Good flying shots

[willow]

Hi
I was trying to take some clear shots of the birds flying but i just dont seem to be able to get as close as i would like.
I was using a 100-300 lens, so to get some really good pics of birds flying which size lens would you require,

 

[Bubby]

I suppose it depends on how low the bird is Only messin', I'm not sure what lens you would need. The bird is underexposed though.

I always wondered about these shots, do you have to spot meter to expose the bird properly? Or if not, how do you get the bird exposed?

 

[Oggy]

Here's me seagull.

This was taken with a 300mm. Messing or not Bubby is spot on.

I do spot meter for this sort of photo, but I also find it is important to have the sun behind me, so it is shining on the bird, rather than silhoetting it.

My prefered birding lens is my Sigma 150-500 if I cannot be sure a prime is going to be long enough.

 

[Lesco]

wow that is so impressive, what a great photo, I can only dream about getting that good at the moment

 

[Bubby]

Here's me seagull.

This was taken with a 300mm. Messing or not Bubby is spot on.

I do spot meter for this sort of photo, but I also find it is important to have the sun behind me, so it is shining on the bird, rather than silhoetting it.

My prefered birding lens is my Sigma 150-500 if I cannot be sure a prime is going to be long enough.

Thanks oggy, I had a feeling that would be how the layout for a good shot would be achieved