A lot of people have offered up good advice here so I won't repeat what's already been gone over. I'd just like to comment on the "how much time do you spend" part of your inquiry. If you're going to get seriously into bird in flight you need to develop insane levels of patience. Birds aren't actors who will perform on cue. They do what they do, not necessarily what you want them to due. Your photo op/ window of opportunity is never going to be more than a very few seconds and you may wait hours for those precious seconds. Make yourself as comfortable as possible (I have a small folding camp chair that helps) and enjoy the fresh air.

Years ago they overhauled my old, much beloved Pentax MX. Brought it back to factory new specs. Great people to work with.

I have a Nikon D500 with a 200-500 that I use rather exclusively for birds, often in flight. This has proved to be a great combination but now I'm looking for a bit more reach. I'm considering purchasing a 1.4 tele-converter but would like to hear other photographers experiences with this set-up. Thanks in advance

This might not be the solution for everyone but before giving up on a great lens because it's too heavy you might want to look at your suspension system. I'm 72 and carry a Nikon D500 with a 200-500 lens (altogether just under 9lbs) on a Black Rapid Sport Breathe strap all day with no problem. This "across the chest" strap makes all the difference in the world.

I enjoy making my own gear when I can. Here's my version of a window rest.

Bird photographer here (D500 w/ Nikor200-500) to second what everyone else is saying. Get the D500 for all there reasons already stated. You won'y regret it.

We're having a great year for Snowy Owls and I'm frequently out on the beaches at dawn with numb fingers. I've tried several combinations of liners and gloves that sort of work, i.e: liners under neoprene kayaking gloves, but they're all pretty clumsy when it comes to manipulating dials and buttons (shutter excepted). I'm just wondering if anyone out there has come across a good, super warm photographer friendly glove?

Well packed in bubble wrap my Post Office says $7.25

Are you saying you want to come down here and pick this up?

Just trying to reduce my clutter. I have a perfectly functioning Weston Master II exposure meter with a leather case, probably from the late 50s or early 60s. I inherited it from my grandfather but have no earthly use for it and just want to rehome it with someone who would appreciate it or maybe even use it. I'd just ask for shipping or you can pick it up on Cape Cod.

Thanks for the compliment. It's basically just a piece of 3/4" plywood (the butt brace is 1/4"). Quite simple design really. Just takes a bit of rounding off and sanding to make it look more "professional." That and a coat or two of spray on truck bed liner (available at car parts stores or Home Depot). On some of the prototypes I tried a painted on camo design but it it wore off rather quickly in the field.

I tried "Bush Hawk" some years back but thought it an ergonomic disaster. I figured I could make a better one myself and, twenty some prototypes later, I'm satisfied with this one. It's light and lets me hold the camera on the same position as hand holding but with a lot less shake.

I shoot a lot of birds in flight and completely agree with the others here who have found tripods and monopods useless on all but the biggest, slowest birds. That being said, I do use a shoulder stock which I find a great help in steadying my D500 w/200-500mm lens (effectively a 750mm).

I really like the drama and composition in your second shot.

As someone who shoots hawks almost exclusively I find the keys to be insane levels of patience and perseverance coupled with some knowledge of your subjects. Being near but a respectful distance away from a nest can present great opportunities. If the birds are "talking" to you you're too close. Spend some time at a recognized hawk watch during migration but don't expect instant gratification. I spent 4 hours at a migration site and got nothing until this Red-tail landed about 60 feet away to have breakfast. Yes, Lady Luck is important but youve got to be ready when she smiles.