I've heard Back Country recommends a hefty tip. My feeling is--if you are paying for one of their trips, the leader is their staff and should be paid accordingly. Tipping should be optional and not an additional percentage of the original trip cost. I won't travel with a company that does this.

I had two resident wren families this past summer in two separate birdhouses. During the 15-19 day hatching, feeding, and ultimate fledge, I always knew when one parent brought food for the babies. They announced themselves in a very loud, rhythmic pattern. I was able to catch the last day of feeding before one house fledged. Here are three menu items and the babes begging for more food before the parent said:"enough is enough".
Nothing like backyard birding. Enjoy and thanks for looking.

I just returned from that area and took my OM-1 with 12-100 (24-200mm FF equivalent), a 6mm IOWA--rectilinear lens (12mm) and 7-14 (14-24). I used the 12-100 98% of the time and could have used it 100%. Enormous amount of hilly walking on cobblestones--don't take too much and be burdened down with camera equipment. Your 24-105 will take care of the churches, the architecture of Sintra, and the gorgeous landscapes. Unless there is something so special you like to photograph, that's all you will need. Have a great time in Portugal--it's a beautiful country with beautiful people. Enjoy

Ferry rides around the city are great for Manhattan and Queens skylines. Don't forget the 911 Memorial and Ellis Island--Your kids are old enough and hopefully mature enough to appreciate a bit of heritage and American History.
You can do Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty in a long day. Both are worth seeing. 5th Avenue and the store decorations are very glitzy and very holidayish--and loved by everyone but expect to be shoulder to shoulder with people. Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Central Park. Empire State Building, The Vessel, and The Edge, Hudson Yards--walk the Highline. Consider the Hop On-Hop Off bus. Watch for pickpockets in such close proximity, and never flash a lot of cash anywhere. Keep your wallet in your front pocket and have your wife wear a cross-chest pocketbook. NYC is a fabulous place to visit and see but it is particularly crowded this year. Just be aware of your surroundings. There is no shortage of things to do and see here. Have a great time and enjoy.

I would encourage you to go with the 200-500. Better lens. I had both and thought the 200 500 produced sharper images.

when I owned that lens I purchased a collar from Kirk. The Nikon-provided collar was a Nikon embarrassment and did not work well for the size or weight of the lens.
Bonnie

Selling off the last of my Nikon equipment as I am fully converted to m43. This lens is a beauty and is in need of a good home that will appreciate the image quality achieved with this caliber of lens.

Original owner. This lens is in PRISTINE CONDITION. Includes front and rear caps, Nikon lens hood, box, manual, original Nikon lens case with unused strap, and tripod collar. This lens is compatible with Nikon Teleconverters.

Key Features of the lens:

FX Format
Aperture Range: f/5.6 to f/32
One Phase Fresnel Element
Three Extra-Low Dispersion Elements
Nano Crystal & Super Integrated Coatings
Fluorine-Coated Front Lens Element
Silent Wave Motor AF System
Vibration Reduction, Sport/Tripod Modes
Electromagnetic Diaphragm Mechanism
Detachable, Rotatable Tripod Collar

Asking $2400.00 (OBO) plus P&H. I will accept PP (buyer pays 3%pp fee or uses FF). A personal check is good as well, however, the lens will not ship until all funds are cleared.

Please DM ONLY- with any questions, concerns, and offers.

Thanks in advance for looking at this offer.
Bonnie

Both are on Black Friday special at Costco until next week.

Love your local birds. We’re these taken at Jamaica Bay or another park/preserve?

I used silk liners and flap over mittens with plenty of hand and feet warmers. It’s cold in the LOFOTEN Islands but so well worth the “hardship”. Be sure to have very good woolen socks and excellent boots ( try Rei) with toe warmers. When you go out in the middle of the night to see the Borealis. it’s downright frigid. Dress in layers and buy good thermals. Also fleece lined waterproof pants.. Eddie Bauer.
Have a great time and enjoy.

I am about to embark on a European adventure this coming week. I am taking a 24-200 2.8 and a 14-24 2.8 for landscape and architecture. This is a first for me as I would normally also take my 90-300 but I’m lightening up the load. You might want to just take the 18-400… you will be covered for people, landscape, and architecture in Italy. You’re even covered for some birding and nature shots. Have a wonderful trip.

It is a pending sale--I am awaiting payment. I will let you know within the next few days should it not be received.
Bonnie

I will let you know.
Bonnie

I have a sale pending. If it doesn't work out, may I contact you? I should know within a few days.
Bonnie

Hi
Thank you for your interest in the 700.
I do have two potential buyers so I have to let you know if they fail through. By any chance are you interested in purchasing both flashes at a reduced cost?
Please let me know.
Bonnie