Digital Recorders: a Marantz 661?

["c5nest" c5nest]

I'm ready to replace my mini-disc with a digital flash recorder.

Recording bird song is my first priority, secondary use will be recording audio 
for video captured with a DSLR (a Canon 7D).

I have a Sennheiser ME67/K6 mic for birdsong. For background audio, I will 
probably choose something moderately priced such as the Rode VideoMic for now.

>From the reviews and postings, it seems that a Marantz 661 might be an good 
>choice in the under $1000 price range, but perhaps another recorder would be 
>more suitable.

Although I'm an experienced photographer and birder, I have truthfully only 
acquired just enough knowledge of the technical side of audio equipment to get 
by. I could probably use some some guidance.
  

Thanks,

Felicia Lovelett