Listers: A Glimpse Into Extreme Birding

In 2024, brothers Owen and Quentin Reiser attempted a “Big Year”, which for birdwatchers entails identifying as many different species as possible in a single calendar year. Traveling in a 2010 Kia Sedona van, the pair learn a lot about birds and other birdwatchers— including the competitive ones. Environmental issues, technology, and the competition’s impact on the hobby are also explored throughout the film.

The documentary is filled with beautiful footage of the birds and lots of funny moments, but seeing this seemingly random idea create a new appreciation for something previously overlooked also feels surprisingly inspirational. It may even have you thinking about things in your own life that might be worth a deeper dive. Either way, you’ll probably find yourself taking a closer look at the birds around you.

For more on the film, this Audobon interview with the brothers is a good read. Owen created an illustrated book, Field Guide of All the Birds We Found One Year in the United States that looks fun too.

You can watch the whole ad-free film here.