing agent. The only real market for professional photo's is a Realtor with deep pockets, or more likely a Realtor who markets up scale houses or properties that need the visual punch. If you are located in a larger city with lots of Realtors and high end properties, you can offer your services and perhaps have some clients. The same reason Realtors don't have their listing professionally appraised or professionally inspected; it is an out of pocket expense that they may never be able to recover. I have been a Realtor and Appraiser for 45 years. If you want more advise PM me. I am now retired.

I just sent 7 HP cartridges back to their location in a postage paid envelope they provided with my last order. Perhaps other manufactures do the same but simply don't promote the service. Maybe a quick e-mail to the manufacture would solve the dilemma.

I really like #7. Do you recall the lens...wide angle or other?

Nice series.

Take a deep breath, let the air out, bring the camera to your eye, and take the shot.