Measure the focus zone before moving anything
Record the lens-to-perch distance at the bird's eye position. If the exact model publishes a focus or depth-of-field range, use that model-specific value; Birdbuddy's current pages demonstrate why generations can differ. If no range is documented, use a bird-size stationary target and make reversible, small distance changes rather than assuming more digital zoom will fix softness.
Diagnose blur by its pattern
If the entire frame is soft, check protective film, lens contamination, condensation and focus distance. If the background is sharp but the bird is soft, the subject may sit outside the focus zone or be moving during a slower exposure. If everything shifts in the same direction, inspect feeder and mount movement. Change one cause at a time and keep a control photo.
Frame for evidence, not maximum magnification
Leave room for wings, tails and the approach while keeping the head and body large enough for useful detail. A very wide field of view can reduce pixels on the bird; an overly tight view can crop diagnostic field marks. Field of view and focus range belong to the exact lens and feeder geometry, not to a brand name alone.
Balance highlight and shadow detail
Avoid pointing directly into the brightest sky when a safe alternative exists. Compare morning, midday and evening frames because a location that looks balanced once may silhouette birds later. WDR or HDR is a processing claim, not proof that every backlit scene will retain feather and sky detail.
Compare the original still with extracted video frames
A dedicated still can differ from a frame pulled from video. Birdbuddy's current support, for example, lists 5-megapixel photos across several video modes, while its slow-motion mode lists a different photo resolution. Record the source of each image and avoid calling a screen capture or thumbnail an original photo.
Keep useful pictures outside the app
Download one photo at full available quality, inspect its pixel dimensions, and note whether the app crops, watermarks or recompresses it. Preserve date and location only at the privacy level you intend, and verify uncertain app identifications with a reliable field guide rather than treating sharpness as proof of a label.