I used to draw alot as a kid until I got into computing and then being a teen led to other pursuits 
I would recently sketch building/yard ideas and the like but never birds. Very weird. I guess I was never inspired. What really got me thinking was my 2 year old.
I am a work at home dad and spend much time colouring with her. My drawings with her have been growing more detailed. We both draw but she colours in what I sketch. So it wasn't until I did a T-rex, velociraptor and some other dinosaur that had pretty excellent detail that I thought hey, these aren't bad. I've been kinda looking for something artsy/creative beyond photography and may have found it -- again.
Next pic is an owl. Each of these drawings was 2 hours each. The owl will take loads more time but I am looking forward to it. Maybe next weekend. BTW, these images will also be our Christmas cards this year it seems 
Also, going to order a 400 5.6 this week.
D