I shot some scenery yesterday and after processing I found that a couple of the images have spots on them that look like dust. I don't think dust is the problem, but you can see the spots in the clouds just above the pond..

Shot with 5d mk 4 and 24-105 L II. Breakthrough CP . 1/15 f11 24MM. Processed in PS Raw. There is no dust on the lens or the filter, and after I discovered these spots I set up a white board and shot some test shots at the same settings, and there were no spots. Also checked several other similar scenes that I shot around the same time and in the same area and there are no spots.

#1 shows spots, while #2 does not appear to have the problem. There was no lens change or opening of the camera between these two shots. Any thoughts or suggestions???

I use to chase birds sitting still, then I chased BIF. After awhile it gets easier to nail each shot, but the end result for the most part is Boring.... Subject, Background, Distance, and Light. It takes all of these elements In my opinion to separate the wheat from the chaff. I spend a Lot of time learning my subject and habits, then more time getting close, now you need to approach, set-up with the Right Background and Light. All of these take Time and effort, not something you can purchase. Personal I would choose a full frame camera over a DX Only because it handles higher ISO's the best. To get the best shots. early morning or late afternoon for the most part which is why I choose full frame cameras.. This will require you to get even closer. 90% of the Great shots, are set up. Blinds in place, proper food presented for specific subject, mostly concealed to the viewer. A lot of what you see on the net is smoke and daggers. I watched a professional book making wildlife photographer in Costa Rica once. Hummer bird feeders everywhere, subjects everywhere. Camera on tripod, hugh soft box placed before intended target.. Remove hummer bird feeder, replace with proper open flower, subject drinks nectar from flower with Perfect background, photographer takes picture, result is Amazing Capture. Watch National Geo guys once here in Lake Placid on Lake Istogapoka. Located flying Osprey over water, boat one moves in and tosses broken back live shinner. Bird goes in for a dive to catch fish, boat number Two moves in and capture Great sequence of Osprey plucking live fish from water.... I'm not saying Every shoot is a set up but about 75% of the great ones are. If you want to compete with the pros or the Net, you have to rethink your approach. If you want to just compete with yourself, save the money and enjoy yourself.... You can still get closer, choose the best possible times of day for light and be mindful of your backgrounds.

My little Buddy and shadow. He is an inside cat so when he goes outside I sit with him as he has no survival skills. He is looking up into one of our trees at the humming birds at the feeder.
He was sitting on the lawn which I did not like in the photo. I pasted a couple grunge textures and ran him through topaz a couple times and painted his eyes and nose at about 30% back.
Hope you enjoy him.
Cheers ron