... but I just like them so much. I'm particularly pleased both face and claws came out sharp.
Red Kite, Prospect Park, Reading, UK. Canon R5 mk II + RF200-800mm
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Weight - sounds like you should do OK, and are used to the challenge, but I'd still recommend trying the lens on a camera in the camera shop first, if you are lucky enough that's possible. The knee monopod - I know it well from the times I was able to use it! Oh, a factoid - handheld pointing directly upwards to spot goldcrests really emphasises the weight problem.
Hood - I can't remember - now you mention it, it probably did, as the hood I use is a Canon one, and I'd guess there's a plenty of cheaper third party options for me to have bought. So change the advice to "Actually use the hood you get, regardless of apparent need due to weather".
Oh, I wasn't the person who asked about the lens. I was only chiming in to agree on the weight factor.
And yes, agree on actually using the hood for exactly the reason you said. It's nice to be able to put the good directly against a something like a chain link fence without having to worry about the front element.