Definitely binos. I have both and cannot imagine totin' around a spotting scope with a full sized tripod into the woods. Binoculars, on the other hand, can be utilized equally well while in a stand or in a car.

As for choices, under $300 I would definitely opt for either the Nikon Monarchs or Bushnell Legends. Both offer excellent optics for the price. I have seen several reputable optics critics rate them in the 8-8.5 range when considering the $1000+ optics as 10s.

Check out the following links for more info....

www.birdforum.net

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/sports_and_leisure/binoculars/reviews.html

http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Birding/Optics/