Skills in photography?

[Unholy Thoughts]

My dad is an excellent photographer and I admired his work alot as a child. Now that I am older and moved towns I am looking into a hobbie of photography. Can anyone suggest websites or tips on how i can better my skills? I have 3 beautiful birds i photograph with my standard camera. I would like to improve my skills (and make sure the interest doesnt fade) before I look into $600 camera.

Any suggestions or advice. I want to do this as a self taught thing not go to a school and have someone tell me how to do things. I think it's something you teach yourself like painting. No one can teach you to be creative.

Any suggestion or a website where I can find a muse?
creativity is somethign that can not be taught and i never follow classes correclty and find that they cramp my style. Did any of the famous painters have painting classes no they had inspiration and learnt things along the way which is how i like to do it...