I often walk to a local park which has a lake and other bird friendly habitat.  Even though it is close to a busy street/highway, birds do not seem to be disturbed by the traffic.  I go there and find a place to just sit and look over the lake and the edge of the lake.  One day I was sitting there and watching a Great Egret feeding on the far side of the lake.  I patiently sat and watched as the Egret made its way closer and closer to where I was.  I was able to get this shot and found it quite rewarding to see it feeding and to capture that activity in my photo.  The lighting was such that I was also able to get the reflection.  I was also able to get a photo of a Great Blue Heron along the lake's edge.

I saw there was a sparrow visiting a feeder, so I sat in a chair about 30 feet away, with the sun at my back. I took various shots of the feeder, trying different modes (manual, shutter priority, etc.) and ISO levels to optimize the light. I waited about 30 minutes but the bird didn't return. I was too close and too obvious. Although I moved some, I didn't make any sudden movements. It gave me a sense that I need to work harder to get well positioned.

Near my backyard feeder, there is a fence, a brush pile, two potted plants, and an evergreen bush. Birds will often perch on these, or in a nearby maple tree, while awaiting a turn at the feeder or to retreat to with their meal.

What lens support does Melissa use when shooting from a low position on the beach?  It appears to be saucer shaped.