We went out to the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland, not far from the District. It was pleasant walking around the extensive grounds, although the only birds we saw were some geese in their lake, ducks way off in the distance, and a kestrel and screech owl in the headquarters.

Tim is very good about lugging around my heavier gear, but he doesn’t ever carry this much at one time. I had been putting on shoes in the car when he got it all together. He also wanted me to bring my tripod, which I used but absolutely detest, so he got to carry it.

Opposing views, posted earlier: