Listers – A Birding Story for a New Generation

I just watched Listers, an independent film by Quentin and Owen Reiser, and I have to say - it hit all the right notes.

On the technical side, I loved the way it was presented. The 4:3 aspect ratio gives the day-to-day footage a “found-footage” nostalgia that instantly pulls you in. For anyone in the Gen X or Millennial range, that square frame feels like home - like those camcorder tapes from childhood that somehow made ordinary moments feel important. It’s the perfect lens for a generation rediscovering curiosity, this time through birding.

That gritty, real-life aesthetic is interwoven with stunning footage of dozens - if not hundreds - of bird species the Reisers encountered throughout their journey. The juxtaposition works beautifully. Those rough, human moments make the clean, striking bird footage feel even more awe-inspiring. It’s a reminder that, in the end, the birds are the real stars of the show.

Story-wise, Listers dives headfirst into the quirks and chaos of the birding world - the drama, the obsession, and the unforgettable cast of characters that any birder will recognize. I appreciated how it didn’t shy away from the tougher conversations, like the ongoing debate around bird names, or the infamous eBird reviewer email we all dread getting (but secretly learn the most from). The film also doesn’t pretend birding exists in a vacuum: broken vans, long drives, and life’s curveballs are all part of the adventure.

Ultimately, Listers is a love letter to jumping in with both feet. It captures the excitement of taking a hobby seriously enough to see where it might lead. Watching their journey unfold was equal parts inspiring and grounding.

Maybe one day I’ll take on a Big Year of my own. Statistically speaking, I’ve probably got another sixteen years before I’m ready - but who’s counting?