Nikon D5000 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with Extra 55-300mm VR Zoom Lens your thoughts?

This set up is probably what I will be getting for Christmas. I have never used a SLR before just a point and shoot but I'm familiar with how they work. I take mostly wildlife photos and just wanted to know, people who use this set up, how they like it. Any tips or tricks are appreciated.

I have the Nikon D5000, as well as that lens. It is by far the best camera I've had, and at an affordable price as well (For DSLR, anyway ha) I'm quite pleased with its results.
Here is some of my work from this particular camera (Some of the pictures are also taken with my older Canon).

http://eyefetch.com/profile.aspx?user=treefire

I really would suggest you work primarily in the Aperture Priority Mode, this way you can control a lot of the settings. This, and the Shutter Speed mode are what I work in primarily.

For shooting wildlife, you will love the 55-300 mm VR.

Take a look at the Nikon D3100 too, you may find it has more features at a lightly lower cost

Sounds great. If you want, take classes. But I wouldn't, YouTube tutorials is really a good teach.

http://www.youtube.com/...ytutorials