Thanks JTF - unfortunately you are one up on lens length - I have the a D40 and a 70-300 VR, it doesn't have C mode capabilities. I should try shooting on the "sports" setting, but was on AP when we were watching the Caspians and Bonapartes at Rondeau 2 wks ago.
....We were going to buy me new gear before migration started but I can't decide between the D90/D300 and whether I want the 80-400 or something fixed and longer that will take a TC....so I didn't get anything, we leave for Pelee and Rondeau in a week and I am starting to second guess myself (((sigh)))
...there's always next year! (3yrs ago I thought my D40 would be the only camera I would ever need LOL)
Joann