Sorry, but what is this about?

"One thing I've discovered is that hummers do not like camera flash, at least the ones that visit our feeders don't. You may get one good shot with a flash, but they will bolt and not return for a while." Human eyes don't like camera flashes, the eyes (and brains) of unsuspecting, wild creatures probably don't like them either.

Wireless consumer cameras usually transmit the video information over a 2.4Ghz frequency as an analog or digital signal - the same used by your wireless internet, cordless phone, and microwave oven - very crowded and prone to interference and errors. Wireless IP cameras use the same frequency but on your home wireless network - but still prone to interfernce and DHCP issues created after a power failure or glitch. The best answer is a hard-wired camera/DVR solution (such as the Swann units from Costco with CCD cameras w/IR illumination) that connects to your LAN or the internet using DDNS hosting. While you can use one of the cameras as a "baby-monitor" they usually don't include audio due to state/federal laws, and it may not be the best solution as you need a computer/tablet with you at all times. Most people often feel more comfortable with stand-alone wireless camera/handheld monitor with audio that they can carry from room to room with them.

Both Nikon and Canon's entry-level DSLRs are great, have outstanding features, are (comparatively) inexpensive, and you can use any lens with the same mount (I use three used lenses from the late '80s and early '90s, as well as a couple of telephotos). The main thing you're going to want for birds in flight, kids playing, sports, or anything else moving quickly, is a fast lens (meaning as wide-open of an f-stop as possible [the smaller the number, the faster the lens i.e. 28mm f/1.9 is quite fast]), and shoot with the fastest shutter-speed possible (at LEAST 1/400 second). My Nikon D80 will shoot as fast as 1/4000 second, and Canons are comparable. As for Nikon v. Canon: They both rock. It really comes down to personal preference at this level, though I have heard tell that Nikon is preferable for sports and action shots, where Canon is better designed for portraiture and studio work. Like I said though, it's really personal preference. Go to your local camera store (NOT Best Buy or any of those big-box stores, support local!), tell them what you're after, play around with the different cameras, ask questions, go home and think, and then get what you want. Or, go to Best Buy, ask around, play around, find out what you can from those useless punks, and then go buy used somewhere else!