Holiday Hookey
July 5, 2026
I have a confession. While I was supposed to be writing this post, I was sitting on a stool on my deck watching two ruby-throated hummingbirds chase each other around. I could have come inside, I suppose, but it was so much fun to watch.
In case you’re not familiar with male ruby-throated hummingbirds, they are like Joey from the TV show “Friends” - they DON’T SHARE FOOD! They will not be around long; by the end of July, they will leave for their winter home. So, I have to take advantage when I can!
I was also playing with my new camera, which I am just learning how to use. My trusty Nikon D500 DSLR, the third one I have had over the past 11 years, finally decided it was done. The shutter count was well over 400K on a camera rated to 250K, so it had a good life. I’ve avoided moving to mirrorless for at least 5 years now, dreading it, if truth be told. I loved my D500. I’m not the only person who would say it was the best DX DSLR ever made. But all good things come to an end, and it chose now.
This is where I loudly thank each and every one of you who has supported me financially at any point in this journey. Replacing the best camera friend I’ve ever had is not inexpensive, and every contribution really helps!
Learning the new system will take some time. Even though it’s Nikon-to-Nikon, it is quite different. So many new options, settings, and capabilities to try out. It’s already proven better at some things like birds in flight, but not as good at others, like focusing on dragonfly eyes. It might be the settings. It might be that I’m still using my trusty old lens on top of a converter. Or, I may have to learn entirely new techniques.

It’s a good time to learn, though, as this is the time of year when I take the fewest photos, believe it or not. The ticks are extra bad this year, so that is further limiting my photo opportunities because even walking through the cut grass with protective clothing on isn’t the sure bet it has often been.

I did, however, get through a lot of the June photos in the last week, so I have so many new ones to share! Hence, today, I am taking a bit of a holiday. Playing hooky as it were, and letting the photos do the rest of the talking!
Without further ado, here is their story:

May your week ahead be full of ease and kindness.


















Your photos are more than a full conversation in and of themselves