Place objects in a way that reflects their function or state. By this I mean place hanging objects around the upper part of the screen and objects that sit on the ground in the lower part of the screen. When the bird lands, I would try and show the whole bird, keeping the centre of the bird toward the lower part of the screen. Avoid horizontal and vertical lines as these tend to flatten the image. Instead, try and shoot angled lines as this emphasizes depth.
Angled lines can also help lead the viewer's eye toward the subject.
For example, rather shoot flat on to a brick wall, try and shoot at a 45 degree angle. The lines of the brickwork can help lead toward the subject. Make sure you capture everything of importance. Avoid cutting off the top of peoples' heads or their hands when they are indicating something. Try and have the subject occupy as much of the screen as they can without crowding it.