It’s not about the gear, it’s about knowing your subjects and how to take photos. But in the case of birds in flight, gear helps. Two things I like about my new zoom lens: super-fast autofocus and dual mode image stabilization.
From the Falklands, an Upland Goose:

Also in the Falklands, a Turkey Vulture.

The Turkey Vulture again.

This is not a dove. This is Snowy Petrel, a beautiful white sea bird which happens to have the southernmost breeding distribution in the world.

These birds are not flying.

								
Fab!!