Having seen the images coming in we think LANDING/DIVING would be a little more exciting than on the wing so we have redefined the brief a little to focus on that.

Bird photography can be challenging, especially when it comes to capturing birds in flight. It requires a combination of skill, patience, and the right camera settings to get the perfect shot. Here are some camera settings to use when photographing birds in flight:

Shutter Speed: Birds move quickly, so a fast shutter speed is essential to freeze their motion and avoid blurry images. A shutter speed of at least 1/1000th of a second is recommended.

Aperture: A wide aperture will create a shallow depth of field, which can help isolate the bird from the background and create a pleasing bokeh effect. An aperture of f/5.6 to f/8 is generally suitable for most bird photography.

ISO: The ISO setting determines the camera's sensitivity to light. In good light conditions, keep the ISO low to avoid noise in the image. However, in low light conditions, you may need to increase the ISO to get a properly exposed image.

Autofocus: Use the continuous autofocus (AF-C) mode to track moving birds. This mode allows the camera to continuously adjust focus as the bird moves, ensuring that the subject remains sharp.

Burst Mode: Birds move quickly, so taking multiple shots in rapid succession can increase your chances of getting the perfect shot. Use burst mode to capture a series of images as the bird flies.

Exposure Compensation: Depending on the lighting conditions, the camera's automatic exposure settings may not always provide an accurate exposure. Use the exposure compensation feature to adjust the exposure to your liking.