I always loved the birds, inherited it from my father. But lack of technology to aid my low vision prevented me from actively pursuing my passion. That, and lack of purpose. Then, a few years ago, I acquired a good camera and in April 2022 I discovered iNatuturalist, then a month later eBird.

It is now July 2024. A good two years into my birding hobby, I notice my focus shifting from making life lists to deepening my understanding of bird behaviour and bird psychology.

I am especially interested in observing interactions between species, life cycle behaviours such as courtship and feeding of young, and responses to the environment such as thunderstorms and construction. I am currently observing the response of American Goldfinches and Black-capped Chickadees to my presence inside and outside the window beside their feeder.

With reference to "interaction of species," I mean not only species of birds but species of birds and also other creatures. I spot some birds with the aid of my pet cats. When I see them intensely focused on a point outside the window, often there is a bird there. The birds are less disturbed by the cats than by my camera.