In a small coastal town in California, an ambitious project is taking flight that seeks to reconnect people with nature. Ornithological artist Keith Hansen is on a quest to illustrate 1,000 species of birds for a unique app called Flock, designed to inspire users to step away from their screens and immerse themselves in the world of birdwatching. This innovative initiative combines art, technology, and community to foster a new generation of conservationists.
The Art Behind Flock
On a radiant afternoon in Bolinas, California, Hansen meticulously adds the final touches to a vibrant illustration of a painted bunting. With a delicate sable brush, he enhances the bird’s cobalt blue feathers before placing the artwork into a binder—a collection that now boasts 420 completed illustrations. Hansen’s extraordinary project aims to document every bird species ever recorded in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Hawaiian birds.
This effort is not merely for artistic expression; it will serve as the visual foundation for the Flock app. Developed by his friends Adam Donkin and Bob Stevenson, Flock is designed to counter the pervasive nature of smartphone addiction by encouraging users to explore their surroundings.
From Passion to Purpose
The creators of Flock share a profound love for birdwatching. Donkin, a former lead product designer at Amazon, has been passionate about birds since childhood, mentored by a renowned ornithologist. Stevenson, who transitioned from the gaming industry to focus on family, discovered birding through Donkin and soon became captivated by the natural world.
Their conversations sparked the idea for Flock—a platform that not only celebrates birdwatching but also strives to address the challenges faced by conservation efforts. With their backgrounds in design and technology, the trio set out to create an app that would inspire users to engage with nature rather than retreat into digital distractions.
A New Approach to Engagement
Launched in early 2025, Flock has quickly attracted a growing user base of approximately 1,000 people, despite minimal marketing efforts. What sets the app apart is its intentional design, which encourages outdoor exploration. Rather than fostering competition for likes or followers, Flock employs a community-oriented approach, featuring a “high-five” button to celebrate users’ bird sightings without the pressure of social media validation.
The app’s interface is sleek and user-friendly, allowing participants to record their sightings, search for bird species, and interact with fellow enthusiasts. Notably, animations of Hansen’s illustrations bring the birds to life, enhancing the user experience and deepening appreciation for avian behaviour.
The Wider Impact of Birding
The Flock app is not just about observing birds; it aims to instil a sense of responsibility towards conservation. Donkin emphasises that birdwatching ignites curiosity, leading individuals to consider how they can contribute positively to their environments. By fostering an awareness of local wildlife and habitats, Flock hopes to inspire users to take actionable steps for conservation.
Amy Tan, bestselling author and enthusiastic user of Flock, has praised the app for its beauty and functionality, noting that it enhances her connection to her backyard birds. Her involvement exemplifies how Flock is attracting diverse individuals, turning them into advocates for nature.
Why it Matters
Flock represents a significant shift in how technology can be harnessed for ecological engagement. In an age where screens dominate our attention, this app serves as a reminder of the beauty of the natural world and the importance of preserving it. By blending art, community, and conservation, Flock not only encourages users to step outside but also empowers them to become informed stewards of the environment. This initiative has the potential to reinvigorate a love for the outdoors, inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect the avian wonders that share our planet.