Have You Watched “Listers”? (My Thoughts)

Listers is delightful in ways I truly didn’t expect.

This 2-hour YouTube documentary about two brothers going on a big year (birdwatching) was recommended to me because of the birds. And the birds are certainly there, filmed beautifully and identified at the bottom left of the screen whenever they make an appearnace.

I had also heard good things about the humor in the movie, which is largely thanks to the person who spends the most time on camera, Quentin Reiser. He’s just a funny, curious dude with an impressive mullet who decides to go find the birds listed in his bird book.

What I didn’t expect was how the movie would delve into the actual listing aspect of birdwatching. I love lists, and while the movie celebrates them–specifically, how lists can motivate people to get out into nature for birdwatching–it also dissects their darker sides.

Like, if you’re just doing it for the list, are you missing out on the marvels of nature? Is it healthy to compete with others who are trying to assemble longer lists? Is it environmentally friendly to drive for 12 hours just to maybe see one bird to add to your list? And what about those who monitor ebird lists to fact-check the listers, even though they weren’t there when you saw the bird?

It’s really fascinating stuff, all grounded in the brothers’ growing love of birds, birdwatching, and the birding community. There is a LOT of cursing (Quentin is fond of the f-word for comedic effect), but otherwise it’s family friendly.

What did you think of Listers? Do you keep any ongoing lists?