I built an open-source project that turns recent nearby bird observations into rotating scientific field-journal plates on a 13.3-inch six-color e-paper display.
The controller checks iNaturalist within a configura
ble distance and rolling time window. Existing approved plates are reused; newly discovered species can enter a bounded research, generation, and independent review pipeline. The display node then rotates approved plates using sequential, random, weighted, or shuffle-bag selection.
My frame uses an Inky Impression Spectra 13.3 display with a CM4 and Waveshare carrier I already had. The CM4 is overkill for the display role, but it worked well and avoided buying another computer. The recommended display node for a new build is a Pi Zero 2 W, with the controller running on a Pi 4 or an existing macOS/Linux computer.
The repository includes:
- complete controller and display installation guides
- a bill of materials and frame construction photos
- configurable observation distance, time window, refresh, generation, and rotation schedules
- optional Apprise notifications
- durable queue handling and automatic recovery
- a reviewed, location-neutral bird plate catalog
- contribution templates so other installations can add approved species back
Source, build guide, and photos:
I would especially value feedback from other Inky users on the hardware layout, installation experience, and long-term display behavior.