Black-Capped Chickadee. Please C+C

These were taken with a 70-200 in my backyard. no cropping or resizing, just straight up shots.

I won't get into detail, there is so much to learn in this hobby... I will say you did a good job of getting focus on the bird through all that foliage! One obvious hint is to get a clear view without leaves and branches in the way. The last one is dark because the light was brighter behind the bird, you were on the shadow side, so to speak. You may have seen the bird and details with your eyes, but a photo sensor works a bit different when shadow and light meet. This is a very difficult exposure situation which you can learn about as you go along.
The most recommended book is "Understanding Exposure" and I would say get it! Its available on Amazon. Also use the 'search' feature of this forum (check out the 'camera' and 'lens' forums also) for great discussion of specific topics.
Most of all have fun! and shoot like crazy, that is mandatory!

alohabob wrote in post #8303382
The last one is dark because the light was brighter behind the bird, you were on the shadow side, so to speak. This is a very difficult exposure situation which you can learn about as you go along.

yes, the last one i did on purpose to get a silhouette shot. I wanted the bird shape to stand out of the messy foliage. I also wanted it to retain some texture.

You will also find you will need some longer glass, 200mm is a bit on the short side for birding.

Get closer. The closer the better. I know, easier said then done but I spend a lot of time in the back yard and most of the birds pretty much ignore my presence. I have a Blue Jay (a brave bird to start with) that will fill up with peanuts about 4' from me as I sit out there. Like cannonloader on here...I'm starting to talk to it softly when it shows up and it seems not bothered by me...it takes it's time picking out certain ones then flying off.

all good points. i know the closer the better. but 200mm is the closest i can get right now. i am currently saving up for a 300 2.8, or if i decide to, i will get the 500 f4.