Almost every bird I photograph is in the wild..so explaination for so few fine shots from me on birds..all is dependant on getting close enough and with enough light at the time.  The birds I posted recently were coming by for seed. This is  close enough but always low light and from the wrong direction but for an hour  in the mornings. Once in a while I find a bird not genrally here, like the Towhees.  They do not come to the feeder but scratch in the fallen leaves of the woodland edge.  Those I must stalk and wait, wait and stalk, watch them fly away and wait some more!

We cannot dictate the location but the animals do..in their territory.   Try to catch a flying hawk with all the right stuff ready, lens, etc..and quick on the draw..in the wild that is!   Not an easy task for me.

I know one location to do that..only about 500 miles from here and the view is "down" on the hawks as they soar by just below the mountain crest toward the valley below.  Still, this would take at least 300mm minimum and 500 would be better for a close shot!

Yes, patience and try each one. It might be a keeper.  Valou, birds are a recent challenge to me, also.  I slowly get better at it but not yet close to desires.