Yeah, this is the first time I’ve seen it I’m usually sleeping I guess, I came to check my notifs before sleep and I got greeted by the "iNat is catching some Z’s " :(
I also had the dumb thought I would have a ton of notifications in the morning, but then I realized it’s down for everyone… 
When you have come to enjoy watching mosquitoes bite you because you like seeing them fill up with blood, knowing you’re contributing to the next generations (especially by feeding mosquitoes descended from those that have bitten you) and have been bitten enough to become partially desensitized. Plus you a) strive to photograph several types/individuals at once, and b) will let them bite wherever they land if you can get a picture, even if the bite stings a bit.
…when your dog runs to the door every time you grab your camera because he knows you are going to go on a walk.
When you start looking for bugs for “5 minutes” and you spend an hour running around for them.
You can do it!!!
But even if you don’t get there, that’s still an awesome accomplishment!
I need to add more.
When your first thoughts when getting a new phone is only about the better camera and how many more organisms you’ll be able to photograph! I dont even know what other features my new phone will have besides the fact that the camera is better haha.
When you go on multi-mile long walks just to make observations!
When a 3.6mile walk takes you over 3hrs…
When your required gear to go on a walk involves gloves, a black light, a camera, shoes you dont mind getting muddy, tucking your pants into your socks, wearing long sleeves even in the heat, and a bag to collect bones and feathers (that are legal to collect)(This ends up being my camera)!
When you do yard work just to see the critters that come out whenever you pull an invasive plant!
When you faint while taking pictures and your more annoyed about not being able to see well enough to spot small insects then upset that you literally fainted. (+Same thing but with being able to walk after dislocating your knee.)
You have measuring tape on your keyring/bag
Me too!
My ID’s are about 500 already. That’s 100 ID’s every day!
…You are seriously considering getting millimeter ticks tattooed on your index finger so you can still document bug wingspans even if you forget to bring your ruler.
iNatters have said things like this for years:
And @brucen summarized it very well in his comment on this blog post:
My wife . . . has referred to my pace not as miles per hour, but hours per mile!
Brilliant!
"You know you’re seriously into iNat when … "
You need to drive from your home in Washington state to your folks place in Philly. But instead of taking a direct route and 4 days to cover the distance, you plan a month-long road trip, based on seeing as many species as possible during the trip, and visiting as many ecosystems and micro habitats as possible during the trip.
So, next month I will embark on a 30 day, 5,000 mile road trip for the sole purpose of trying to flush out my iNaturalist map and put observations in as many states as possible, and hopefully amass over 1,000 species on the trip.
The people listed on my itinerary are wildlife aficionados who know the species in their area like the back of their hand. They are all good friends who will be immeasurably helpful in locating the flora and fauna in their respective areas.
Have fun in Texas!!
You are the one who knows that most people’s so-called 4-leaved clovers… are 4-leaved woodsorrels (so they aren’t getting lucky today lol)
*in India no one cares about 4 leaf clover generally. It doesn’t make you lucky, but if you found it, the luck was in finding it! but I’ve not been fortunate enough to find any so it’s a wishlist item.