Method of bird shots: Compose carefully or rapid fire?

Rapid Fire...3-4 shots. ... Then refocus or wait for a twitch on the bird and do it all over again. The 2-3 shot usually ends up best. The reasoning behind this is two-fold... If you are handing holding, chances are the first shot is not quite 'still' and your hands are moving slightly. Second, the bird just needs to twitch in any direction or the sun move an inch etc...the wind pick up a feather etc etc. And the shot clarity will change, especially the birds eyes.

I used to sniper it but it just doesn't cut it anymore that I figured out the rapid fire.

Scott W wrote in post #12393796
I would say most of the time I am sniper but I am not afraid hold the shutter down when needed. When the bird is stationary I become a sniper but with BIF or other action shots I will often hold the shutter down. Holding the shutter down allows you to pick from several action shots and you might end up with that perfect wing position or pose. I think it really depends on the situation. Different situations call for different shooting styles.

+1+1