Taking pics of little birdies

I have seen many good pictures on here of our little feathered friends.

What tips can you give me to get them in sharp focus like I have seen on yop?

Using a 55-250 Canon lens. Birds are about 15-20ft away. I tried shutter at a 1000. Is this to much, f number said f4. Camera was I believe steady enough using that pod thing I have.
I had the metering mode on evaluative





I know this pic isn't good, I also know trial and error would get me there. I am not only asking for me but for others that need the help too. (some are embarrassed to ask

I would use f11 at that distance...


probably.

I'm not sure there is any one answer where light metering method is concerned as it all depends on surroundings and light conditions. I have got some good results just using evaluative, but I've had the odd one or two that were against a bright sky that have ended up as a silhouette, these may have benefitted from spot metering, but I prefer to just add a stop of compensation if I think it's going to need it.

I always use servo focus mode with birds, cats and dogs unless you know their going to stay still, because just a small change in distance means soft eyes or face.

I would normally use a mid range "f" stop, to high and to low could render a soft image.

Shutter speed as high as light/shooting conditions will allow I would say, unless you wish to convey movement in your shot.

Maybe Phil or Dejavu will chime in if they see this post, as they have a greater skill than I when it comes to bird shots.

Thank you Daisy and Ken. Things for me to try there already. I'm hoping Phil or Dejavu, or anyone else adds to this too