With a little practice, one gets to understand how to place the subjects so that when you expose them by using exposure lock - you get a nice glow around the birds as your subjects.
Moreover, aim fot a full-framed camera shot at f/1.8 with high shutter speed. Use a tripod or hold the camera to ensure a rigid or firm front rest.
For reference, this story has an a photograph taken by chance from a rooftop when a situation arose, and quick camera setting and the roof wall did the rest.