Birding Blues: When Apps Take Over Your Hobby
The Brothers' Journey
Quentin and Owen Reiser, two brothers from Illinois, embarked on a big year challenge—an ambitious attempt to spot as many bird species as possible in one year. Armed with a Kia Sedona, they hit the road, documenting their adventure in a film called Listers.
Their journey was filled with challenges:
- Sleeping in parking lots
- Cooking beans for meals
- Quentin even took magic mushrooms on a seabird tour
The Impact of eBird
The film explores how apps like eBird are changing hobbies. eBird allows birders to:
- Track their sightings
- Compare their findings with others
Initially, the brothers enjoyed the app, but they soon felt it took the fun out of birding.
"I liked bird-watching, but not the competition." — Quentin
The Broader Issue
This isn't just a problem for birders. Many hobbies now have apps that turn them into games:
- Runners use Strava
- Knitters use Ravelry
These apps can enhance enjoyment but also shift focus to stats over fun.
The brothers interviewed other birders who felt the same way. One top-ranked birder admitted:
"I wouldn't bird-watch without eBird."
This raises a critical question: Is his hobby really bird-watching, or is it the app?
The Film's Message
Listers highlights how apps can transform hobbies into competitions. Quentin confessed:
"I was tired of the app. I loved birding but hated eBird."
The film might inspire some to stop using the app, while others may be attracted to try it.