In the serene coastal town of Bolinas, California, ornithological artist Keith Hansen is meticulously crafting an extraordinary collection of bird illustrations. His ambitious goal? To create a hand-painted catalogue of every bird species recorded in the United States and Canada for an innovative app called Flock, which aims to reconnect users with nature rather than keep them glued to their screens. This initiative, spearheaded by Hansen alongside his friends Adam Donkin and Bob Stevenson, seeks to foster a community of bird lovers and conservationists.
The Artistic Endeavour
Hansen’s dedication to his craft is evident as he puts the final touches on his latest watercolor of a striking painted bunting. “That was number 420,” he notes, revealing that he has 584 more birds to illustrate. His monumental task is to depict nearly 1,000 species, including those found in coastal waters, although Hawaiian birds are not included. Once completed, this stunning compendium will serve as the visual backbone for Flock, an app designed to entice users into the world of birdwatching.
Flock stands apart from the multitude of apps vying for users’ attention. Its mission is to encourage exploration of the natural world, promoting birdwatching as an enriching pursuit rather than a passive activity.
A Trio United by Passion
The inception of Flock can be traced back to the shared enthusiasm for birds among Hansen, Donkin, and Stevenson. Each brought unique experiences to the table. Donkin, who has a background in user experience design at Amazon, was introduced to birding at an early age by his father’s friend, the esteemed ornithologist Rich Stallcup. Meanwhile, Stevenson, originally from Scotland, stumbled into birding later in life but quickly became enamoured with the pastime after a friend introduced him to the local birding community.
Their friendship blossomed into a collaboration when they recognized the potential of creating an app that could engage a broader audience in birding. This idea gained momentum, especially after discussions with Robert Snow, president of the Fresno Audubon Society, about the importance of attracting younger generations to the activity.
Designing an Engaging Experience
The trio’s vision for Flock was to break free from conventional app design that often cultivates addictive behaviours. “We’re trying to get your attention away from your phone so that you can then turn your attention outward,” Donkin explained. They aimed to create a platform that enhances the birding experience, allowing users to track sightings, share experiences, and learn about various species without the distraction of social media-style engagement.
Flock’s interface is refreshingly minimalistic, featuring user-friendly tabs for searching birds, recording sightings, and interacting with fellow birders. Notably, instead of a “like” button, users can give a “high-five,” fostering a sense of community without the pressure of social validation. The app also includes a leaderboard to encourage friendly competition, ranking users based on the number of unique species spotted each month.
A Flourishing Community
Since its launch in early 2025, Flock has seen a steady growth in users, reaching approximately 1,000 today without any formal marketing efforts. Among its enthusiastic supporters is bestselling author Amy Tan, who has embraced the app for tracking her backyard bird sightings. She praises Flock as “hands down the most beautiful bird app” and appreciates how it allows her to share her experiences effortlessly.
One of Flock’s most captivating features is the incorporation of realistic animations that bring Hansen’s illustrations to life. These dynamic visuals enhance the user experience, allowing birdwatchers to appreciate the unique movements and behaviours of various species.
For many, including this writer, the app has sparked a deeper connection with the avian world. After logging my first sighting of a western gull, I found myself increasingly aware of the birds around me and even considering adding a hummingbird feeder to my home.
Why it Matters
Flock represents more than just an app; it signifies a movement towards reconnecting with nature in an era dominated by digital distractions. By encouraging users to step away from their screens and engage with the environment, this initiative not only fosters a community of bird lovers but also promotes conservation efforts vital to protecting our avian friends and their habitats. As we face pressing environmental challenges, fostering a love for nature through birding may well be an essential step in ensuring a sustainable future for both wildlife and humanity.
