I used to live in the Valley. The birding is wonderful, you're right.
I actually have a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Overall it was a good experience, but I eventually discovered that I didn't have a fondness for the post-modern art community. Some of my old friends from school have gone on to make a little name for themselves but they're all doing either political stuff about the environment or are questioning cultural traditions in some way. It's all vanity to me. If and when I go back to my work, it'll just be for my own enjoyment. I like to do things for friends, too. If I can get some good photos of my work, I'll share it here.