During the summer, on a serene day, I found myself immersed in solitude as I settled down on an Adirondack chair in the comfort of my own backyard. Little did I know, however, that my seclusion was only an illusion.
It was at that moment, when I least expected it, that I became aware of the presence of other beings around me.
This newfound realization was made possible by the recent download of a popular and cost-free application called Merlin Bird ID onto my smartphone.
Through the simple act of listening, I soon discovered that I was surrounded by a plethora of avian species.
What was once a mere chorus of birdsong now revealed itself as a symphony of diverse melodies. Intrigued by this revelation, I decided to utilize Merlin’s innovative “Sound ID” feature for a duration of thirty minutes.
Initially, the app presented me with the familiar inhabitants of my Boston suburban neighborhood: the ubiquitous robins and blue jays, which are easily identifiable and frequently encountered throughout the Eastern United States.
However, as I continued to delve deeper into the world of avifauna, I was introduced to a whole new array of feathered friends, such as the northern cardinal and the goldfinch.
As the passage of time unfolded, an increasing number of avian creatures gracefully made their way onto the ever-growing register.
Notable additions to the list included the chimney swift, the northern flicker, the fish crow, the killdeer, the Baltimore oriole, and the gray catbird, each lending their unique presence to the compilation.
Amidst this diverse assortment, a solitary bird stood out, distinguished by a conspicuous red dot adjacent to its name.
Identified as a veery, a resplendent thrush adorned in warm hues, this particular sighting was deemed exceedingly rare, hence the marking denoting its significance.
Just as the awe-inspiring veery captured my attention, another captivating apparition materialized on my screen, captivating me once more.
This time, it was a magnificent great horned owl, its commanding presence enhanced by the accompanying red dot, signifying yet another extraordinary occurrence in the realm of ornithology.
As time passed, more and more avian creatures gracefully found their way onto the ever-expanding register.
Notable additions to the list included the chimney swift, the northern flicker, the fish crow, the killdeer, the Baltimore oriole, and the gray catbird, each bringing their own unique presence to the compilation.
Among this diverse assortment, one bird stood out, distinguished by a conspicuous red dot next to its name.
This bird, known as a veery, was a resplendent thrush adorned in warm hues. Its sighting was considered exceedingly rare, hence the marking denoting its significance.
Just as the veery captured my attention, another captivating apparition appeared on my screen, once again captivating me.
This time, it was a magnificent great horned owl, its commanding presence enhanced by the accompanying red dot, indicating yet another extraordinary occurrence in the realm of ornithology.
BIRDING BY EAR
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant surge in the popularity of birding, as individuals sought solace in the great outdoors and reveled in the newfound tranquility that allowed for a greater appreciation of birdsongs and the symphony of nature.
During this time, Merlin, a bird identification app that was initially introduced in 2014, experienced a remarkable rise in its user base.
According to Cornell, the number of users grew by a staggering 67 percent during the first spring of the pandemic compared to the previous year.
However, the release of Sound ID in June 2021 propelled the app’s popularity to unprecedented heights. Presently, Merlin boasts an impressive global user count of over 7 million individuals, and as Alli Smith, a project coordinator for Merlin, affirms, the number of users has more than doubled in the past year alone.
In addition to Merlin, there are other noteworthy bird-identifying apps available, such as the Audubon Bird Guide, ChirpOMatic, Picture Bird, and Smart Bird.
The concept of birding by sound is truly fascinating as it allows individuals to explore and appreciate a whole new world of avian life.
Even if one is unable to visually spot certain elusive birds like the hermit thrush lurking in the underbrush or the Baltimore oriole perched high up in the trees, their melodious songs can still be heard, serving as a delightful reminder of their presence in the neighborhood.
This unique approach to birding has been further enhanced by the advent of Merlin’s Sound ID, a remarkable tool that can identify over 700 bird species in the United States alone.
As I have personally utilized this technology over the past few weeks, I have come to realize that it offers much more than just the identification of birds.
It has opened my senses to the intricate symphony of nature, enabling me to appreciate the interconnectedness and diversity of the natural world.
CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE, TOO
When I shared a screenshot of my bird list on social media, I received messages from friends who also use the same birdwatching app.
It was through the app called Merlin and my own backyard birdwatching that I was able to reconnect with two childhood friends who live halfway across the country.
Interestingly, Merlin does not have a social media-type feature within the app itself. We often joke that Merlin is like the Pokémon Go app but for older individuals. It has become a means of connecting with others and sharing our birdwatching experiences.
I have noticed that the types of birds my sister-in-law in Montana encounters are quite different from the ones I see in the Northeast.
She seems to have a greater variety of hawks and raptors, but she also shares pictures of colorful hummingbirds. It is fascinating to see the diversity of bird species across different regions.
According to Smith, who has received feedback from users of Merlin, connection is a recurring theme in the birding community.
Birdwatching is surprisingly social, and people are incredibly enthusiastic about what they observe. There are countless little wonders in the world of birds, and it brings joy to share these discoveries with others.
LEARNING ABOUT THE LARGER OUTDOORS
Prior to my encounter with Merlin, I had always mistakenly attributed the distinct “coo” I heard to a mourning dove, when in fact it was the call of an owl.
Such a rookie mistake. However, my newfound interest in listening to and observing birds has heightened my awareness of the different times of day and times of year when certain bird species become more active.
Furthermore, I have come to understand that healthy and thriving environments tend to attract a greater variety of birds.
John Smallwood, a biology professor specializing in ornithology at Montclair State University, aptly pointed out that by observing birds, one cannot help but also observe the entire ecosystem.
It is as if the seasons themselves unfold before our very eyes. In an effort to contribute to the scientific understanding of avian populations, some bird-watchers upload their sightings into eBird, a comprehensive database that meticulously tracks the decline in bird populations that has occurred over the past few decades.
As Smith, a representative from eBird, explains, we are well aware that people tend to protect what they care about, and caring is often rooted in knowledge.
Therefore, Merlin serves as a valuable tool, making the learning experience of bird-watching accessible and available to everyone.
HAVING THE KIDS JOIN IN — SOMEWHAT
In today’s digital age, where screens and technology dominate the lives of children, it is imperative to find innovative ways to engage them with the natural world.
As a parent, I have witnessed firsthand how my two kids, especially my tween son, mock my nerdy interests.
However, I have also noticed that they have inadvertently gained knowledge about birds through their interaction with technology.
Whenever they hear an unfamiliar bird call, their immediate instinct is to reach for my phone and utilize bird identification apps to discover its identity.
This newfound curiosity has been nurtured by our shared experiences of watching educational shows such as “Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper,” which is conveniently available on platforms like Disney Plus.
One of the most intriguing lessons we have learned from this series is the realization that there is no such thing as a generic pigeon or seagull.
Consequently, whenever we find ourselves in the city or at the beach, my kids are eager to employ their newfound knowledge to identify the specific species of pigeons or seagulls in our vicinity.
As of now, my Life List on Merlin, a popular birding app, boasts an impressive count of 45 different bird species.
It is my children who serve as the primary catalysts for expanding this list, as their passion for birds continues to grow with each new discovery facilitated by technology.
While it may seem contradictory to rely on technology to foster an appreciation for the outdoors, I firmly believe that if it takes such tools to peel kids away from screens and ignite their interest in the natural world, then so be it.
After all, it is through this harmonious blend of technology and nature that we can cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who are equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.