My name is Kirstin Shrode and I live in Asheville, North Carolina, USA, with my husband and our two kids and sweet "Berneagle" dog. I've always loved animals and especially birds, but I got very seriously into birding in 2021, when the Merlin app and a Fish Crow sparked my passion. Since that day, I've wanted to learn everything I can about birds, which has also extended to the rest of the natural world, igniting my curiosity about trees, plants, flowers, insects, rocks, and so on. I try to go birding every single day, even if it's just stepping out onto my front porch. In December of 2021 I began taking photos of birds and have been having a lot of fun playing around with that and learning along the way. I also have a keen interest in social-justice issues and equity and want to help bring inclusivity and accessibility to birding. I am one of the co-founders of the Asheville chapter of Feminist Bird Club. I strongly believe birding and outdoors are for everyone.

Ebird profile: https://ebird.org/profile/MTE0NjUwMA