In my experience( both as a learner and a teacher) the best way to learn is by experience and practice. Shoot the same scene with each lens and setting to figure out what the differences are. Repeat this with different situations ( indoors, outdoors, sun, shade, close-up, landscape, etc). You might create a chart about each lens comparing different types of scenes and settings or a chart comparing different lenses.
Because you are doing the research yourself you will be engaging multiple senses (touch, sight etc). That will help you remember better. Many people are not aural learners. Plus, we often don’t remember the answer until we ask the question. This will also be excellent exercise to keep your older brain active.
Good luck and congratulations on taking up a new skill in retirement.

I may have some idea of a wanted shot, but I usually get the best shots unexpectedly. Generally I prefer the pictures that are different than what most people shoot. I look for an unusual take or detail that can’t be pre-planned.

Google free movie editor. There are several. You might want to read some reviews to pick the one you want.
You should do some practice runs before the event to try out techniques for shooting video- what speed to pan, how to zoom, etc.

That is what I was going to say

Crop and FF can use the same lenses. I don’t have 2 bodies, but my son has a FF Nikon and I have a D5600 and we are able to swap (at least most)lenses with each other. Saves us both money.

I place a high priority on the articulated screen. It is the main reason I got the 5600. I’m too old to get down low and to short to see up high.

[\quote]was too afraid to try since my friends might ridicule me. [/quote]
That is why we all have well used delete keys.
I heard about a photographer who took 80,000 shots of one bird to get the shot he wanted.

You can (and should) read all the rules, but it really boils down to practice- like playing music. Shoot and then see if you like what you got. Adjust and shoot again. You will start to feel what your setting should be. Another trick is to take a sample on auto to see what the camera recommends and then make adjustments. Every situation is unique so someone (even yourself) can’t accurately predict what will give you the best settings, but with lots of practice you will develop instincts and won’t have to think about it. I also recommend taking a range of pictures. Sometimes the shot with the “wrong” settings gives you s wonderful surprise.
Remember that great photography is art, not just numbers.

Beautiful. Like a fantasyland

Lovely shot, even if it is on a feeder. Still real.
One trick you might try is put a branch near the feeder to see if the bird will pose on it

Thank you to all who looked and took the time to reply.
NGRea

Thank you. The surgery was a walk in the park. The hardest part was getting to the post-op visit the next day in the snow-turning-to-ice storm we were having. We had about 1 inch when we left and by the time we got home 2 hours later nearly 5 inches of snow with ice on top. Luckily my son is used to driving in all weather (he's a cop) and he had no trouble. Bet we saw multiple cars that had gone off the road.

After many years of using GIMP I'm still trying out new features and practicing to get better control. This week I'm between cataract surgeries (one eye is done, the other gets done next week), so I thought I'd try the new lens implant on small detail brushes, etc. Picked a picture that I always felt missed being a great shot in so many ways (bad focus, dirty snow, 2nd bird in way etc. etc.), but still fascinated me with the wing position and I just played around.To me it now resembles an abstract china figurine, but I kinda like the results.

original

(Download)

edited

(Download)

I like it. Have you tried adding a shadow to the road under the trees?

I set my camera on the console of the car. Then as I shifted into gear it tipped into the drink holder, lens down. It was a wide angle lens with a lip. Exactly the same diameter as the holder. The holder has 3 spring loaded knobs to keep drinks steady. They sprang out above the lip of the lens. It took me 20 minutes to get the lens out. Luckily no damage. Will set my camera on the passenger seat in the future!!

“Postkasten” translates as “mailbox”.
Nice photo