Have you ever noticed how nature has a way of bringing people together? My backyard, filled with the songs of birds visiting my bird feeder, has become more than just a sanctuary for wildlife—it’s a space for connecting with others. For me, birdwatching isn’t just about spotting colorful feathers—it’s also a special way I connect with my friend, Anna Gorska. Anna spent countless hours with me when I was younger, and now she’s my bird expert and one of my greatest cheerleaders. Today, I’ll explore how the simple act of birdwatching intertwines with anthropology, focusing on intergenerational relationships and the power of shared experiences across time. 

I’ll never forget the time we spotted a large male turkey in my backyard. I was so excited to tell Anna and show her what I saw. I knew that she would be interested and maybe even tell me everything about the bird’s history. That moment reminded me how sharing knowledge is something that brings people closer—just like how older generations teach younger ones in many different cultures. 

As it turns out, bird watching is gaining popularity at an exciting pace. Anyone can participate, no matter your age, and ther are local audoban societies all across the United States, often hosting bird watching walks and camps throughout the year. I think this ease of accessibility along with the natural stress relief of being outdoors and in nature should not go unnoticed. At this time, as humans, we have the opportunity to observe nature and the birds around us from our own backyards and with the help of online resources to choose birding or birdwatching as a new favorite leisure activity. See this article about the growing popularity of birdwatching. It is free and claming. In addition, we, humans, can feel interconnected to nature by being still and taking the time and patience to simply watch beautiful birds take flight. In this fast-paced world, I think we often underestimate the value of slowing down to just simply be in nature and observe. 

In anthropology, there’s a big idea I've come across called “cultural transmission.” That’s a fancy way of saying that older people pass down knowledge and skills to younger people. It’s how we learn things like traditions, stories, or even how to play games or cook. This is super important because it helps keep culture alive and connects different generations.

In my case, birdwatching with Anna is a great example of how being in nature and bird watching offers us the opportunity to bond intergenerationally.  Anna knows a lot about birds—like how to tell different species apart, what their calls sound like, and where they migrate. She teaches me all these cool facts while we walk through the woods or sit by the bird feeder in my backyard. Because of her, I see birdwatching in a new way, and it has brought us closer together. Feel free to check out my backyard birding vlog below!  

For some people, birdwatching might seem like a quiet, solo activity. But when I do it with Anna, it’s much more than that. It’s a way for her to share her knowledge, and for me to learn. I’ve come to realize that birdwatching is a lot like passing on a tradition. Anna’s love for birds started years ago with her father, and then with her husband's avid interest, has grown even more over the years. Now, she’s passing that love on to me.

Have you ever done something fun with an older relative, like a grandparent or teacher? Maybe you learned a new recipe, a sport, or even a fun fact about nature. That’s cultural transmission! It’s how knowledge travels from one person to another. So, next time you do an activity with someone older or younger, think about what you’re learning from each other—and how it connects you.

Birdwatching with Anna is one of my favorite activities, but it’s about more than just birds. It’s about learning from each other and growing closer through shared experiences. Anthropology, the study of humans and culture, helps me see that these little moments are actually part of a much bigger picture. What hobbies or activities do you do with people from different generations? Maybe, just like me and Anna, you’re creating memories and passing down knowledge without even realizing it.  Want to know more?  Check out my podcast episode with Anna!