Backyard Chickadee

A couple minutes at my grandfather in-law's and I was convinced I want a feeder, planning on getting one this weekend... But I'll put mine in the sunlight, not under tree coverings.

All shot at; ISO 3200 - 400mm - f/5.6 - 1/800

I have 13 acres to put my feeders. The first time I put them in a beautiful but shaded spot. Really struggled with getting good shots. Ended up moving every thing and building a feeder station because there were no trees where we wanted the feeders. Put them where my wife and I could sit on our deck and enjoy the antics. Very enjoyable. Light is the key. Be prepared to spend some money on seeds. The birds at our property up north liked black oil sunflower seed the best. We had 150 red wing black birds come almost every day. I like them but they can really be a pain.

I don't really worry about light on the feeders, put your feeders anywhere, but close to a tree of bush where they can fly into if a mean ol Hawk swoops in. then go out and find a pretty and big branch that you like, dig a hole deep enough to support it, place that in the sunny area and shoot your shots of them on the perch instead of the feeder, makes for a more attractive shot. They like to sit on the perch and check out for predators or the dominant locals. pick out a pretty stick/branch. looks like you need a faster shutter speed, though 1/800-- should have produced better shots, trying to get those speedsters in flight without a lot of flash units is very hard. but I found that even the 7d as great as it is, still has a lot of noise (at least mine does), I try to never shoot above 400 iso, sometimes you can't help it.
Good Luck, lets see some more, and you are right thet are very fast movers. I also use the single spot af , usually 1 above the center with af servo.

BGgraphy wrote in post #11186824
....... I also use the single spot af , usually 1 above the center with af servo.

That's an excellent suggestion when taking bird shots especially.!