I got a Tamron 150-600mm lens for a Christmas gift. I got it a couple of weeks ago. Have been just playing with it in the house and yard. Today I braved the 26 degree feels like 16 degree weather to try to get some action going. My fingers about fell off from being so cold. The Nature Trail runs along the Maumee River. These pictures were shot all hand held. I tried to get the geese in a smaller flock. But this was the best I could do. They were my first birds in flight with my new lens. They of course were taken at the 600mm. The Hawks were at 600mm and the squirrel was as well. The Eagle.... well I went there looking for them. Saw one of them in the nest. We were on our way out when this Eagle showed. This was at 150mm. I just had time to toss the mittens and just shoot. I knew being hand held I would never be able to zoom closer. But I am happy with these. Beggars can not be choosey.

Dennis. I am now scrutinizing my image, once again, with your information for a Sharp-shinned hawk. Consistent with what you say "my" bird has the blue color, and after your comment, I see, on my bird, horizontal dark-or-black stacked-stripes at the end of his pointed tail. I am assuming its a male from its bright colors. We are now narrowed down to hawk, for sure, but perhaps a Sharp-shinned hawk. Thanks for your information. I have posted below an Internet pic of a Sharped-shinned hawk with "my" hawk. I see dark horizontal tail stripes on both birds.

Thanks for your information.

Made bone head move Friday by putting my camera with month old Nikkor 24-70 2.8 mounted, into my backpack for a bike ride and photo taking. Long story short, went down on a wet, slippery turn and unfortunately the front of the lens took a hit and broke the UV filter and shoved the edge of the ring into the front of the lens, damaging the lens threads as well. Two very fine scratches on the lens perimeter, and a small bump on the lens barrel where it extends in and out of the zoomed position. Lens seems to be sharp and function as it should, except for a very slight not perfectly smooth extension past the "bump". D7000 is fine. It's on it's way back to Nikon for evaluation and repair. I'm frustrated, for not having it protected in my backpack and won't ever travel again with camera on road bike!!

Question is, anybody have a repair cost estimate? I've decided to seek damage insurance on all my equipment. Insurance companies with good reputation and cost on about $15,000 of stuff?