Binocs/Scope Advice

I have been getting into both astronomy and birding over the last several months. I am excited that my Orion 8x56 Mini-Giant binocs do a pretty nice job for both.

I would like to get another pair of binocs for birding (specifically) in the $175-250 range. Just wondering if the experts could offer their insight on the "numbers" aspect of the best birding binocs, as well as who has the best optics at that price.

I also would like a tripod to mount binoculars OR a spotting scope on. Same questions about scopes... plus I have no idea what to expect to pay for a scope/tripod set-up?

Thanks in advance,

Ken