I am looking for a camera to take pictures of free flying birds. I
need a good zoom, fast shutter speed so that I can take one picture
after another quickly.

Of course high pixel 

I am thinking of the Mineolta Dimage A200 but in reading it appears
that the shutter speed might be too slow and the startup time too
long. 

Can anyone help me make a good decision? I have around $699 to spend.

Thank you