FZ200 and Birding in Rainforest and Sunshine

I am taking my first trip to Costa Rica with the expectation of seeing many birds and perhaps photographing a few on a 10 day trip. Birding is the first priority, but recording some of the trip, especially the birds for sharing on the web and perhaps printing some is a strong second. I do not want to be hampered by a lot of equipment as we will be hiking everyday to various locations with binoculars and a scope. I personally want to carry only the bins and one camera along with a fanny pack with water and such. I will not have time to sit and wait for the perfect picture but want to have the ability to take a decent picture if in the right place at the right time. We leave mid-Feb. and I want to have time to practice and become at least familiar with a new camera.

I am considering the Panasonic FZ200. From what I have read here, it is as close to what I need as possible. I will probably want to photograph in both RAW and Jpeg. I have no aversion to PPing and actually enjoy it. I am a paint artist and am very picky as to outcome. However, I am a novice photographer and I very much enjoy the art of photography. If I purchase this camera, I need to know what additional accessories I will need. Will I need a polarizing filter, perhaps a remote shutter, a monopod or tripod, a 16G memory card? How about a teleconverter and adapter? What is an MC protector and do I need one?

OR, if there is a better camera I should consider instead, please advise. Thank you for any thoughts on this. An aside: I have used a Canon Rebel dslr in the past and currently use a point and shoot Olympus Stylus and of course a couple cameras on my iPhone.

Diana