For as long as I can remember, I have been involved in photography in one way or another; initially as a semiprofessional, then later as a serious amateur. In the early years, I used roll film and 4x5 equipment exclusively. I then spent years amassing a formidable collection of Nikon 35mm equipment. In 2004 I switched to digital, and also to Canon. I now use a 1DX and a 7D Mk II digital body with a small, but dependable selection of L series lens. My primary lens for photographing birds is a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM. More often than not, I add a Canon 1.4x or 2.0x extender. For support, I use a Gitzo 1325 tripod with Jobu-Jr. 3 gimbal head. For hand-held shots, I have been very happy with the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. I have recently added a Canon EF 400mm DO II telephoto lens to my kit and so far am very impressed with its image quality and light weight. I have tried lesser equipment in an attempt to save money, but found that my results suffered. I guess I am not the first person to learn this lesson. These collections are a work in progress. My plans are bigger than the time I care to spend developing them - I would rather be outside with my camera than inside on my computer. I hope you enjoy browsing these images. If you see something that interests you, drop me a note. I am always interested in talking about photography. Chuck Raines, Camarillo, California, USA, chuck459@mac.com