R5 — Experiments failing, need AF suggestions for shooting fast-moving birds

[catsongs]

Aloha  All,

I am shooting fast-moving white terns beneath a tree canopy with an R5 with 70-200mm lens. My current settings are within TV at 1/1250 or 1/1600, animal selected.

The terns are typically 2-3m above my head. Close!

I have been experimenting with the best AF settings for my situation.

I have BBF set for AF-ON—AF/eye, *—AF/Zone.

When birds land on a branch, the AF/eye is fine. AF/eye doesn't seem useful when a bird is flying.

Thus, have been trying AF/Zone

I'm still having difficulties getting AF to focus on the moving bird.

I get the occasional breath-taking shot, but trash hundreds of blurry shots.

I was going to post examples, but posting options don't seem to be here.

Any suggestions for further AF experimenting?

I'll admit to finding my upgrade from the 80D to the R5 frustrating. I did so for better shots of moving birds, but I've yet to find AF settings that make the upgrade work it.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'll post examples if those options pop up (as they always have before).

Mahalo!

Cat

[catsongs]

Aloha and mahalo again,

Thanks for the link.

As I've mentioned before, I'm shooting with an R5 using a Canon 70-200mm lends (plus adapter).

As my photos from earlier posts show, I have most of my difficulties in the tree canopy. Here're two examples (previously posted), one successful, one (as most are) not. These are screenshots.

Please know I am neither a Luddite not an idiot.

I am trying to get shots of maturing birds.

I've got tens of thousands of great shots with my 80D.

I'm trying to up my game with the R5, a very different camera.

I appreciate any help I can get on that journey,

Mahalo,

Dr. Peterson