Wow, wow wow! These are PERFECT! As much as I admire and love your architecture shots, I am more envious of these. I gave you the Winner badge as much for the back story and good deeds as for the phenomenal pics. #3 is my favorite as well.
Thanks Dean...the good deed part may be overrated. I ordinarily don't lend expensive gear to complete strangers. But, after talking to the guy for an hour while waiting for the birds...and understanding that he was a good photographer, I thought it would be a waste to let my extra lens just sit in my bag while he walked away with nothing.
Glenn