My first bird pics!

My first bird shots! though I admit I messed up all the ones in which they were flying!!
Lots to learn still! Please C&C.

300mm, f5.6, ISO 400, 1/160, manual focus

Using a tripod is almost required at those shutter speeds. They are a little soft, probably from hand holding. Also, wait til they come to your side of the tree so branches aren't blocking them.

Thanks, Canonloader.
Absolutely agreed. I have to learn tripod control now!!

For the flying pics too, do u use a tripod?

Yes, I bought one of these two years ago and use it all the time, every day, for stills and inflights. I'll never use anything else. You just grip it and then follow the bird anywhere it goes. Let go and it locks into position, no knobs or levers to remember to set first.

Thanks for that info! Is it compatible with any tripod?

Yes, it should be. It has a 3/8 thread on the bottom mount, and most tripods have a 3/8 bolt that fits it. You can also get an adapter for 1/4" threads. It might even come with one, I forget.

Also, that picture is a bit misleading. It shows a right hand use setup, which is no good, cause you need the right hand to work the camera shutter. It is easily converted though with the supplied Allen wrench.

Also might be worth trying AI servo and auto focus in addition to what Mitch has suggested.

Thanks, Mitch and Carlton, for your suggestions! Will try it out.