Here are some finches from my backyard today, courtesy of the 30D, the Sigma 70-300 DG APO telephoto lens, and the Aputure wireless remote for the 30D ($15 from Link-Delight on eBay, plus $12 for shipping from Hong Kong to the US).

Here's the setup. The Aputure receiver plugs into the remote port on the side of the 30D. The transmitter and the receiver both have four dip switches, so that you can select what channel to use for the radio communication. The range is claimed to be 40 meters. I've tested it up to 20 meters, but haven't had the chance to test it beyond that. The batteries are user-replaceable; the transmitter uses two AAAs, and the receiver uses one 12V 23A.

http://www.ptvavm.com/reviews/2008-04-06_30D-birds/2008-04-06_TZ5_00360.jpg

The tripod was placed about three feet from the bird feeder, and at the maximum zoom of 300mm, I could only get about 1/2 of the body in the frame. The camera was mounted on a tripod for all shots.


ISO 200, f/11, 1/160 sec, 300mm (480mm equivalent):

http://www.ptvavm.com/reviews/2008-04-06_30D-birds/2008-04-06_30D_20760.jpg

100% crop of the previous shot:

http://www.ptvavm.com/reviews/2008-04-06_30D-birds/2008-04-06_30D_20760_100percent-crop.jpg


ISO 200, f/11, 1/200 sec, 300mm (480mm equivalent):

http://www.ptvavm.com/reviews/2008-04-06_30D-birds/2008-04-06_30D_20757.jpg


ISO 200, f/11, 1/160 sec, 300mm:

http://www.ptvavm.com/reviews/2008-04-06_30D-birds/2008-04-06_30D_20783.jpg


ISO 200, f/11, 1/125 sec, 300mm:

http://www.ptvavm.com/reviews/2008-04-06_30D-birds/2008-04-06_30D_20793.jpg

The cheap wireless remote has really opened up some neat possibilities for the neighborhood "wildlife" shooting. Looks like Adorama sells the same set for around $80-90.