Controlling your own setup is probably the fastest, most efficient way to get the birds close to you. Some of them even become almost tame after time. Those who know me or have been to one of my workshops know I harp on this one quite a bit. No, because trout would be unresponsive. It is the same with birds.
Species vary with the season, and bird behavior differs during mating season.
Learn migration patterns, and scout locations based on knowledge, rather than guessing. Learning the songs of your favorite species will enable you to both locate and identify them. Tapes and CDs are available and can be used to learn them. And during mating season, playing tapes of certain male species will draw other males to you, as they are looking for males invading their territory. I believe as long as you disclose where the image was made, no ethics have been breached.