I grew up wondering and learning about everything natural, and have been a casual herper and birder, insect collector, etc., since childhood. I've been a more serious(?) avid birder since the late 1970's, and in 2019 I became a SC Master Naturualist and have been making much more diligent, purposeful efforts to hone my naturalist skills. I enjoy nature photography, so you may see me in the field lugging a giant lens around. My formal training is as a biologist and oceanographer.