Bird identification apps such as Merlin, developed by the American university Cornell, allow users to identify bird species and sounds instantly using a smartphone in the field, according to Christien ter Haar of the Vogelbescherming and the Vogelspotcast. While digital tools have made birdwatching increasingly accessible alongside social media “birdfluencers,” Ter Haar recommends combining app use with traditional listening and field experience to account for bird species that mimic others.
How to Use Bird Identification Apps Effectively in the Field
Field trips frequently feature discussions about the Merlin app, which identifies bird sounds globally. However, Ter Haar advises against relying solely on technology the moment a sound is heard. Users should first listen closely and attempt to recognize them before checking an app to verify their guess.
Apps can occasionally make mistakes. According to Ter Haar, numerous bird species mimic other birds, and digital applications cannot always distinguish between them. Human observers equipped with field experience often catch these nuances. Beginners benefit from pairing app use with an experienced birdwatcher who can separate species and share mnemonics, which apps like Merlin typically do not provide.
Pro Tip: Listen before you tap. Try to identify the bird song yourself first, then use apps like Merlin to confirm your findings and sharpen your field skills.
Learning Bird Songs at Home With Dedicated Mobile Tools
To bridge the knowledge gap before heading outdoors, enthusiasts Bart Hoeben and Hieu Nguyen developed the Hoemp app around the time of corona. Faced with uncertainty over whether they were hearing a small reed warbler or a marsh warbler, the pair created a platform focused on teaching bird vocalizations through quizzes and mnemonics.
Hoemp is designed for home use so birdwatchers can leave their phones in their pockets while exploring nature. According to Hoeben and Nguyen, the goal extends beyond technical expertise toward broader environmental awareness. Hearing a wren, for example, can prompt homeowners to evaluate how to make their gardens more hospitable to local wildlife.
The app developers note that bird sounds offer incredible diversity and a unique auditory experience. The song of the black redstart, they explain, introduces listeners to a new dimension. The app’s name itself refers to the sound of the bittern, a favorite species of the creators.
Did You Know?
The Hoemp app gets its name from the sound of the bittern, a favorite species of the creators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can vogelapps like Merlin identify every bird sound?
Who created the Merlin app?
The Merlin app was developed by the American university, Cornell.
What is the purpose of the Hoemp app?
Developed by Bart Hoeben and Hieu Nguyen, Hoemp helps users learn bird songs at home using quizzes and mnemonics so they can enjoy nature without staring at a screen.
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