Discovering Birds with Merlin Bird ID: A Modern Birdwatching Tool
When writer and human rights activist Natasha Walter first began exploring the avian world, she would record bird songs on her phone and painstakingly attempt to match them with online samples. However, her introduction to the Merlin Bird ID app transformed her birdwatching experience. This free app, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, quickly revolutionized how she recognized birds in her London garden. Surprisingly, those female blackbirds she believed she was observing turned out to be song thrushes and mistle thrushes.
“I’m obsessed with Merlin – it’s wonderful and it’s been a joy to me,” Walter shares. “This is what AI and machine learning have been invented for. It’s the one good thing!”
The Rise of Merlin Bird ID
Merlin Bird ID has grown dramatically in popularity, accumulating a staggering 33 million downloads across 240 countries and territories. Britain, notably, boasts the second highest number of users, with over 1.5 million downloads in 2024—an 88% increase from the previous year. This surge is attributed, in part, to the app’s innovative sound identification feature, which was launched in 2021.
Merlin is capable of identifying the songs of over 1,300 bird species, with new avian sounds added twice a year. By recognizing unique patterns and shapes on spectrograms, the app links bird songs to their respective species, making it an invaluable tool for both novices and seasoned birdwatchers alike.
A Learning Tool for New Birdwatchers
For many who are new to birdwatching or lack a knowledgeable mentor, Merlin serves as an excellent aide. Walter expressed initial concerns about whether she would genuinely learn if she relied on the app. However, she found that it enriched her understanding of birds, allowing her to make educated guesses before confirming them with Merlin. “It’s wonderful if you’re coming to bird-watching late and don’t really have a mentor,” she comments.
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Angela Townsend from Bedfordshire embodies this success story. After feeling overwhelmed by a nightingale walk, she began utilizing Merlin and found that her knowledge of birds steadily improved. “Warblers were just little brown jobbies but I can now recognize Cetti’s warblers and willow warblers when I’m out without having to put the app on,” she proudly states.
Connecting with Nature through Technology
The app’s wonders extend beyond personal enjoyment; it enriches people’s lives and fosters a stronger connection to the natural world. Mary Novakovich, author of My Family and Other Enemies, loves using Merlin while traveling in Croatia, where her parents originated. “I love putting a name to a face and a name to the sound. It really brings you closer to the natural world, rather than it being disconnected from your life,” she says.
However, while the app shines in many areas, it is not without its faults. Young birder Kasper Wall experienced a hiccup when Merlin mistakenly identified a northern cardinal and a brown-headed cowbird—species not found in Britain. “I think it was figuring out where we live,” he muses, acknowledging that while Merlin is beneficial, it is not infallible.
The Importance of Learning
More seasoned birders like Nick Acheson approach the app with caution. While he acknowledges it generates enthusiasm for nature, he warns against becoming too reliant on it. “Anything that gets people out, thinking about and reacting to nature is a great thing,” Acheson asserts, but highlights the risk of avoiding the learning process altogether.
Notably, some users have encountered glitches, with Merlin misidentifying calls based on surrounding habitat. John Williamson, a guide with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, pointed out that certain calls are misinterpreted due to Merlin’s limitations in recognizing habitat. Yet, he believes the app is still a beneficial learning tool that encourages engagement with nature, often producing mental health benefits for users.
Mental Health Benefits of Birdsong
Research has consistently shown that exposure to birdsong positively influences mental health, enhancing overall well-being. For many, Merlin Bird ID provides a gateway into the world of nature, aiding those suffering from anxiety or other challenges. Many users have reported feeling empowered to leave their homes and explore the outdoors, using the app as a focus during their outings.
As Walter aptly puts it, “It reminds you that there are birds knitted into your daily life. It’s not about, ‘now I’m going to do a bit of birdwatching’. You may simply be walking through the park and you hear something, and it gives you a sense that these birds are singing away all the time, even in London.”
Final Thoughts
Merlin Bird ID is changing how people interact with the natural world. As it continues to grow in popularity, it bridges the gap between technology and nature, helping countless users embark on their birdwatching journeys. With every new sound identified, Merlin reminds us of the beauty and complexity of the avian world, allowing us to appreciate the feathered friends that share our environments.
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