Hi Michelle,
As you look into your bike options, I recommend that you also be sure to get a fairly sizable set of panniers. I occasionally bird by bike & my sizable Jandd panniers struggle to contain my very compact 66 mm scope & tripod. Also, if you decide to get clip in pedals, I recommend that you get bike shoes suitable for walking in mucky conditions off the bike. Pearl Izumi makes a model that is gore tex (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/pea...women~p~2261t/) & suitable for walking. Enjoy!
Neil

You wanna spend new money or work on a used budget?

If the latter, here's what I do. I use vintage 90's off road bikes; my favorites are the un-sprung Specialized Hard Rock and Trek 800 series. These are not like todays MTB's, they are more like compact cyclocross bikes.

I hunt the larger sizes and run city tires on them....slightly larger on the back. My current one will sport Geax Street Runner 1.6's on the rear and 1.5's on the front.
Some riser bars will sit you up right, low rise or no-rise MTB bars will give the forward seated position. I always add some knob and stag bar ends to these, as well.
They have cantilever brakes, wide tire clearance and are tough as nails. They also have lots of braze-ons for mounting racks.

Best part is, you can get one outfitted for the paths and MUP's for under $200 - including the bike, usually.

I don't have an opinion on your bike because I don't think it matters much.

I will second a previous poster's recommendation for a handlebar bag, though. When I am "bike birding" I don't like to wear my binocular around my neck, but I don't like having to dismount and dig through a saddlebag either. My most-used binocular is a standard size 8x42 roof prism, which fits perfectly into my handlebar bag and is instantly accessible. Of course, if your birding optics include an 88mm spotting scope with a surveyor's tripod, that might not work...

So, I did a total 180 and bought a road bike. I still plan to get a hybrid (maybe Santa or next spring), but figure I can still bird with the drop bars. I have always had road bikes and just feel more comfortable with them.

Is it a model with eyelets for a rack or are you going to use a handlebar bag?

Bikes are the best vehicle for birding, much stealthier than walking. A lot of people round here do birdwatching from a bike and use just about every type of bike.

Wider tyres help if you hit a bump when distracted and let you ride tracks and trails. You can fit a bar bag to any bars to carry binos and books. I'm not an advocate of kickstands but I can see the application if you need to stop and get out the binos and security is not an issue.

Agree. I enjoy my Trek Navigator for these kinds of rides, when you want to be more upright and really see your surroundings. I find it great for trails that may switch from paved to dirt or gravel, and it seems I do catch more photo opportunities when riding it. It's amazing where you can end up going when your bike CAN handle the trail. See something interesting on a trail off to the side? The bike can handle it, no problem. It's not as stodgy as a cruiser, either.

I do love my flatbar bike, but not really for these kinds of rides. The comfort bike really is more comfortable, the flat bar is harder on the hands and arms. However, if you're more into fitness that could be the way to go.

And of the Trek 7.3 and 7.2, the ride of the 7.3 is worth the price difference, imo. Try to ride a Cannondale Quick 3 or 4, also.

Lol, I read this post after I posted. If you're comfortable with a road bike then it'll be fine. And who stops at just one bike anyway? ;)