Not the best of quality, but it was my first of the new 2009-10 season on November 17, so I'll take it as I can.
The sun was almost gone, the bird was at some distance and I had to crop away about 35%. But again, it's the symbolic first flight shot of the season.
Canon 7D with 500L f/4 lens with 1.4II extender @ 1/1000, f/8, ISO 200, -1/3 exposure compensation, and yes, handheld.
Cheers,
Mike