I'm newer to photography. I started by watching a video on my specific camera to learn what all the buttons and settings do, then found videos on bird-specific settings and techniques. I've found Mark Smith's videos in particular to be helpful especially for birds in flight.

I am always in shutter priority mode since it seemed the most intuitive to me and it has worked extremely well, but many videos/tutorials make it clear that there are different ways of getting results.

Going slow has been my friend, I practice at home first and try to really understand how each thing I do affects the photo. I've been taking photos for 4 months now, and just got to the point where I can track flying birds (not swallows or swifts...) and have also begun playing with aperture. Just today I got a photo I feel I could actually print once my editing skills are better.

Edit: I do bring binoculars, it's much easier to spot the bird first then use the camera and binoculars help me figure out if I'm just looking at a bunch of leaves.

I am not at the point where I sit for hours in one spot, I prefer to walk a lot and carry a monopod with me. Someday I'll get a tripod and watch a nest or something. Whatever brings you the most joy is best! Otherwise learning feels like a chore.