My back yard sounds like an atrium. I was never into birds until my family moved to a small town in New Hampshire with a gorgeous backyard that abuts a conservation area. Every morning we can hear between 5-30 different bird species in a 5 minute span. I learned about an app from my brother in law, shoutout to Mike, called Merlin Bird ID. I downloaded this app, and I was hooked almost immediately.
This app targets the birds that are most to least likely in your area, it listens to the sounds the birds are making and identifies and catalogs the birds you’ve recorded. It allows you to also save birds in a bird list, so you can use it like a game to “see how many birds I can identify.”
If you had asked me a few years ago to identify the birds in my backyard, I couldn’t guess a single one, because I never educated myself. Also, at the time, all little birds looked alike to me, and I could only identify a robin, blue jay, cardinal, or Baltimore oriole. :]
The feature I use most is Sound ID. You open the app, it listens, and within seconds it can identify the bird it hears. The first time I used it, I realized there were a LOT more birds around me than I ever imagined. Now it’s become part of my morning routine with coffee and I’ve learned to recognize (some) birds without using the app.
If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend downloading the Merlin Bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It’s free, easy to use, and one of my favorite apps for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.
My Solar Birding Camera Helps Too
When I first got into being interested in animals, I installed this budget friendly trail camera. I am not sure what took me so long to buy a birding camera, but I did about 4 months ago, 3 years after I got my first trail camera, and haven’t looked back.
Having photos or video lets me zoom in on birds that only stopped by for a few seconds. This app actually uses AI to tell you which bird stopped at your camera. Though it isn’t 100% accurate, it’s pretty dang close. I can compare markings, use the Merlin Bird ID app to confirm what I’m seeing, and I’ve even discovered species visiting my feeders that I’d never seen in person.
Bird watching has become one of my favorite unexpected hobbies, and the Merlin Bird ID app is a big reason why. If you’ve ever wondered what’s singing in your backyard, give it a try. I think you’ll be surprised by just how many birds have been there all along.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free bird identification app?
I highly recommend the Merlin Bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It’s free, easy to use, and identifies birds by sound, photo, or a few simple questions.
Can the Merlin Bird ID app identify birds by sound?
Yes. Just open the Sound ID feature, let it listen, and it will identify the birds it hears in real time.
Is the Merlin Bird ID app free?
Yes. The app is completely free to download and use.
Can a trail camera help identify birds?
Absolutely. A trail camera or bird feeder camera lets you capture birds you might miss in real time, making it much easier to identify them later.
Does the Merlin Bird ID app work offline?
Yes. After downloading your regional bird pack, many features work without cell service, making it great for hiking, camping, or checking wildlife cameras.
Am I getting paid by Merlin Bird ID?
I wish :] Merlin, please feel free to write to me for a collab.