exploring the Robin (2 Viewers)

spent about 35 minutes following a number of robins around my front and back yards this afternoon. this was the most promising image of the bunch. razor sharp focus is lacking due to hand holding the camera. not sure how to approach using a tripod with fast movements of birds. the background noise is a little distracting and the overall clarity of the subject is missing. the bird is missing that "pop" look against the background making it all seems rather flat.

here are the numbers:

Nikon N-90 body
Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 D lens
ISO speed: ISO-200
f-stop: f/5.6
exposure time: 1/500 sec
focal length: 300mm

You've got some room to play with the ISO. More light is always better than low to no light. You could go to 320, at the risk of a little bit of noise, but it will definitely sharpen up the image. Cranking the ISO will allow you to increase your shutter speed. You'll need to play with the ISO to see where your image becomes too noisy.

You're at the bottom of your F-stop so there's no room to go there. ISO and exposure are the only 2 left.

With a tripod, let them come to you. A feeder, or fountain, or something that makes them want to come to you. After a while, they'll get comfortable with you around.