Some people use flash to fill light the bird. There is severe backlighting, and the sky will be overexposed if you adjust your exposure to make the bird look better. I've ordered a "Better Beamer" attachment for my EX580 II flash to see if it helps me.


You need a longer lens, but then lenses are never long enough. Smaller aperture to keep the bird in focus as well. capturing a barn swallow in flight is just plain difficult in any event. I haven't even tried that.