Nikon is very well respected. It's considered the first or second best camera brand in the industry right now. The D60 is a great camera and guaging from the questions you have asked, it's more camera than you can probably handle. I would suggest you focus on learning the capabilities of that camera and on quality lenses. The Nikon 80-400 is a really good beginner wildlife lens.
By the way, while I'm generally Canon loyal, I don't have a problem with switching brands. I shot lots of Nikon in the past and make a lot of money off Nikon gear. They are a good company and make great photography gear. Many think their cameras are more intuitive and have a better "feel" than Canon cameras. I'm not sure I agree, but if it wasn't for the Canon 400mm f4 DO, I might very well own a Nikon D300 and a 200-400 f4... To me it's about the lens, then get a camera to fit it. The 200-400 is a wildilfe photographers dream. It's a bit of a tank, though. I will live with the limitations of a 400mm fixed lens if it is 4lbs like the Canon f4 DO... To each his own.
