In the city of St. Petersburg on the Gulf Coast, where art and nature intertwine in a harmonious pattern, artist Harley Babst, also known as Grouchy Goblin Ink, has launched a project that is already attracting attention not only from locals but also from tattoo enthusiasts across the country. Her goal is to tattoo every bird species found in Florida, turning clients’ bodies into living ornithology albums.
Tattoos as a Way to Preserve Nature
The project, launched in April 2026, quickly gained momentum. After being featured in a local newspaper and appearing in the news, the number of tattoo requests for birds exceeded 45 within a few weeks. Babst maintains a spreadsheet where she records each species, from the famous pink pelican to the rare banana hummingbird. So far, she has completed nine tattoos, with hundreds more planned.
Inspiration from Nature
Although Babst grew up in Alabama, her interest in Florida birds was sparked after moving to St. Petersburg. The diverse landscapes, from beaches to swamps and pine forests, provide her with opportunities to observe birds in their natural habitat. She often visits Crescent Lake, where white pelicans and sandhill cranes can be seen, and Oscar Scherer State Park, home to the famous Florida scrub-jay.
American Traditional Style and Accuracy
Babst works in the American traditional tattoo style, characterized by bold lines and vibrant colors. This style, which originated among sailors in the early 20th century, is ideal for depicting birds. However, for her project, Babst must strike a balance between stylization and accuracy to ensure each bird is recognizable.
Supporting Environmental Organizations
Babst not only creates art but also supports conservation initiatives. She offers a $50 discount to those who donate at least $10 to organizations such as Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, Owl’s Nest Sanctuary, Friends of the Pelicans, Inc., and St. Pete Audubon. This approach led to Babst being invited to visit Owl’s Nest, where she could personally learn about the work of these organizations.
Stories Behind Each Tattoo
Each tattoo has its own story. For example, one client requested a tattoo of a chuck-will’s-widow because she heard their strange calls every morning in her childhood. Another client chose a limpkin to honor a family of birds that visits their pond annually. One of Babst’s first tattoos was of a crossbill that died after hitting a window at her friend’s office. This story inspired her friend to advocate for protecting birds from such accidents.
The Future of the Project
Babst plans to turn her project into a book, similar to Audubon’s ornithological guides. She intends to visit new locations, such as Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Orlando Wetlands, to find more inspiration for her work. With each new species she adds to her collection, Babst moves closer to her goal of creating a unique tattoo album that will be not only art but also a reminder of the importance of nature conservation.
Harley Babst’s project is an example of how art can serve not only aesthetic purposes but also contribute to nature conservation. Her tattoos are not just images of birds; they are stories that speak of the importance of each species and the need to protect their habitats. In a world where nature often goes unnoticed, projects like these remind us of the beauty and fragility of our world.