Marelle Kuo tells the story of how an owl helped her discover birding and also reconnect with other passions, which changed her entire world view during the pandemic. She wishes everyone could find that kind of inspiration:

"My wish: Everyone could experience the magic of birding. The pandemic changed me. It changed my priorities and how I view the world. Becoming an accidental birder saved my life. My world had become dark and gloomy, and birding filled it with color and wonder. It also helped me return to my first loves: reading and writing.

True story: An owl took up residence in the tree near my bedroom window. I could hear him night after night. I would miss him when he was not there. I started daydreaming about what he might say and why he was staying with us. That is how I started writing my fantasy book and the Half Magical Book Club, an inclusive and safe community for diverse readers, writers and birders."

By Laurel Dalrymple (NPR)

https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/01/18/g-s1-42920/wishes-2025-kindness-earth-birds-mental-health