First attempt at bird photography

Recived my new Sigma 70-300mm APO DG this arvo, though in typical ospi luck it was overcast and quite late as well (5pm). So i wasnt expecting anything overly good but i must say im quite suprised.

All hand held at 300mm.

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I think you did great. When shooting bird against a cloudy sky like in #1, try increase your Exposure Compensation to +0.67 or +1.
I really like #3. Perhaps it's better to place the bird on the right as it was facing the left. Just a suggestion.

Congrats on new lens, i agree with what fee said, but very nice shots anyway. I would be interested to know the names of these birds, cheers .

Thanks guys, i know the last bird is a Plover, but not sure on the first two. Ill try getting some more when i get home and try the tips you gave me . cheers.

The third shot is fantastic, I agree with what Fee stated in his message regauding the backlight dark birds against a bright sky background... An added suggestion would be (if time permits) dial in the EC at 1/3 increments starting at +1/3 and going up to maybe +1 1/3 and view the results. In this way, you can see the results each 1/3 has. Before you know it, you will dial in exactly what you need in EC...

I really like the 2nd image.

Nice captures for a first, congrats Ospi. Looking forward to more of your captures.

Pete, the first bird is a Wattle Bird, looks like the Little Wattle Bird. The second I have no idea and the third is certainly a Plover, but they are now called Lapwings

Thanks Trace, i like to know the names of birds from different countries, so many with the same name but look totally different.

my fav is #2 love the silhouette

I think no 2 is great

Would doing this may the bird stand out better or make the background darker?

I would guess it would make the bird and background brighter. I havnt had a chance to try it yet but it will be interesting to fiddle with it and see how it works.

I really like a feel of #2

I beleive the suggestion refers to the 1st shot in the series where the bird is slightly dark. Adding 2/3 to a stop of EC will lighten the bird up a bit and produce a lighter sky also. Your subject, the bird will have more color and detail against a grayer/whiter sky.

K iv been looking through my 350D menu and im confused to what exactly i have to change to get this +2/3 EC etc. anyone clarify for me?