Cocadori and DonFischer:
Thanks for the comments and feedback. I think the white balance deal centered on the snow had the greatest effect. Might have to go back and start reworking some past efforts.
That 500 does seem to be a fine lens, but one really needs two cameras with mobile wildlife. Cookie usurped my 70D for the 500 and keeps her 50D handy with a 100-400. Still there are times when something won't fit within the 100-mm frame either. Hence, chopped legs, missing antler tips, or just a face.
I had a 50-250mm this fall on a fishing trip and was attempting solo shots on near yard long steelhead. Couldn't fit them in and did not want to pack other equipment on a whitewater venture. It's tough enough to hang onto a live fish and work a camera at the same time. One needs two more hands for switching lenses.
I am impressed, however, with the digital's ability to handle the exposure extremes seen on fish. Never had much luck with film. Here's one with a chopped tail that I put in the Flyfishing realm earlier this fall.
It's likely now that I'll end up with the kid's point n shoot again.
Not much going on for us locally at the moment. Short, damp, and really gray days, so it's time to migrate to fly tying, reloading, and some reading.
Have a good one,