Thanks to the few who commented at the Lessons from the ILE Freshwater Pier Avian Studio<\/em> here<\/a>. Because of time constraints, I will respond to each comment individually and post my favorites there as well (when I get back from the lake!)<\/p>\n With the big nor’easter well up the coast, there was a strong north wind here every morning for the past week (until Sunday when it was dead calm). In addition, the torrential rains have let up. Now, this is a very fine point: since we are days past the fall equinox and the sun is rising in the east and then quickly moving south, a north wind is more of a negative than it was two months ago when the sun was rising well north of east. Anyhoo, my chances have been limited over the past few mornings. Especially and as expected because the many fisherman kept the birds off the pier railings \ud83d\ude41 <\/p>\n On Saturday, older daughter Jennifer, the BAA accountant, came by and worked hard for six hours getting together the stuff I needed to complete my 2025 taxes. I will be sending the whole Megillah to my accountant on Tuesday. <\/p>\n Today is Monday 28 September 2026. I will be headed down to the lake just after sunrise. The forecast early on is calling for clear and sunny with no wind, just like yesterday. I am hoping that nobody will be fishing! Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you choose to have fun and enjoy life. Please remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie – The Work.Com<\/a> <\/p>\n If an item \u2014 a Delkin flash card or reader<\/a>, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro<\/a>, or a Wimberley lens plate <\/a> or low foot<\/a> — for example, that is available from B&H and\/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedford by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and\/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation. <\/p>\n Note: capitalizing the “M” in “the whole Megillah” is correct because Megillah comes directly from the Hebrew word for “scroll” and specifically refers to the Book of Esther read during Purim — thus, it functions as a proper noun in its original context. When used in the popular Yiddish-derived idiom meaning “the entire long, complicated story” or “everything down to the last detail,” keeping the M capitalized remains the standard dictionary and style guide convention. (Gemini AI)<\/p>\n Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net<\/a>, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.<\/a> If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.<\/p>\nWhat’s Up?<\/h3>\n
Gear Questions and Advice<\/strong><\/h2>\n