Hi Fledgling,
There are many wonderful binoculars you can get at modest cost today. My impression is that you would do well to start with a smaller one such as an 8x30 or 7x35. Well established brands like Nikon, Bushnell, Zeiss, and others are a good place to start, and will provide excellent service. Bushnell makes a marvelous small birding binocular called the Custom Compact 7x26. There is usually a new one selling on eBay for around $200-250 USD.
I wouldn't worry too much about picking the "best" binocular since there really isn't one.
Elkcub