First, I don't believe that there is such a thing as "professional" shots, only good one and bad ones, or not so good ones - images of birds follow all the general rules of composition that you, or a professional, would use for any other image - rule of thirds, lead-in lines, balance, etc.
A lot depends on whether you are going to try shooting these "birds in flight" (BIF) or are going to shoot them while they are sitting in the tree, or standing on the ground. As well, it depends on how close you can get to them. For BIF, check this one out:
The Canadian Nature Photographer - How to photograph Birds in Flight .
If they are just sitting around, then a slower speed is possible than for BIF. I do most of my bird shooting with my 100-400mm IS L on my 5D with an ISO between 100 and 400, depending on the available light. For speeds slower than about 1/500, I use a tripod, particularly for the shots of them sitting or standing still. For BIF, I typically will try a speed in excess of 1/1000 sec., at between f16 to f22. Some times, if the lighting is good, I will set the camera to shutter priority, shoot at 1/1000 + and let the camera pick the aperture.
If they are standing around or sitting in a tree, etc., then I might switch to my 70-200mm L IS, II, and use it in place of my 100-400mm and maybe use f11 or f16 and speeds around 1/125 or 1/250 - depends.
It is very difficult to give precise "how to do it" because each situation is different and for me, I will draw on my previous experience to help me determine the "parameters" that I choose. Don't forget, with 100-400mm IS and the 70-200mm IS, to turn the IS off, or use Mode 2, if you are shooting from a tripod, or are panning. HTH.
Sounds like a great trip - I must confess to being a little envious - enjoy and post some of the resutls when you get back.
Cheers,
WesternGuy
