Some birding. Tips needed.

I think I need to change from sports mode to shutter mode and use center point AF. Also need to be around 1/1500 even if that means the ISO goes up on this particular lens. Quite soft past 250mm where I need the reach. Cropped and sharpened from JPG. I need to practice more and try a few different techniques. Continuous AF hunts like crazy so may stick on one shot with continuous shutter.

Unless someone has some tips.

I never use any of those preset automatic modes.
Most often my camera is set on AF mode with the f/stop anywhere from f/6.5 to f/8, and, the ISO anywhere from 200 to 800, both settings depending on the lighting. With the lens I use, most often f/7.1 at ISO 200 will give me the sharpest image and best DOF with the least amount of noise.

If the sky is bright and I'm trying to shoot a BIF I can usually get away with stopping down the exposure compensation -1/3 to speed up the shutter. If I am shooting a bird in the water or sitting, I try to be in a position where the light is behind me and not so bright, then I can usually get away with stopping it up +1/3 to slow the exposure down a bit.
Try bracketing if they are on the water or perched long enough.

For focusing on BIF shots I use the center point and set the camera on Center Weighted or Evaluative Metering, High Speed Continuous Shooting, AI Focus, and the lens IS set for panning motion or if it's a fast moving bird I'll leave it Off.
Birds in the water or perched I'll usually use Spot Metering, and either the center focus point or the top depending on the bird or the scenery. Tall birds such as Egrets and Herons I use the top point and try my hardest to focus on eyes. Smaller birds, the center and aimed at their neck or center body.
On the water or ground try to get as low as you can. If you have to, get on your belly.


Just my 2C, I'm sure someone will have more and even better ideas.

Oh and BTW, Your picture here are nice, I especially like #2 #3 and #4

# 2 is beautiful, love the bird and the picture too. nice