occasionally shoot birds, and wildlife, and other routine photo shooting

i own a p510, i'd say go for p510. no big difference in quality, unless you really are a critic. it's all about the zoom, the most fun feature of the p510. shooting birds is all about zoom capabilities.

plus, it is cheaper.unless, you are willing to pay extra for a zoom lens for the already expensive 550d.

if you are a camera enthusiast, go for 550d. but, if you are just for the photograph, go for p510.

i would go for the Nikon Coolpix P510, it a really nice camera if you don't what the hassle of lots of heavy expensive lenses and with 1000mm you really are gonna get close, I shot wildlife for a living and use Heavy Expensive SLR Bodies and Lenses, like the Canon 1D Mark 4 with the canons 600mm (that's one heavy setup if you need to walk along distance to get your shot) - But I always take a P510 in my bag If in need that extra reach to get that shot, I a really nice camera, I have never had a problem with it.

You will struggle to get a 1000mm lens for SLRs (And if you do it will be extreme expensive or a nasty slow mirror lens)

Save yourself the cash, get your self a nice sturdy tripod, a good camera bag and a shutter remote.... and enjoy. 

It a great camrea for all most anything - from macros to Wildlife and with full 1080p manual video it a good way to learn wildlife videography 

Ben O'Connell

any good camera with fast shutter with low light capabilities is best.here i donot know abt coolpix but I suggest  550D