@klavender wrote:
Gotcha! Thanks for explaining that! But to answer your question, some pics will be birds probably. What zoom would you suggest?
The focal length [mm] of lens describes a physical dimension within the lens body. The difference between EF and EF-S lens rests almost solely with the lens mount. EF-S lenses do not fit properly on EOS cameras with full frame sensors, just the cameras with the APS-C sensors. The crop factor [ x1.6 ] for lenses used with APS-C bodies is the same for both EF and EF-S lenses.
Some say that you need at least 400mm to effectively photograph birds. Or, you can set up a bird feeder about 12 feet from your window and use a 200mm lens. 
"... some pics will be birds probably. What zoom would you suggest?"
As with almost everything in photography, location is the key factor. Where will you be shooting from? It is not the lens. Not the camera. Where will you be and where is your subject.
No lens changes its focal length. It is what it is and forever will be. It is the angle-of-view, AOV, that is different. Learning this is more valuable than focal length. Crop factor was and is a dumb idea, IMHO, ofcourse.
To give you an idea of what might be required for shooting birds, I offer this.
The data on this shot is: EOS 1D Mk IV. 600mm, f7, 1/400, ISO 800. The rig is on a heavy duty Manfrotto 546 w/501 head tripod.
Now the critical part, I was about 25 feet from this guy! Even a 600mm (720mm crop factor) lens will be handicapped by distance. It s not going to get the job done if you are too far away. So you must be close, or as I stated above, location, location, location. It is key.
I bought this camera years ago for a good deal from a friend who was upgrading to a full frame. This was before I really understood the difference. This camera is better than my ability. I guess I have too many exspensive hobbies without the matching funding. 
I've toyed with the idea of buying a used full frame instead of buying a zoom lens. But then I'd still be without a zoom. It's hard for me to justify spending the money when this is a once in a while hobby for me. Combined with that fact that I tend to overthink things. Just trying to get the most out of my dollar. It sounds like I just need to get the 55-250mm EF-S STM lens and be happy with it. I just wish it came in USM. Or they had a comprable USM for about the same money. It's $300 versus $450 (for the 70-300mm EF). Thank to everyone for their insight. I really appreciate it.
On second thought, maybe I should just spend the extra $150. 
@klavender wrote:.... .... ....
On second thought, maybe I should just spend the extra $150.
Yes, perhaps you should. I would advise not being any EF-S telephoto zoom lenses. I would also advise doing a little more research into camera lenses, and gaining a bit more experience with your camera before splurging on a new lens.
There have a couple of different vesions of the EF-S 55-250mm, and all are currently discontinued, AFAIK. I picked one [in pristine, factory refurbished condition] for my son from the Canon Online Refurbished Store for under one hundred U.S. dollars last year. That should give you some idea of what those lenses are really worth.
