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How is it that we live in a world that is more connected than at any prior point in human history while at the same time we've become more isolated than ever before? I remember a time when, if I wanted to watch a movie, I had to put on my slippers, lounge pants, and a hoodie and drive to the movie rental store two miles up the road. While enroute, I'd enjoy conversation with whatever friends or family had joined me to select a couple movies. There'd almost always be a flock of crows along the road, or a hawk perched on one of the telephone poles or flying overhead. While at the movie rental store I'd have opportunity to connect with other members of the community who had also come to pick out a movie. Now, with movie rental stores obsolete and the rise of streaming apps available, I never have to leave the couch when picking a movie to watch. It's more convenient, but I miss the community interaction and bird watching opportunities I used to have when I had to make a trip to the store. I could say the same about bookstores, clothing stores, and even grocery stores. In a world where we can get almost all that we need without ever leaving home, direct interaction with our communities is now something that only happens if we choose to be very intentional about taking time for it.  Feelings of isolation are a growing problem in our human communities everywhere. Isolation breeds loneliness and a propensity to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, even addiction. Relational Birding can help turn the tide, bringing us out of isolation and into a kind of connection which cultivates empathy for birds, their environments, and the other humans with whom we share the experience.
-Rich Hanlon, Relational Birding Instructor