glad you like it, Vicki, am quite happy with this sortof unusual one myself. No, I don't use a tripod with remote trigger. I haven't got a tripod. My elbows are my "tripod", propped on the window ledge : ) (on a cushion for comfort's sake : ) The lens is image stabilized, so that helps am sure. I saw people taking pics of the owls a year ago, with IS lenses, and decided then "that was for me". Up til then, I wasn't aware they existed : )

thankyou Alex, yes you are right, it is very handy being able to sit there at the open window. Have been watching that wildflower gradually come into bloom, remembering from last summer how the hummers enjoyed it, - so just lately they've started feeding at it, so have been ready with the camera : )