How to use the Merlin Bird ID App (Photo/Call ID): A Beginner's Guide

The Merlin Bird ID App can be a great tool if used properly, or a nightmare for eBird reviewers. Learn how to use all the features and how to use them properly in this video.

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Used for most bird videos) - check credits as we do source some photos/videos elsewhere which is noted in the description

Cayer FP2450 Fluid Head Tripod, 75 inches Aluminium Tripod
Derek's lighter tripod

Andoer Video Tripod Aluminum Alloy 67 Inch
Derek's heavier tripod

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Derek's external microphone for Nikon D5300

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Credits

Carolina Wren in cover photo by N. Lewis (Public Domain) (Edited)

All other photos and videos by Derek and Ryan Sallmann

#Birding #BirdWatching #BadgerlandBirding

[johndoiron]

Sound ID is great for me as a new birder. I heard (but didn't see) Eastern Wood Peewees for the first time the other day, and Merlin picked it up, so now I know what they sound like, which is very helpful.

[neeleyfolk]

I use the sound ID as a pre-identify. I don't put anything on my list until I get a visual. I also find it useful in learning bird songs, I'll figure out what I think the bird is, then use the app. Have learned too identify a number by sound. I'm investigating whether I can use a condenser shotgun mic with my Samsung Galaxy, would avoid background nosie and could direct the mic better.

[lynneross]

Hello from Australia. Thanks for such an informative video. Happy birding!

[WarblerRidge]

I love the sound ID function. I have never been good at identifying birds by ear but I use the app to identify what I’m hearing in my yard and with enough repetition, I’m finally getting better at it. And during spring migration I ran the app for a few minutes each morning to see if it heard any new bird arrivals that I should be watching for. Definitely a great tool as long as you understand its limits.

[jameslenhart]

Sound ID always helps. Especially during warbler season

[natureexplorationswithbria]

I love this app. The sound ID feature has helped me a so much and enhanced my birding experience. I have hearing loss, especially in the higher frequencies, so it is great for those birds that I cannot hear myself. It has helped me to gain confidence in identifying the birds that I can hear. It has been great for giving me a heads up or pre-identify as Hilltown Graymers said. Sound ID is the only way I am going to report certain flycatchers with any confidence.

[conniegriner]

I love the sound ID feature, with the caveats you mentioned. I always confirm by seeing or hearing the bird myself. I saw a lovely painted bunting recently while traveling, because Merlin alerted me to look for it. Another useful feature in the Explore Birds section is the menu that allows you to sort by frequency, family groups, etc.

[greggillson]

Thanks for the tip about selecting a portion of the sound playback.

I’ve just started using this app and the sound id is great! It is very good at picking up high sounds that I think are faint (empids, waxwings, bushtit, warblers). Is less good at picking up low frequency (ravens and sometimes distant robins or tanager calls).

Song sparrow warning note chip it tries to turn into chipping sparrow or golden crowned kinglet. On the other hand I would have missed several high pitched birds without this app, so perhaps the kinglet were present!

Like your bunting, it often picked up birds before I heard them. Then I’d walk 50 feet and hear or see them!

One thing you can do is tap on the bird it identifies and it will take you to the first time it identifies it. Then you can play it back and hold the phone to your ear and see if you can hear and agree.

I tried the photo id today for the first time. It identified black headed grosbeak correctly with my phone out the dirty window 30 feet away. But why was the 2nd option a herring gull? I mean in the forest of western Washington in the summer???!!!

[thisisme]

I downloaded a few days ago and it is fun to play with. I focused on using the sound app and you are right it does come up with some oddities at times. I struggle with getting sounds isolated sometimes (diminished hearing) and this helps me to focus on possible bird IDs and instead of being frustrated because I do not recognize what I am hearing at the time. Given a possible ID I can think about what I am hearing and either agree or not. Fun I do need to try out some of the other features. Thanks for the video, this increased my birding fun!

[AllThingsConsidered]

This is very helpful thanks! I’m lookin forward to playing around with the app this weekend!

[Dennis-hlxl]

Thanks for this guide. It's excellent - quick, easy, complete. I haven't used Merlin yet, but I will.

[cawdacity]

awesome video, but you forgot one key element of Merlin Bird app -- going to an online forum and arguing with people on the internet about whether or not the sound ID is great or not :P and then making 40 memes about it

[nancydenson]

We have an active starling nest that Merlin sound IDs as a swallow. I love the sound ID feature as it helps me find the bird for a visual…but I don’t post to EBird unless I confirm by sight

[scripturesense]

I enjoyed your simple straightforward comments.

[shannonniemeyer]

I love the sound part of this app! I did submit a list them at had an unlikely or rare bird and immediately got an email from Merlin saying that it was unlikely and I needed to submit a picture. But it’s fun to go on a walk around the area and listen for the birds then try and find them!
I enjoy your channel and am learning a lot!

[daedalusjones]

Recently discovered the app and love the Sound ID which I have found very accurate. Perhaps it has been improved from 1 Year ago when you made the video.

[ABirdersParadise]

Yeah, especially the sound ID feature looks like it would be fun to try, but only because I bird a lot by ear, so I already know what birds are around in my yard.

[dougjochims]

Thanks! I learned some new things about the app.

[firehawk]

Thank you so much for the inspiration! :) Looking forward to exploring what's around me here in Indiana :)

[TylerAndToast]

Sound is important. But I always get eyes on with adding birds to my life list. Chuck-will's-widow is my only exception. Whipperwill will be another.