I just can't figure it out

Still trying for those elusive action shots.......

 Oh, whoops, the photos got mixed up. This is a hawk I saw. It was SO far away, thus the bad focus. I don't know what kind of hawk this is.........

 Black birds don't photograph well........

 Another action attempt and he isn't even going that fast. ????

 I was told to focus on a spot and click when the dog gets to that spot. Um, OK, the ground is in focus, but my subject isn't?????

 It wasn't the best day, grey and cloudy.