Megan Szostak, a 26-year-old passionate birdwatcher from San Francisco, has taken her love for ornithology to new heights with the help of modern technology. Ever since she was a child, Megan has been captivated by the beauty of birds, armed with binoculars and a field guide. However, in recent years, she’s added something new to her birding arsenal — the Merlin Bird ID app. “I had friends who probably wouldn’t have identified birds without it,” she shares, highlighting the app’s role in simplifying birdwatching for many.
Merlin Bird ID has become a go-to tool for millions around the globe, boasting a staggering 42 million downloads since its launch in the U.S. back in 2014. According to Jessie Barry, the app’s director at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, it was downloaded 12 million times alone in 2026. Initially, Merlin could identify 285 common bird species from photos, but now, thanks to advancements in AI, it can recognize a whopping 11,000 species — nearly every bird on the planet!
It’s no surprise that the popularity of birdwatching is soaring, especially among younger generations. Gen Z birders, like Megan, are flocking to nature reserves, embracing this age-old pastime with a modern twist. “It’s been really fun to see younger folks jump in,” Barry says, noting how many newcomers refer to themselves as bird watchers in their thirties, as if it’s a badge of honor.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Experts caution against relying solely on apps like Merlin for official bird sightings. While the app’s Sound ID tool has been used for over 4.4 billion identifications, some insist that traditional methods still hold merit. Megan, however, finds the app’s ease of use and accessibility to be fantastic, saying, “You don’t need to use all of your senses while you’re birding, which is really amazing.”
Meanwhile, the birding app landscape is evolving. Sam Lewis, a 32-year-old software engineer from Stockport, took inspiration from Merlin’s popularity to create his own app, Lifer. This unique app allows users to collect virtual cards for their bird sightings, with illustrations crafted by his partner Emily. Borrowing elements from gaming, the quality of the bird image or sound recording determines the card’s value, catering to those who love the thrill of collecting.
Sam has enjoyed seeing rare sightings like Nightjars, known for their unique calls, shared among users on Lifer. He believes that the app can make birdwatching even more engaging, much like the phenomenon of Pokémon Go, which continues to draw people outside to explore nature. Lifer also protects the sensitive locations of rare breeding birds during critical times, ensuring their safety while contributing sightings to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
As the future unfolds, Barry emphasizes Merlin’s commitment to keeping it simple. “We want to ensure that anyone can enjoy birdwatching, regardless of their experience level,” she says. With the growing interest in nature and technology merging, who knows what the future holds for bird enthusiasts?
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber
