I, like you, wanted the best binoculars that I could afford for birdwatching. I couldn't afford $200 for binoculars so I did a web search and found the below linked website. It complies other's reviews and tells you who gives the best review of the item. I have bought a few items that were listed there and have been pleased with the recommendations. Last summer I bought the binoculars they recommended for my price range too, which were the Nikon Action EX Extreme ATB 7x35. I have been pleased with them.

Here is a link that might be useful: Reviews of Binoculars

Be sure to try out the binoculars before you buy. Not all binoculars fit all faces. This is why you should buy them from a store instead of on the internet. Be aware that any time you increase magnification you also increase the magnification of any hand shakes or tremors. I sell binoculars and have had many people tell me that their 10X are blurry so they want to move up to a higher magnification. I usually give them an 8X to try and they see that magnification was the problem not the solution. If you go to a larger objective lense from a 25 to a 42 the increase of light you capture might be enough to allow you to see more. If you want more magnigication then a scope is the way to go. You can go as high as 60X and still stay fairly economical. Stick with optics that are sealed and water/fog proof. Alpen is a great brand of optics that has won numerous awards for value.

One thing to consider, when you go to a store to try out optics. Go on a cloudy, nasty day. All binoculars look great at noon on a sunny day. But in a dark over cast day you will see the difference in good optics.

Weight is important also, especially for holding up to your eyes for a long time, or hanging around your neck on long walks.
A scope is probably not as portable, but might be great for waiting for fledges. I think you will need a tripod too.

I forgot to meantion eye relief.

The following paragraph is cnp from the website I posted for you.

Especially if you wear glasses, look for an eye relief of at least 14mm, as well as adjustable twist-up eyecups. Eye relief refers to how far back from the eyepiece your eyes can be and still see the entire field of view. Short eye relief could mean that you'll only see the center part of the image if you wear glasses, and is generally less comfortable even if you don't wear glasses. Twist-up eyecups are better than fold-down eyecups.

I have read that the proper eye relief is one of the most important factors concerning binoculars if one wears glasses which I do.

I just recently got a new pair of binoculars. I wanted something small that I could carry with me wherever I went but a good pair to see things clearly. My dh got me a Leupold (makers of high power scopes) pair that are 6x30, they are so incredibly clear, I LOVE them! They were around $125. They also have this neat feature that my old binocs did not have the eyepiece turns up away from the lens so even people with glasses can look through them easily.

Donna

Wow! Thanks for all of the great info. I really was somewhat overwhelmed with where to start in my research. I am just really wanting to invest in something that is going to work for me. Thanks again!

I bought a pair of the Nikon Monarch ATB 10X42,I love them,These work well in the early morning or evening when the light is not perfect.I would not trade them for anything.I have had them a few years,and I use them almost everyday.Also they are waterproof and shockproof,They are lifetime warranty Regardless of what happens to them,even if its your own negligence, Nikon will repair or replace (at their option) your binocular for just $10 plus the return shipping costs.Check them out at the link below.

Matt

Here is a link that might be useful: Nikon Binoculars

I forgot to add,The Nikon Monarchs do have a screw in/out eye relief,very nice.

Donna,
The screw eyerelief should be srewed in against the lens for people wearing glasses and Screwed out away from the lens for people who do not wear glasses.I hope this makes sense.

Matt

Oh wanted to add one thing about the binocs, if you want them for distance and don't mind the weight go with a larger pair like 10x50, we have one pair of those. However if you want to see both near (like 20ft or less) and far the 10x50's won't work as they don't focus that close whereas the smaller pairs like the 7x35 or 6x30's will focus closer. Our older pairs are both Bushnells and I used to love them until I got my Luepold. The older ones are a bit heavy too, I am sure they make them lighter now though.

Donna