I got into birding late last year after I decided to start feeding the crows in my neighborhood. It started with feeding them peanuts. Then it turned into taking pictures of them when then visited. Soon enough, I was naming them and really studying their behavior. I wanted to see more birds, so I bought a bird feeder.
I started applying my other hobbies to bird watching and that is where things really took off. (Pun intended).
I designed and 3d printed a quarter pipe that fits on my bird feeder. I bolted a tech deck to the top and I have taken a lot of photos of birds that look like they are about to drop in on the quarter pipe.
As if that wasn't enough, I draw the photos that I take and turn them into embroidered iron-on patches to leave on the pin board at my local coffee shop for strangers to take.
Birding forces me to slow down and pay attention. I find it relaxing and it is the polar opposite of my normal day to day. It also gives me a way share my excitment with others. If anything I have done results in someone deciding to feed a crow some peanuts, then its all worth it.
I have spent at least 8 hours over the past week at the feeder waiting for good shots.
Yesterday I managed to get his photo within the first 10-15 minutes of trying. This Jay (and a few others) visit me multiple times a day for peanuts. I was in the process of getting the camera set up when my they arrived so the stars aligned.
This was the first time I have seen a Jay land on the skateboard, I feared they were too big! What a rush!
I designed and printed the quarter pipe. I can make the file available on Thingiverse if there is any interest in it. As photographed, it requires a tech deck and 4x M4x25 bolts with nuts. Fairly simple to assemble!
I can't wait to charge my laptop with my Affliction t-shirt