Focus lock

Those who have cameras with auto focus and focus lock can use focus lock(AE-L, AF-L) to help capture the flight shot. I have a Nikon D5200. There is a focus lock button on the back. Check your manuals to see if you have one and where it is located. It only works in A,S,P,M modes

I set up a perch for the birds to land on and get the camera set and hold the shutter button half way to focus on the perch. When the camera is focused you can use thumb to hold the focus lock button. This will hold the focus and it wont change when you let go of the shutter button or even if you move around. It is important not to move though as your focus is locked on the distance.

You can have someone or yourself release your bird to fly to the perch and click the shutter button when the bird reaches the perch with its wings extended. It may take a couple times to get the wings in the perfect position but using the lock allows the picture to be taken the second you push the shutter button instead of the camera trying to focus on a moving object and maybe not getting a focus at all.

Hope this makes sense, and happy shooting .