2024 was the year of birds. After hesitating for the entirety of May, a “YOLO, babe” from my wife helped me pull the trigger on a used 500mm /4, and it’s been my big, ridiculous toy for this hobby-within-a-hobby.

Birding taught me patience; waiting for animals to show me what they want to show me. I’m learning to ID birds better: I can recognize the calls of an American crow, fish crow, and raven. I’ve learned to pick out a bald eagle vs a vulture riding the thermals. But what even is a warbler? Am I always going to giggle at a good-looking Turdus migratorius or a titmouse? I’ve got a lot to learn but promise I’ll never grow up.

Here are some of my favorite birds from 2024. Some were shot for the National Aquarium, but mostly these were just for fun.