This site has been an inspiration to me too! I always took shots of wildlife and birds too, although not very good ones admittedly (dodgy camera and skills to boot) but this place is making me think more widely.
I have NEVER tried manipulating my images till I came here, and although they aren't what you'd call artistic, I'm finding it fun and thats the main thing to enjoy taking photos
So thanks everyone here for making me find the fun in photography
Jo