Why would you say something like that?
These were taken with a D200 (10 MP) and a Sigma 50-500 (not a great lens but certainly an OK one)
Best advice to Harvey:
Explore and leverage your gear's capabilities. I have taken decent images with gear that most people would say is just not possible.
Thomas, as you stated, there are good used lenses out there - you just have to know which ones - on a cropped sensor (and even a full frame) I like the Sigma 100-300 F4 (not the horrible variable aperture one), which is particularly sharp at F5.6-F8 which is available for around $500, the Sigma 50-500 available for around $450 without stabilization or $750 with stabilization), Canon 400mm F5.6 - an exceptionally sharp and light lens - you can find nice clean copies of this lens, which is still in production, for around $850.
Get as close as you can to your subjects - it will minimize the need for longer focal lengths.
Successful bird photography involves being in the right place at the right time. Understanding and observing the habits of the birds you want to shoot goes a long way to being in the right place and time.
Be patient. You'd be surprised at how short a memory birds have. When you first arrive at a shooting location, all the birds will fly away. But if there is food there, they will all come back, and their drive to eat will override the threat that you initially represented when you first arrived. Leverage that, keep the camera at your eye, and just watch and wait. You WILL get your shots.
Don't let the guys with the big lenses intimidate you. Take great shots with your modest gear and show them off - it will be the guys with the big lenses (overcompensating perhaps) that will feel intimidated.
Hang out with other bird photographers - you will learn where they are, how to find them, how to shoot them, and in general your bird shots will improve. This includes joining a local photo club.
Read the Audubon websites that are in your area - there is a wealth of information on them, and links to other resources. You'll get up to the minute updates on migratory birds in the area and where you'll find them. Often this is done through Twitter.
So, while your current lens option is pretty mediocre at the moment, given your goals, I would first replace the glass with something better - as you can see better glass is everything, and even a 10 mp camera is adequate for bird photography. Then think about upgrading your camera. Newer cameras have greater resolution, better focus acquisition and tracking, snappier handling, better high ISO/low light performance, etc. There is no need to go out and spend $$$$$$$$ on gear. It's not hard to get decently priced but good gear and make the best of it.
Why would you say something like that? br br Thes... (