Tip 1: Reach For A Long Lens

Tip 2: Know Where All Your Buttons & Functions Are 

Know your equipment well before heading outside as you don't want to be searching for buttons and messing around with settings when you only have seconds to take a shot.
 

Tip 3: Get Closer To Your Subject 

You will need to be quite close to the birds even if you are using a lens with plenty of reach as they are really tiny things and can be easily lost in your background.
 

Tip 4: Keep Hidden When Possible 

Make sure you hide out of sight in either a purpose built hide or try shooting from your house or from an out building such as a shed.
 

Tip 5: Feed The Birds 

Make sure you have feeders out, particularly at this time of year when food's a little scarce. This will encourage birds to regularly visit your garden for food. 
 

Tip 6: Think About Feeder Position 

Place feeders in areas where branches or even ready-made perches you want them to land on are positioned. That way they'll, hopefully, land on the branch in front of your chosen background before going for the food.
 

Tip 7: Change Your Props 

Change the style of perch you're using to bring a bit of variety to your shots after a while.
 

Tip 8: Think About Backgrounds 

Hedges make great natural looking backgrounds but don't let the scenery overshadow your subject. For those with fences and walls rather than hedgerows try collecting a few sheets of material that can help disguise it. 
 

Tip 9: Focus Is Key 

Pay attention to the tips of tail feathers as these can become out of focus.
 

Tip 10: Be Patient 

Don't be too eager to hit the shutter button the second a bird lands as they're nervous creatures and it may take them a while to become comfortable with their surroundings.

Image by John Gravett - www.lakelandphotohols.com
 

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