It’s easy to write off morning birdsongsOpens in a new tab as a mundanity, or even a nuisance. But in truth, every sunrise beckons a veritable symphony, composed and performed by the winged wonders among us. Granted, if you live in a practically inhabitable wasteland like I do, you mostly just get pigeon coos. (Still, I love my pigeon neighbors and cherish every one of their baritone solos.) But if you live among plentiful nature, you may enjoy a bevvy of different types of chirps and tweets. And now, you’ll have a little help identifying who’s squawking what. The inspired minds at Cornell University have developed an app that can help identify birdsongs. Much in the way ShazamOpens in a new tab does with human songs!
Back in 2014, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology launched a smartphone app called Merlin. This program helped birdwatchers and birders—there’s a difference!—identify feathered finds by sight. (The functionality allowed for users to upload photos and input information about physique and behavior.) Now, as we’ve just seen over at DesignTaxiOpens in a new tab, the team has updated Merlin to incorporate a new feature. Users can record and upload birdsongs; the app will then (ideally) tell them what species of birdOpens in a new tab is responsible for the ditty.
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Bird experts with a gifted ear may not need the aid of an app. But those of us only first spreading our wings will find a terrific ally in Merlin. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic gave way to a noticeable uptick in the popularity of birdwatchingOpens in a new tab. Safe, lo-fi hobbies of the sort proved a reliable source of relaxation when other interests were rendered inaccessible. If you were one of the many who hopped on the birdwatching bandwagon, this app update could prove a great asset. And if you haven’t yet joined in on the fun, there’s no time like the present. We’ve still got birdsOpens in a new tab! Watch ’em! And listen to ’em!
