Yes, that's what I had planned on.... a nice paper weight if nothing else. But I just checked on the August 12, 2026 total eclipse in Burgos, Spain. We have friends who just moved/retired to Portugal, so maybe it will be a good trip to visit them then.

Hmmm? Spain in 2026? Maybe I'll figure out how to get good eclipse shots by then with my new filter, which didn't get ANY use in Texas.....Canyon Lake was CLOUDY!

The fact that the person is a friend shouldn't negate the value of your work. You also need to take into account the fact that after you send the image, it is out of your hands and available to anyone who wants to use it for purposes other than the one it was intended for. I have friends who ask to use my photos for their websites or for personal use, also. I will charge them, and request that they tell me the specific use they are intending the image for, but since they're friends, I will give them a discount. You are still providing a product that cost you time and money - and a product that they would have to pay someone else for. Don't disrespect your own work ♥

Since I have a Walgreens in my town, I use them for my 8x10 full color (glossy) wall calendars. The system is very easy to use and lots of options are available. (And they frequently have 50% off coupons - find them on RetailMeNot). You can choose layouts, I.E., one photo - no text; 5 photos with text; full photo; etc. You can choose backgrounds, layouts and the colors that surround photos (if not a full photo). Current price is $24.99 - $12.50 with the 50% code. And if you have a Walgreens close, there's no shipping charge.

But the D850's second card slot is for a QXD card. Good brands are over $100.

Instead of getting a Trail Cam (unless you just want one for OTHER reasons), please just take down your feeders! I've volunteered for Colorado Parks and Wildlife for 16 years on the "Bear Aware" Team and can't even tell you how many bears have been euthanized for OUR mistakes and desires! We know bears are around, yet people still leave their dog food under their decks; leave their bird/hummingbird feeders out day and night; try to compost in their yards or put their garbage cans out two days before pick-up because "we're going out of town". (Ask a neighbor to put out your garbage as close to pick-up as possible and take in the can when it's emptied.) In Colorado, it's "two strikes and you're out" for bears. The first time, they're tagged, the second time they're reported, they're euthanized. Please help keep wildlife wild and don't attract bears to your property.

Bears are getting ready to go into hyperphagia prior to hibernation and they'll start looking for 20,000 calories/day. Bird feeders and dog food are an easy target. Please Be Bear Aware! Thank you ♥

I had the same "problem" with my Nikkor 28-300 lens, until I realized I had inadvertently bumped the 'Lock' switch on the side of the lens at 28mm. Whoops! It was a new lens and I didn't know it had that feature. I know this is a simple thing, but I learned something new that day

The nearest town is Farmington, NM. Bisti is a very interesting place and there are several places (different formations) you can hike to. More dramatic photos at sunset and sunrise. Bright blue skies are NOT the best, as the formations are bright white in most places, so early or late is best to counteract bright sun. Be prepared if you go in the middle of the day - it gets very warm, the wind picks up and there's a lot of sand in the air. (Nothing like sand in your sandwich or your camera!) Take plenty of water and wear a hat.

Most of the formations are within a mile or two hike. We stayed on the roads and hiked, rather than trashing the surrounding meadows. We also saw some wild horses wandering through the area.

I recommend downloading maps to the area before you get there (AllTrails, etc.) as there's no cell coverage in the area. Make sure you mark the right County Roads to get to the areas you want to see. Some roads are not well-marked (or marked at all). Have fun wandering! PS - Chaco Canyon is also in the general area.

Howdy! These are one of my favorite raptors! However, these photos are of a kestrel, the smallest falcon, not a prairie falcon. Go to allaboutbirds.org and look up a prairie falcon and a kestrel. The prairie falcon doesn't have the orange feathers and is not as brightly colored as a kestrel. The kestrel is also much smaller than the prairie falcoon. Nice photos!

Cool photos that really show off their personalities! Good job just looking out the window!
We're on our way to Monte Vista, CO next Monday to hopefully capture them flying against the full moon ♥ Their mating displays are pretty funny to watch - goofy and fun. I think they saw the t-shirt someone was wearing last year while we were watching the sandhill cranes: Dance Like No One is Watching

Excellent photos! I love the perspective you had - capturing the pilots' faces is amazing! (I have the same set-up: D850 with the 28-300....minus the opportunity to go flying with these guys :-( ) What an experience you had!

Great IQ! I LOVE the 2nd photo, as most head-on eagle pics tend to make them look less than majestic. Good job! I also think your composition is excellent.

Did you also use a sharpening PP program or is the IQ pretty much straight from the lens? Are you happy with most of your TC photos? And if I may also ask, was there a decision point between buying the 300 vs 500 PF lens (other than $1,600)? Wondering if the 300 is sharp enough to crop from a good distance? I'm debating between the two. Thanks for your input.
Excellent photos!

Thanks - great tip!

Thanks, Henry P! Great info!