Holly Merker has spent decades helping people discover the profound connection between birds and wellbeing — and now, she's joining Birdfy as our Ornitherapy Expert.
Holly began collaborating with Birdfy in 2025, bringing her unique blend of birding expertise and nature-based wellness to our community. As an award-winning author, co-host of the Mindful Birding Podcast, and founder of the Mindful Birding Network, Holly has pioneered a movement that sees birding not just as a hobby, but as a pathway to healing, presence, and joy.
Her personal story is one of resilience and hope. As a young mother facing breast cancer, Holly found solace in the birds visiting her backyard feeders — moments of connection that helped shift her focus from fear to wonder. Those birds became her lifeline, and ever since, she's been devoted to giving back through conservation, education, and helping others find their own healing through nature.
For nearly 20 years, Holly has volunteered as Pennsylvania state coordinator for eBird through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, guiding birders in contributing meaningful data to science. But her favorite way to bird remains beautifully simple: right at home, connecting with the feathered neighbors who visit her yard.
Her personal story is one of resilience and hope. As a young mother facing breast cancer, Holly found solace in the birds visiting her backyard feeders — moments of connection that helped shift her focus from fear to wonder. Those birds became her lifeline, and ever since, she's been devoted to giving back through conservation, education, and helping others find their own healing through nature.
For nearly 20 years, Holly has volunteered as Pennsylvania state coordinator for eBird through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, guiding birders in contributing meaningful data to science. But her favorite way to bird remains beautifully simple: right at home, connecting with the feathered neighbors who visit her yard.
Coming soon: The Winter Birding Series
As part of Birdfy's collaboration, Holly Merker will be sharing her expertise through exclusive
content designed to help you experience birding as a mindfulness practice.
Mindful Birding Guides
Techniques for presence and connection
Backyard Wellbeing Tips
Creating sanctuary spaces for birds and yourself
Migration Stories
Following the rhythms of wild birds with intention
* Holly will also contribute regularly to our blog, bringing her unique perspective on birding, wellness, and conservation to the Birdfy community.
