I don't have a Canon. Members of my camera club use them. They say always buy L series glass.
Glass is the most important item. Basically the camera is just a box (in the older days)
What I'm saying is the more expensive the camera, you will have a better
sensor and more features.
When I purchased my Nikon D800 (full frame), I bought a used Nikon 35-70mm F/2.8 and 80-200mm f/2.8. I buy most of my equipment
from Adarama. If you buy the E category (its like brand new)
These lens are the equal to Canon L series. (pro)

Hope this helps

Emm5
I have Nikon D200, D300 and D800 and 4-. SB600 and 1- SB800.
You don't need any wireless remote to trigger off your speedlights.
Go to the menu > Custom Setting Menu > scroll down to E (Bracket/Flash > press towards the right > scroll down to flash control for built-in flash > press to the right, next screen,
top (ttl)
2nd down (Manual)
3rd down (repeating flash)
4th down is what you what (Commander mode) > press to the right
Their 4 category
1st Built-in flash, mode (set to TTL) Comp
set the comp -3.0 this will only trigger off the other units) you must have the pop-up flash up to work
2nd Group A set to TTL comp to what your main light
3rd group B set to TTL and make the comp at least one stop different than the main light. one stop less will give you 1:2 lighting
4th set the channel (1 to 4)
all unit will fire.
Be sure you set the speedlights to remote and at the same channel
I use this all the time. Nikon has this set up since the Nikon D70

Emm5
What camera are you using? What lighting? Are they speedlights?

Rocky JA
What camera are you using? Down here in FL we have some of the best bird photographers (I'm not one of them}
What I have learned from them, set your exposure to manual, uses a high shutter speed such as 1/2000 or higher. Use one AF spot and pan with the bird.
Do not fill the frame with the bird. Give it room for the bird to fly into.
The photographers in southeast Florida mostly use Nikon and Canon.
Use the best glass. In canon the L series. When I do shoot birds in flight I use my Nikon 80-400mm on a DX camera.
When I bought my Nikon D800, I purchased used fast lenses from Adarama (they sell top quality used equipment)
For example, I bought a Nikon 80-200mm F/2.8 AF for $700, a new Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 AF VR runs about $2500

swedeusa
Because he live on Washington state. He can go there anytime, as well as Mt Rainier and North Cascades
Why waste time when you can make a 3 or 4 night trip.

Raw is like a negative. It has all the info. A JPEG is process in the camera and is compress image.
Photography with film and digital is still photography. Remember photography is still working the with lighting.
The triangle is still the same. ASA, Shutter speed and F/stop.
If you need help, Nikon is always there(1-800 645-6689)

I own 4 Nikon bodies. Nikon reps and very helpful. Call 1 800 645-6689
They will any Nikon question

I visited all the National Parks on the west coast. Since you live in Washington state. I would leave out Olympia National Park. It is one of the four best parks in the lower states.
I would stay US1, and head for Crater Lake National Park. If time permit. Head South to Lassen Volcanic National Park in CA
Go back to US1 for the Redwood National Park.
I would also visit Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings National Parks. While on the east side of Yosemite, Visit Bodie which about 20 miles north on the east side of the park.
Next stop would Cannel Islands National Park out Ventura, Ca
After head to Joshua Tree National Park and last in Tucson is west and east of the city is Saguaro National Park.
As for portable hard drive, On trips like this I only use Mini Lacie.
I also back it up on DVD and Flash Drives. Don't trust only one back up. Remember if the laptop crashes you only have one version.

Hope this is helpful

I did wedding photography because its one of the few times when people are happy.
I always enjoyed doing other personal projects.