I was raised to observe nature, enjoy it and help protect it. I tend to observe slowly and patiently. I do notice people rushing right past wildlife they'd take a look at if they'd only spent the time & effort to carefully observe and see that there was a snake, mouse or other creature within inches of their feet. I have been bird watching and loving nature long before the internet or computers existed. I am happy that such technology does exist so we can share with others and get help with identification. Over the years, I have taken pictures of what I considered interesting things, and once I started on iNaturalist, discovered at least one picture of a threatened species that may have been more important than I realized.

I am no expert, just self-taught for over five decades once my mother had introduced me to her love of nature. I used to manage a garden center, so I am very familiar with a number of ornamental and native landscaping plants in addition to the wild animals and plants I know.

I feel I am an expert at creating great Google search terms, and have a dogged persistence once I decide to ID something I find interesting. Sometime, I must admit defeat though. I don't think I'll ever be able to ID very many of the weeds, grasses and bugs posted. My strengths are birds, ornamental plants, some mammals. I am currently learning wildflowers and sometimes much later after I've ID'd something, I have an "uh-oh" moment once I learn that there are many species that look very close indeed. I've had new fun learning and ID'ing some reptiles and bugs here now too.

If I ID anything incorrectly, please do not hesitate to correct me. I know I'm no expert, just an enthusiastic nature lover striving to do my best to share the joy of nature.