Great pics, Chuck! Mucho thanks to your bride! And thanks for posting them. Its interesting how a telephoto lens brings those birds closer than they are in some of the pics. Very nice dog and camera work both.

Sounds like your bud will have to pick up the 42 gauntlet & find his own. And that, of course, is what makes the world go 'round. Might wanna mention to him the deal Bruce Buck recently pointed out about Simmons upgrading 42's. That may be the easiest way to acquire a really nice shooter.