Hi Shelley, I hope I'm not too late with my suggestions. The T3 will be agood investment to start, but if you will be after birds, I strongly suggest you invest in a good lens, the best lens your budget can get. Why? Well, the quality of the glass the elements are made differ a lot and there is no point on buying a "cheap lens" when chances are you will want to upgrade once you get more experience (I don't really believe in software to fix a picture). Remember, the lens can be used with any other DSLR you might get in the future, so you are not wasting your money.
The EF 70-200 f4L is a great lens, I love it, sharp all the way, and for an L series is an excellent choice. If you can get your hands in the IS version even better, but those babies cost a lot more (let alone the f2.8 versions). . . and if money is not a problem . . . the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM is there, just waiting for its princess, ;)
