Swamp Gator wrote:
For white birds they really should be shooting in M if possible.
Most cameras will tend to overexpose and blow out the highlights and detail on white birds when shooting in any auto mode.
If M is not an option at the very least use exposure compensation to under expose by 2/3 of a stop or more, especially if lighting conditions are bright.
I second this. Also, keep your shutter above 1/1000 if possible.