Outstanding photos enhanced by your narrative.

I find myself in agreement with those who feel the deer and it's reflection were both added post.

You have come up with one of the most unique concepts I have ever seen. Well done!!!!!

What a truly fantastic discovery. So perhaps Thor Heyerdahl was correct with Kon-Tiki, he just had the voyage backward.

Two years ago I purchased a used D610 body on eBay for just a little less than the price you are quoting, then added a 28-300 lens from another eBayer and a refurbished 1.8 50mm from Adorama . I have been nothing but pleased with the performance of the D610 it is an excellent non-pro DSLR. I was seriously interested because of its slightly smaller/lighter size and since it was a replacement for my D7100 the controls and menus were basically identical. I know it was introduced some time ago; but, I am not an individual who needs the latest and greatest loaded with bell and whistles that I seldom use. Great solid camera that I love and is providing excellent service for me.
I know there are those on here who do not care for Ken Rockwell; however, I have found him to be an excellent source of information on camera gear that I am considering; https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d610.htm

Think I'll cast a vote for #2.
Just had to give you a reply due to the similarity of our names..............

Each winter my wife and I spend two months in the Colorado Rockies in Summit County (Keystone & Breckenridge resorts) for some fantastic skiing and socializing with our many friends. Among the activities for the senior group there is the 50+ Winter Games; several friends and I volunteer to do photography for the Games each year. My particular specialty each year is the Giant Slalom competition at Keystone. I would add that these competitors are obviously over 50 yo with the majority landing in their 70's and even 80's.

I use a Nikon D610 with a 28-300 lens, shooting for several hours in very cold conditions with variable cloudiness and frequent snow showers. In short conditions are anything but ideal. Here are a few of the results of this years effort (selected out of over 300).

The SB-400 is only available used. I found mine on eBay and have been very satisfied with both. In the general range of $100.

I would add that I have other flash units for situations where I need more power (SB-600 and a couple of Nissins). The SB-400 is so very handy when in a crowded situation; going with the grandsons to parades, State Fair, birthday parties, etc.

As Ken Rockwell indicates it is far superior to the builtin flashes and very easy to use.

Considering the light weight usage for the flash that you indicate you should consider the Nikon SB-400. Read Ken Rockwell's review on this (https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb400.htm), you can also search here on UHH for information and opinions on this unit. It is very compact with excellent power for its size and can easily be carried in a pocket.
I am so impressed with it that I have two.

I updated from PSE 15 to PSE 2020, notice that I say updated not upgraded. I generally find that periodic updates are advisable and this did show some improvements; however, I was not impressed.

Yet another recommendation for the SB400. After reading Ken Rockwell's review I purchased on used on eBay. After a very short time, I purchased another.

I cannot say enough good about this little flash unit. I use it extensively when I am in a crowded situation (usually with the grandkids at the fair, parades, etc. Perfect fill flash that does not get in the way.

Do a search on SB400 here in UHH and you will find many advocates for this little gem.

I have used PSE for many years, constantly for the past six years beginning with PSE 15 with a recent upgrade (?) to 2020 while it was on sale. The usage of it has resulted in me doing most all shots in RAW bringing about a major improvement in the quality of my work and has enabled me to do far more revisions. In terms of learning to use PSE the library of UTube instructional videos is vast and very, very good.

My only admonition is that under no circumstance would I purchase this on Craigslist.

Outstanding photos and outstanding narrative, thank you.

Many, many years ago (actually late 60's) when I first got a Nikonos II I was diving on a wreck off NC I spotted the absolute largest jellyfish I had ever seen, must have been 4 or 5 feet in diameter. So I snapped a couple shots of it (remember these were film days when we attempted to make every shot count). I came up with a beautiful photo of it, very clear and sharp with beautiful blue water background. While admiring it I suddenly noticed something, there was no size reference; it was impossible to see how exceedingly large the jellyfish actually was.
I think you have a great shot here; but, without a point of reference it isn't possible to see how large the stingray actually is.

I would say 1, 3, 4 & 5; guess I like raptors. However, if it were only one it would be the Kingfisher.