Key Takeaways:
- The Merlin Bird ID app has been downloaded 33 million times and is used in 240 countries and territories around the world.
- The app uses AI and machine learning to identify birdsong and has been trained to recognize the songs of over 1,300 species.
- Merlin has become a valuable tool for new birders, helping them learn and identify birds, and has also been useful for experienced birders who want to confirm their hunches.
- The app has some limitations, including the potential to misidentify birds and not taking into account habitat and other environmental factors.
- Despite its limitations, Merlin has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, encouraging people to spend time outdoors and connect with nature.
Introduction to Merlin Bird ID
The Merlin Bird ID app has taken the world of birdwatching by storm, with over 33 million downloads and a presence in 240 countries and territories. The app, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, uses AI and machine learning to identify birdsong, making it a valuable tool for both new and experienced birders. For Natasha Walter, a writer and human rights activist, Merlin has been a game-changer, helping her identify the birds in her London garden and sparking a new passion for birdwatching. Walter’s experience is not unique, as many people have found Merlin to be an essential tool for learning about and connecting with birds.
How Merlin Works
Merlin’s sound identification function was launched in 2021 and has been trained to recognize the songs of over 1,300 species. The app uses spectrograms to analyze the patterns of birdsong and attribute them to a specific species. This technology has made it possible for people to identify birds without needing extensive knowledge or experience. For example, Angela Townsend from Bedfordshire used Merlin to identify the birds she heard on a nightingale walk, and has since become more confident in her ability to recognize different species. Mary Novakovich, author of My Family and Other Enemies, has also found Merlin to be useful when traveling, helping her identify the birds she encounters in different parts of the world.
Limitations of Merlin
While Merlin has been a valuable tool for many birders, it is not flawless. The app can misidentify birds, and does not take into account habitat and other environmental factors that can affect birdsong. Kasper Wall, a 12-year-old birder, has experienced this firsthand, with Merlin incorrectly identifying a northern cardinal and a brown-headed cowbird in his Norfolk garden. Nick Acheson, a naturalist, has also noted that Merlin can be fooled, and that there is a risk that people will rely too heavily on the app and not develop their own skills and knowledge. For instance, Acheson has noticed that Merlin can interpret a certain type of chaffinch call as a redstart, leading to people being convinced that they have spotted a rare bird in their garden.
The Impact of Merlin
Despite its limitations, Merlin has had a significant impact on the world of birdwatching. The app has encouraged new people to take up the hobby, and has provided a valuable tool for experienced birders to confirm their identifications. John Williamson, a guide for Norfolk Wildlife Trust, has found Merlin to be a "good tool" that has encouraged new people to enjoy birdsong and connect with nature. Williamson has also seen the mental health benefits of Merlin, with one person who suffers from acute anxiety using the app to get out into nature and calm their mind. Research has shown that birdsong has a lasting positive impact on wellbeing, and Merlin has made it possible for millions of people around the world to experience this benefit. For example, a study found that listening to birdsong can reduce stress levels and improve mood, and Merlin has made it easier for people to access and enjoy this natural resource.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Merlin Bird ID app has been a revolutionary tool for birders, providing a new way to identify and connect with birds. While it has its limitations, the app has had a significant impact on the world of birdwatching, encouraging new people to take up the hobby and providing a valuable tool for experienced birders. As Natasha Walter says, "It reminds you that there are birds knitted into your daily life," and Merlin has made it possible for millions of people around the world to experience the joy and beauty of birdsong. With its ability to identify over 1,300 species and its user-friendly interface, Merlin is an essential tool for anyone interested in birdwatching, and its impact will likely be felt for years to come.
