[thefitter]

Many thanks to Greypoint and Jon and Postcard cv for your replies. I had actually been looking at the Nikon D70 one of which was for sale on ebay . I think it started in the auction at £600 and included quite a lot of extras (spare batteries ,memory cards etc) . One to keep an eye on . I agree experience is probably the most important thing rather than the equipment and also slow down and dont rush things ( sit down and do a bit more waiting as you suggest) . We are having a weeks Birding next week so if I have any luck I will post a pic or two for your expert eyes to look over .Thanks once again