Ornitherapy- The healing power of nature
I have always considered myself a seeker, intellectually curious. Some might even call me nosy. After retiring in 2018 from my career as a pediatric ophthalmologist in Memphis, I moved to the beautiful Lowcountry where there were birds everywhere! What were the names of all these birds? Their interesting behaviors piqued my curiosity, so I placed feeders in the back yard and bought a field guide. I explored the lake and nature trails in my community and started taking organized bird walks. The more I learned the more I wanted to know.
The Covid lockdown in 2020 hit me hard as I am a social animal, not good at isolating. That’s when I discovered all the parks and nature preserves in the Lowcountry. Not only did I explore new trails and learn about different species of birds, I found great solace in my wanderings in nature. For those few hours I was able to escape my preoccupation with past and future and immerse myself in the richness of the present moment.
I have long been a practitioner of mindfulness on the yoga mat and meditation cushion, and I found that spending time in nature had the same peaceful effect. Going on bird walks by myself and with others became a mainstay of my self care.
I began a part-time job at Wild Birds Unlimited and obtained my Master Birder Certification from Birds Georgia and Hilton Head Audubon. In January 2024, a friend introduced me to a new book, “Ornitherapy for your Mind, Body and Soul.”
One of its authors, Holly Merker, was coming to Hilton Head to speak at an Audubon meeting: she has worked for decades as a professional birding guide and instructor and has been active in bird conservation.
Holly’s path to ornitherapy was quite unintentional. Just over 20 years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The ordeal of undergoing breast cancer treatment while raising two young boys led her to find comfort and strength connecting with the birds. She actually credits ornitherapy with helping her defeat breast cancer.
Holly’s book is beautiful and inspiring with stunning photographs, meditations and journal prompts that demonstrate how to study birds and nature as gateways to mindfulness. After reading Holly’s book I realized that I had been practicing ornitherapy all along.
And of course I had to learn more! I attended Holly’s talk and travelled to Seabrook Island where I studied more about Ornitherapy. I’m now a member of the online Mindful Birding Network and a faithful listener of Holly’s Mindful Birding podcast. I lead Mindful Bird Walks with Wild Birds Unlimited, Hilton Head Audubon and OLLI and have also written a book, “Exploring the Lowcountry,” a guide to parks and preserves on and around Hilton Head Island.
In today’s world of stress and screens it has never been more important to embrace the healing power of fresh air and communion with nature. Ornitherapy is accessible to all levels, and you don’t need to be an expert to benefit from birding. Just bring binoculars and an open mind to experience the wonders of nature.
Join me on a mindful, woodland amble Saturday, October 25, 8:30 am at Jarvis Creek Park on Hilton Head Island. Sign up at https://hiltonheadaudubon.org.
Other Hilton Head Audubon October events include:
- 4 State of the Birds Report, Kay Grinnell
- 18 Wildlife Photography, Mary Alice Tartler
- 18 Shorebird ID, Wendy Dickes
- 29 Sea Pines Art Show, Community Center
Kathryn Byrd is Hilton Head Audubon member and mindful birder.
State of the Birds Report
Saturday, October 4, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Hilton Head Library
Hilton Head Audubon President Kay Grinnell presents the State of the Birds 2025, based on a newly released assessment by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI). The presentation will highlight developing avian population trends, including which local birds are at risk and what can be done to help. Free event. Register on the Hilton Head Audubon website.
Wildlife Photography Class
Saturday, October 18, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Sea Island Room, Community Development & Management (CDM)
Learn essential technical, artistic, and behavioral tools to create beautiful wildlife images with experienced photographer Mary Alice Tartler. The class covers camera techniques, equipment, composition, animal behaviors, and finding wildlife in the Lowcountry. All skill levels welcome. Bring your camera! Members $20, non-members $35. Register on the Hilton Head Audubon website.
Beginning Shorebird Identification Field Trip
Saturday, October 18, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Fish Haul Beach Park (120 Mitchelville Rd, Hilton Head)
Join shorebird survey team member Wendy Dickes to learn basic shorebird identification skills. Perfect for beginning and intermediate birders, the trip focuses on bills, feet, postures, behaviors, and plumage changes. Participants will walk approximately 1.5 miles on sand and hard surfaces. Later start time accommodates tide schedule. Members $12, non-members $14. Limited to 15 participants. Register on the Hilton Head Audubon website.
Mindful Birding Experience
Friday, October 25, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Jarvis Creek Park
Master Birder and Mindful Birding advocate Kathy Byrd leads a slow, contemplative walk focusing on using all senses to experience nature's wonder. Unlike traditional bird walks that emphasize identification and counts, this experience encourages participants to unwind and fully immerse themselves in the natural world. Members $12, non-members $14. Limited to 15 participants. Register on the Hilton Head Audubon website.
"For the Birds!" Sea Pines Art Show Reception
Wednesday, October 29, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Sea Pines Community Center
Join fellow bird enthusiasts at this special art show reception featuring bird-themed artwork. Free event. Register on the Hilton Head Audubon website.
For registration and more information, visit the Hilton Head Audubon website at https://hiltonheadaudubon.org.
