Never did this sort of shoot before, but the opportunity came up so who I was to turn it down and not expand my photographic horizons and pick up some more skillz....
I would say that this thread is off to a great start, to put it mildly! Really nice to see all the new posters.
Peter: I keep going back to the Cedar Waxwing shots...truly impressive. I haven't been able to get close enough to a pair on a local pond not far from here. Looks like kayak time!
Eskimochaos: Will, that barn shot is a poster/wall/Visit Wyoming!!! image that just stands out
15Bit: We thank you... ...enjoy the summer to the max, and I hope that you are feeling stronger.
Tenn.Jer: Good to see the South well represented...
Cam: I remember Don Adams too...
Happy shooting and I hope everyone has a great 4th with friends and family.
Howdy, Edd.....I am glad you like those WW shots.......800L has a way of pulling them in.
Here is a bit unusual 800L application (on 1DsMkII): focusing on small things.
Shot handheld in natural light, no lens extensions.
The dragon (you are looking at a major crop) posed quite a challenge because the camera couldn't "see" it /AF on it, thus I had to do MF for which I do not have good enough eyesight, especially having the stock AF screen in the camera.
I believe bugs like that can be shot well and more easily with long lenses if a tripod, live view and extensions are used.
From a local hike in the northern Sierra last weekend. My kit was the 7D plus 35f2 and 135f2, for a lightweight and compact carry. I learned a new trick, clipping my Optek strap inside the chest strap of my daypack allows for a carry with the camera strap on my shoulder instead of usual sling across over my neck and one shoulder. Nice to have another way to have the camera at the ready, yet secure for hiking.
Depp wrote:
Some interesting shots posted on this thread...keep em coming folks.
Depp, they are all interesting including your hummers , they are all different, some are more creatively bent, some are more technical. Vision and themes vary from one to another, and so do gears deployed.
That is why I think one should be reluctant to single out any particular contribution.
...enjoy the summer to the max, and I hope that you are feeling stronger. 
