OK, so this weekend it is not a rental D500; I have my own now. I'm getting out and playing with it. Yes, it will be a while until a long, fast lens (such as the well recommended 70-200mm f/2.8) makes its way to me, so I am shooting with what is currently available. Absolute sharpness can likely still be improved upon, but I was pleased to capture this while in the Elkhorn Slough Reserve just north of Monterey CA. The D500 performed very well at following a moving subject.
Thank you all again for your feedback.
Thank you all again for your feedback.