The Merlin Bird App
An ovenbird spotted here in Maine. The ovenbird is one of the hundreds of migratory birds that call Maine home in the warmer months. Ovenbirds make their way from as far south as Central and South America and have a distinct song many describe as sounding like “teacher, teacher teacher!”
One of the greatest joys of teaching for Nature Links is seeing participants form deep connections with one another around nature. Students will often begin class by chatting about a new trail they’ve hiked, a storm that passed through the night before, or animals they’ve spotted recently near their homes. They’ll text each other with pictures of trips to a botanical garden or a meal they’ve cooked with vegetables from their gardens. No matter how far apart participants may live from one another, they each share a devotion to the natural world—a devotion that forms a foundation for meaningful friendships.
In the past few weeks, many participants have been connecting with one another about birds. As an impressive range of migratory birds has traveled north for the summer, the sights and sounds of nearby forests, beaches, and even participants’ own backyards have drastically changed. The Merlin Bird ID app, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is a popular tool among bird enthusiasts and nature lovers, including Nature Links participants. Merlin has helped participants identify birds they see and hear around them. They then use that information to compare bird sightings with one another and spark conversations about various species. Here are some of the ways our clever group of students has been using Merlin:
Bird Identification: The primary purpose of the Merlin app is to help users identify bird species. By answering a series of questions about the bird's size, color, location, and behavior, the app generates a list of possible matches based on its extensive database. Users can compare the suggested species and their characteristics with the observed bird to make an identification. You can even use the Sound ID feature to record the bird’s song. The app will list likely species based on a type of avian voice recognition! Users can compare the suggested species and their characteristics with the observed bird to make an identification.
Learning and Education: The Merlin app is a valuable tool for learning about birds. Users can explore the app's multimedia content, including photos, songs, and calls, to familiarize themselves with different species. The app provides educational resources, such as range maps, species descriptions, and behavioral information, to deepen users' knowledge of birds and their natural history.
Birding Records and Lists: Many birdwatchers use the Merlin app to keep records of their bird sightings. Users can create personalized birding lists and mark the species they have seen or hope to see in the future. This feature helps birders track their progress, set goals, and maintain a comprehensive log of their birding experiences.
Citizen Science Contributions: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology encourages users to contribute to citizen science projects through the Merlin app. Users can submit their bird observations and sightings, which are used for scientific research and conservation efforts. By sharing their data, users actively contribute to understanding bird populations, migration patterns, and other ecological factors.
Birding Hotspots and Nearby Birds: The Merlin app provides information on birding hotspots and suggests nearby bird species based on the user's location. This feature helps birders discover new locations to explore and provides insights into the potential bird diversity in different areas.
Bird Conservation: The Merlin app promotes bird conservation by raising awareness about various bird species and their conservation status. The app includes information about threatened and endangered species, helping users understand the importance of conservation efforts and engage in initiatives to protect birds and their habitats.
Community Engagement: The Merlin app fosters a sense of community among bird enthusiasts and especially in our group of curious and compassionate nature lovers. Sharing sightings, photographs, and experiences with our avian neighbors has allowed for interaction, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration with other participants, making our community of passionate learners even more vibrant.
The Merlin Bird ID app provides a convenient and educational tool for bird identification and serves as a valuable resource for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about birds. Nature Links participants have even used it as a way to deepen their connections to one another, and what a joy it is to witness! Click here to download the app and see for yourself.
