In an age where screens dominate our attention, a new app is taking flight—encouraging users to step away from their devices and immerse themselves in the enchanting world of birdwatching. At the heart of this initiative is Keith Hansen, an esteemed ornithological artist based in Bolinas, California, who is meticulously illustrating 1,000 bird species for the Flock app. This innovative platform, designed by Hansen’s friends Adam Donkin and Bob Stevenson, seeks to foster a community dedicated to avian conservation and appreciation.
The Art of Birding
On a sun-drenched afternoon in his studio, Hansen was adding the final touches to a vibrant watercolor of the painted bunting, a bird renowned for its striking plumage. With a precise sable brush, he enhanced the intricate details of the bunting’s cobalt blue feathers. “That was number 420,” he noted, indicating that he has just 584 illustrations left to complete his ambitious project.
Hansen’s task is monumental: to create a hand-painted collection of nearly every bird species recorded in the US and Canada, a feat that excludes Hawaiian birds and includes species found in coastal waters. Once finished, these illustrations will serve as the visual foundation of the Flock app, which aims to do the unthinkable in today’s tech landscape—encourage users to disconnect from their screens.
From Passion to Purpose
The vision for Flock was born from a shared enthusiasm for birdwatching among Hansen, Donkin, and Stevenson. Each brings unique expertise to the table. Donkin, a former lead product designer at Amazon, and Stevenson, a seasoned art director with a background in gaming, recognised the parallels between birding and multiplayer gaming.
Stevenson, after a transformative experience rediscovering nature, became an avid birder himself. This newfound passion sparked conversations between him and Donkin about developing an app that could bridge their interests and contribute to conservation efforts. “Birding creates an infinite well of curiosity,” Donkin explained. “You start to notice things and think, ‘How can I help?’”
Creating Flock: A New Kind of App Experience
Initially, the duo contemplated collaborating with established organisations like Audubon or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, but soon realised they wanted to create something entirely original. They launched Flock in 2017, funding it independently to maintain creative freedom. Their goal was to break away from the addictive nature of many apps and instead inspire users to engage with the natural world.
The app’s design is refreshingly minimalist, steering clear of the typical social media pitfalls. Users can search for birds, log sightings, and connect with others in a supportive community. Notably, rather than a ‘like’ feature, users can give a ‘high-five,’ fostering encouragement rather than competition.
As Hansen completes each illustration, Donkin sorts and processes these images for the app, prioritising commonly seen species to enhance user experience. Recent updates have introduced lifelike animations of the birds, making the app more engaging and visually stunning.
Growing Community and Impact
Since its release in early 2025, Flock has steadily gained traction, now boasting around 1,000 users. Among its growing community is bestselling author Amy Tan, who praises the app for its beauty and ease of use. “With each bird I add to my daily list, I feel rewarded when its illustration suddenly comes to life,” she shared, highlighting the app’s unique charm.
As a user myself, entering my first sighting—a western gull—prompted an unexpected deepening of my connection with the feathered inhabitants of San Francisco. I’ve recently found myself in search of a hummingbird feeder, testament to the app’s profound impact on its users.
Why it Matters
Flock represents a revolutionary shift in how technology can facilitate a love for nature rather than detract from it. By encouraging users to step outside and engage with their surroundings, the app fosters a sense of community and collective responsibility for avian conservation. In a time when many feel disconnected from the natural world, Flock offers a pathway back to the beauty and wonder that surrounds us—reminding us that sometimes, the best way to connect is to look up, not down.
