I don’t disagree with anything other than the topic title. This would appear to be 3 House Finches, one male, and the others female. Can’t be sure because of resolution.

I use an Ape Case, reasonably priced, holds the lens along with an attached D500 body. I can carry it within a daypack, if necessary, but comes with strap. Worth a look.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Ape%20case&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

Dick

Not sure exactly, but it’s large enough for 30 - 35 people or so. I have been on two of these trips previously without a problem, but seasickness is always a possibility, and I will likely have a patch or medication to take. These trips rarely get cancelled because of weather, but they can be rough. Thanks for your suggestions.

I am going to be going on a pelagic birding trip out of Monterrey, CA later this month. I plan to shoot seabirds with my Nikon D500 and Nikkor 200 - 500/5.6 lens. Weather conditions can vary quite a bit on these day-long trips, and if we have hard rain, I probably wouldn’t take the camera out. But there is a fair amount of routine marine spray that we can expect during the day, and I’m curious as to what type of protection my lens might require, other than routine cleaning during the day. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Oh, thanks. Here are the photos in higher resolution

American Pipit

(Download)

Marmot

(Download)

American Pipit

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Thanks! I have a question for anyone’s input. My shots look quite a bit sharper, in Lightroom, and even after I upload a JPG to Photos. Is there any trick to getting better resolution in posting to this forum?

Some shots from a recent visit to the Front Range of Colorado. Early morning on Trail Ridge Rd yielded great light.

American Pipit


Marmot


Pika


White-crowned Sparrow


Marmot (if you look closely)


American Pipit

You've already gotten good advice, so I'll try not to repeat it. I just returned from 10 days on Orcas Island, with a couple of days on the Olympic Peninsula. My perspective is that of a birder first, photography second. (I know that might be herecy around here). Be prepared on any ferries you go on, preferably with a long lens for the birds. I shot some birds that I couldn't identify because of the distance, and once I was able to examine the photos, discovered Rhinocerous Auklet, Tufted Puffin, and Brandt's Cormorant, along with the more numerous Pelagic Cormorants, Pigeon Guillemots, and Glaucous-winged/Western Gulls. Orcas was really enjoyable, but getting access to the shore can be somewhat difficult. One place that is worth the investment of a couple of hours of hiking/birding was Obstruction Pass SP, where you can get to the beach, and the hike was full of lots of good birds.

I would echo the comment about going up Mt. Constitution. If you are up to it, there is a great hike from Mountain Lake to the Summit. Some great vistas, but if you are in a hurry, just drive, and explore the area around the summit. Crescent Beach, near Eastsound can be nice, and the whole town of Eastsound is worth spending some time in. There are also several small Preserves which are small and easily explored. Coho Preserve was very nice, near the town of Olga, and has the only American Dippers on the Island, and the Judd Cove preserve, near Eastsound, provides nice access to a very scenic beach from which I saw 60 Surf Scoters.

Whale watching was very nice, but would have been better from my perspective if there was more interest in the birds as well.

All in all, a very enjoyable place to visit, off the beaten path.

Dick Latuchie

The Western Tanager is a beautiful, but fairly common bird of the American West. Ususually found in coniferous or mixed woods. If you want to see it, get out there with a pair of binoculars, and a birder that knows the area. A little smaller than a Robin, they are not hard to find, if you know what to look for.

Aye

I live in Rapid City, so a few comments. Custer State Park is great, as is Spearfish Canyon. Not sure where your information comes from vis a vis Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse. It might be true at conclusion, but your grandchildren may have a chance to see that. For now, and the foreseeable future, my vote would be for Rushmore. Devil’s Tower is also worth a trip, only two hours from Rapid City. And while in the hills, be sure to stop at Sylvan Lake, really a beautiful setting, and it is from this location that you’l find the Needles Highway. Let me know if you have an interest in birds, I can provide more specific information to you.

Carlsbad Caverns is in Southern New Mexico, nowhere near the Black Hills.

Northern Parula and American Redstart are the names. Nice shots.

Lightroom

I recently bought a Nikon D500. With it, I use a app called Nikon SnapBridge. It is working simply and flawlessly to tag my photos.