Let me cut straight to it. Birding has changed my life. 

But before I get into all that, I want to talk about why I started social media in the first place, because the two are connected but very different.

When I started birding, I felt so damn alone. 

Like, real alone. 

Everyone I met in the birding world just didn’t seem to have the same fire I did. They didn’t light up the way I do when I see a bird I’ve never fucking seen before.

And let’s not even get started on the “proper” way you’re supposed to behave in this hobby—no cussing, no yelling, no losing your shit over a cool bird. 

Nah, that’s not me.

I couldn’t be myself, and that isolation hit hard. 

So, I thought, screw this. I’m going to create a space where people like me—people who are loud, excited, and maybe drop a few f-bombs—can come together. 

Birding can be an adventure. It should be an adventure. And there are others out there who feel the same way, who don’t mind your language or your enthusiasm, and who might even crack open a beer with you after a day out in the field.

That’s why I started my IG page. To show the world that birding isn’t just for people over 40 who feel like their lives are winding down (and hey, nothing wrong with that—joking, kinda). 

There are so many amazing younger people and badass older folks out here who are just as hype about birds and birding as I am.

And let me tell you, when you find those people, it’s like magic. I’ve met some incredible friends who are bird guides, people who share my passion and don’t bat an eye at my sailor’s mouth. We hype each other up, learn from each other, and have the best fuucking time.

My Spark Bird

Now, let me backtrack to how this all began. Every birder has a “spark bird”—the bird that opens the door to this whole crazy, magical world. Mine was a blue grosbeak.

This little guy landed on my backyard feeder, and I swear it was like the universe hit me with a brick. 

I thought, What the fuck is that?

That one bird changed everything. Suddenly, I was noticing birds I never knew existed, exploring places I never would’ve gone otherwise, and staying active in ways I hadn’t before. Birding opened my eyes to the tiny, beautiful details of the world around me. It made me appreciate life more.

Birding isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with nature, appreciate the little things, and find joy in the unexpected. 

And honestly? 

It’s a hell of a lot more fun when you’re surrounded by people who get as hype as you do about a motherfucking bird.

So, let’s get out there. 

Let’s explore, let’s yell, let’s cuss, let’s laugh. Let’s make birding the badass adventure it’s meant to be.