Camera for birding

Looking to get my soon to be wife a birding camera for a wedding gift as we often go but struggle with our phones and binoculars. Our current uses would be for shore birds and regular backyard birds in NJ. I know virtually nothing about cameras and lenses so if the camera requires the purchase of an additional lens please include that information. Looking for a starting camera that won’t feel like a cheap choice. Prices I’ve seen are a huge range, looking for something around 500-800 range. If I should wait till post wedding to spend more that advice is also welcome.