Mindful Birding at Dusk

Watching birds is not only fun, but good for you! Learn why getting your daily dose of Ornitherapy is just what the doctor ordered….

Ornitherapy leads to a more mindful approach to the observation of birds, benefitting our mind, body, and soul. We’re pushed and pulled in many directions, no matter our age. If we allow birds and nature to slow us down, we are practicing a form of self care. Research shows that exposure to nature actively reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while helping build a stronger heart and immune system.

Birds are gateways into deeper experiences with nature, magnifying these benefits. Through observation, we can learn not only about birds, but gain insight into our own lives while exploring our connection to the world around us. This fosters stewardship and bolsters conservation.

Within the program, we’ll delve into our connections to birds, how to practice Ornitherapy for optimal benefits, and learn about the latest research in the power of nature for overall wellbeing. Come experience how watching birds can bring you more than just the enjoyment. Through guided instruction, we’ll learn simple mindfulness exercises to engage our sensory awareness while tuning into the birds and natural world surrounding us.

We’ll use focused “Ornitherapy Explorations” using techniques and prompts in a gently guided walk and sit spot, enhancing ID skills and focusing on surrounding bird life, while promoting quality versus quantity of the experience.

Holly Merker has a background in art therapy, but today employs birds and nature toward the same goals of wellbeing in her work as an environmental educator and birding guide. She has worked as a professional birding instructor for National Audubon, the American Birding Association, Hillstar Nature, and other organizations. Passionate about connecting young people to birds, she co-founded the Frontiers in Ornithology Symposium. Dedicated to bird conservation, she is the state’s coordinator/reviewer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Pennsylvania since 2005, and a two-term voting member of the PA Ornithological Records Committee and Committee Chair. She is lead author of the book Ornitherapy:For Your Body, Mind, and Soul (along with co-authors Richard Crossley and Sophie Crossley, Crossley Books, 2021). Holly spends every possible moment practicing Ornitherapy herself, which she credits in helping her defeat breast cancer, restoring her health mentally and physically.