SX50 bird fiasco. Help.

I think there might be a very simple answer to your problem. The small sensor cameras do have an operational delay from pressing the shutter to recording the image and are not as fast at focusing as a DSLR would be. I have used a Kodak DX6490 for many years, until I got a Canon DSLR, and found that the Landscape mode on the camera was excellent for the sort of shots you have posted. The lens effectively becomes fixed focus and I have always got very good action shots that way. I have even used it for stop motion shots of the kids playing football and cricket which I could never do any other way the the compact or bridge cameras. I have a friend who has the SX40 and he uses this technique with excellent results.

Please forgive me if I am trying the teach granny to suck eggs and I hope this comment may be of some use to you.