I have been a bird watcher (birder) for the last 28 years. I am not an ornithologist. I can identify most birds in California and other parts of the USA, but have lots to learn, particularly when it pertains to gulls of different ages, some sparrow spp., fall warblers and many other issues that complicate field identification, like cross breeding.
I particularly love observing the animals, but native plants interest me too.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English and a certificate in Biology, Field Ecology.
I have done lots of reading and writing about wildlife. I had a column in two regional publications—Around Here Magazine and Sierra Heritage Magazine—about wildlife and how it fit into our ecosystem. My goal was often to highlight misunderstood or maligned spp., e.g. Yellow Jackets, Cougars, etc.—to help laymen understand the role of wild creatures in our environment.
Evolution and biogeography are two of my favorite subjects. My favorite author is David Quammen. If you haven't read him and because you’re interested in iNaturalist, I encourage you to pick up any nonfiction he has written. It’s all excellent.