I have a Giottos tripod "Y" center column with ball head (MH1300-652) but when I use the Sigma 150-500 lens I have trouble with keeping the lens in position, ie it "drops down". Any suggestions on preventing this.

You mean it's not!! That has certainly burst my bubble

SSSSHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhh or they'll all want one

Very colourful images

Like #1 and #4 Vic and as long as you're enjoying the "learning process" things can only get better

I like them all with #2 being my favourite

Well Done Dave. Both very good images

Congratulations to the Winner and Well Done Aliengrove. Thank You for the unexpected 2nd place as there were some really good shots to choose from. An interesting subject well judged and commented.

My image fulfilled all the criteria of the competition, taken, using Pentax equipment, on the 1st Sept 2013 and posted on the 2nd Sept 2013. Unfortunately, even with suggestions from other members the image remained invisible to the judge. I wasn't aware of any problems until the 8th Sept. The judge was still unable to view the image on the morning of the 9th Sept which I would have thought afforded adequate time from it first being posted, and others having a similar problem, to sort the problem out. I subsequently deleted the offending image.
As I am now aware many forum members have their browsers set to cripple advertisements I will pay particular attention to the title of any future submission to the competitions.

Already deleted it. It was causing problems even after the name change. As I've already said, if the judge can't see it there's no point faffing about.
Wish I'd put my first choice image in now, will save that for another day