First Time w Birds - Blue Jay, Cardinal, etc.

Just got a Canon 100-400 IS II, had to take it out for a spin. Decided to try shooting some birds for the first time. Really wanted some BIF, but these suckers moved so fast.

Not really sure what setting should be used...ended up shooting wide open most of the time (5.6 @ 400mm) @ around 1/1000 or 1/1250.

If you run away as fast as you can you might be able to save yourself from the addiction of bird photography Beerwolf
Love some of the action you managed to capture with the Blue Jay with wings spread out, but I had to laugh at what looked like a very surprised House Finch rounding the feeder to find the Cardinal there.
As I said, continue at your own risk and we'll be here waiting.

Those are a very nice start.

Thanks. Luckily, there's an observation deck about 5 min from me. Picture below is from a hawk watch last fall - there was no one there when I took the photos.

http://www.wyncoteaudu​bon.org/mhhw8.jpg

Nice shots, good work freezing the jay's motion.