A Birder's Guide to Everything 2013
"Find your reason to fly."
Teen birding prodigy David Portnoy stumbles onto what he believes is ornithological gold, sparking a whirlwind quest to claim his place in birding lore.
Director: Rob Meyer
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Birder's Guide to Everything (2013) about?
Fifteen-year-old birding fanatic David Portnoy believes he's spotted the discovery of a lifetime, spurring him to skip his father's remarriage and hit the road with his best friends. Their cross-country chase pits feathered wonders against the messy business of growing up, turning an ornithological adventure into an offbeat coming-of-age story.
Who directed A Birder's Guide to Everything?
Rob Meyer directed the film, infusing the birding quest with deadpan humor and gentle warmth.
Who stars in A Birder's Guide to Everything?
The cast includes Kodi Smit-McPhee as David Portnoy, James Le Gros, Daniela Lavender, Katie Chang, and Alex Wolff.
Is A Birder's Guide to Everything (2013) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, its breezy 86-minute runtime and offbeat charm make it a fun pick for fans of quirky teen comedies. Meyer's direction keeps the tone light, blending birding lore with the universal awkwardness of adolescence—perfect for a laid-back watch.
How long is A Birder's Guide to Everything?
The movie runs for 86 minutes, or just under an hour and a half of feather-filled adventure.
🎥 Trailer
About A Birder's Guide to Everything (2013) — A feather-light comedy about flighty teens and the thrill of discovery
Teen birding prodigy David Portnoy stumbles onto what he believes is ornithological gold, sparking a whirlwind quest to claim his place in birding lore. On the eve of his father's second wedding, the 15-year-old and his tight-knit crew embark on an unplanned cross-country odyssey that blends adolescent chaos with the quiet thrill of discovery. Directed by Rob Meyer, A Birder's Guide to Everything (2013) transforms a quirky road trip into a gentle coming-of-age comedy, where bird sightings become metaphors for life's unexpected turnings.
Shot through with deadpan humor and heartfelt moments, the film balances its title's promise of expert guidance with the messy unpredictability of growing up. Kodi Smit-McPhee anchors the adventure as David, while James Le Gros lends paternal warmth as a mentor along the way. The story thrives on the tension between routine and rebellion, inviting viewers to laugh with teens who'd rather track warblers than attend weddings—and to wonder if the rarest sightings aren't the birds at all, but the paths we dare to take.