Birding might seem like a peaceful and solitary hobby, but in the world of film, it often becomes something more: a source of comedy, adventure, obsession, or personal discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, these fictional films highlight the quirks and joys of birdwatching in surprisingly entertaining ways. Here are 7 movies that feature birding or birdwatchers as central elements.
1. The Big Year (2011)
Based on the non-fiction book The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession, this film fictionalizes the competitive world of birding. Starring Jack Black, Owen Wilson, and Steve Martin, “The Big Year” follows three men who embark on a cross-country journey to see who can spot the most bird species in a single calendar year. The movie is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the dedication, camaraderie, and sometimes-rivalry that define the world of serious birdwatching. It’s a true love letter to the hobby, featuring breathtaking shots of diverse landscapes and a wide variety of birds.
2. A Birder's Guide to Everything (2013)
This charming independent film is a coming-of-age story centered around a group of teenage friends. After one of them spots what he believes to be an extinct species of duck, the group sets out on an impromptu road trip to find and photograph the rare bird. The film captures the youthful innocence and excitement of discovery, while also exploring themes of grief, friendship, and passion. It’s a wonderful example of how birding can be the catalyst for adventure and personal growth.
3. Fly Away Home (1996)
While not strictly a “birding” movie in the traditional sense, “Fly Away Home” is a must-see for anyone who loves birds. The film tells the story of a young girl who, with her estranged father, helps a flock of orphaned geese learn their migratory route using an ultralight aircraft. The film is visually stunning and emotionally resonant, showcasing the incredible bond that can form between humans and birds. It’s a beautiful portrayal of conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife.
4. Rare Birds (2001)
For those who enjoy a blend of comedy, drama, and birding, Rare Birds offers a quirky cinematic treat. Set in Newfoundland, the film follows a struggling restaurant owner who becomes entangled in a local scheme involving the supposed sighting of a rare duck. The rumor draws birdwatchers from far and wide, boosting business and setting off a series of unexpected events. Unlike Hitchcock’s portrayal of birds as menacing, Rare Birds highlights the social side of birding: the way a single unusual sighting can bring together people, passion, and even a bit of chaos.
5. On Golden Pond (1981)
This Academy Award-winning drama may not revolve exclusively around birding, but it beautifully incorporates it into its story. Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn star as an aging couple spending a summer at their lakeside cabin in New England. Among the film’s recurring motifs is the call of the Common Loon, a bird whose haunting voice mirrors the film’s themes of aging, memory, and enduring love. Birdwatching in On Golden Pond is more than just a hobby: it serves as a symbol of connection between humans and the natural world, underscoring the delicate passage of time.
6. The Birds (1963)
Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds is perhaps the most famous bird-themed movie of all time. While it isn’t about birdwatching in the traditional sense, it stands as a chilling exploration of humanity’s uneasy relationship with nature. The film follows residents of a small coastal town who suddenly find themselves under attack from aggressive flocks of birds. For birders, the movie provides a fascinating – albeit terrifying – reminder of the power and unpredictability of avian life.
7. Ladyhawke (1985)
A cult fantasy classic, Ladyhawke stars Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer as star-crossed lovers cursed by a jealous bishop: by day she is transformed into a hawk, and by night he becomes a wolf. While not a birding film in the modern sense, the hawk is central to the story, symbolizing both freedom and the lovers’ tragic fate. It’s a striking example of how birds are used as powerful narrative devices in fantasy cinema.
