One Tech Tip: Ditch the chatbots and take your AI nature apps on a birdwatching hike

On a recent birdwatching trek, I was captivated when my phone buzzed with an alert: "Merlin heard a new bird!" Despite its striking scarlet feathers and black wings, the elusive scarlet tanager often escapes the untrained eye high in the treetops. Thanks to the Merlin Bird ID app, powered by artificial intelligence, I was able to identify the bird using a live sound recording captured by my phone. I paused to scan the branches, spotted the singing bird, and eagerly added it to my growing birdwatching log, complete with a celebratory digital confetti animation. This engaging experience mirrors the thrill of a Pokémon Go adventure, as I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter unique species like the great kiskadee in Mexico and the rare rusty-cheeked scimitar-babbler in the Himalayas. However, many users are discovering that the most exciting finds can often be right in their own backyards. Drew Weber, the manager of the Merlin app at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, noted a significant shift in their user demographics. "Five years ago, our typical users were mostly retired individuals and seasoned bird enthusiasts. Now, we're seeing a surge of interest from those in their 20s and 30s, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram." One TikTok user expressed her disbelief after the app identified a tufted titmouse, a cardinal, and a Carolina wren within moments of activating the app. In another viral clip, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold showcased the app's capabilities as he proudly identified a northern mockingbird while relaxing in an outdoor lounge chair. While the technology is impressive, it does have its limitations. For example, mockingbirds, known for mimicking other birds’ calls, can sometimes confuse the AI. Weber explained that lower frequency sounds, like traffic noise, can also mislead the app. Newer smartphones equipped with computer vision technology offer features for identifying plants and animals directly through photos, enhancing user experiences without needing additional downloads. However, this built-in technology may not excel at identifying less common flora and fauna and lacks the rich community and citizen science experience provided by dedicated apps like Merlin and iNaturalist. Every observation logged through iNaturalist, a nonprofit organization, or Cornell's Merlin contributes to vital conservation efforts as the world grapples with accelerating biodiversity loss. According to Scott Loarie, executive director of iNaturalist, the desire to identify a simple backyard plant can ignite a greater passion for nature conservation. "We aim to foster a community of dedicated nature enthusiasts who not only learn and share knowledge but also significantly contribute to biodiversity data and conservation initiatives," Loarie stated. In my own quest for huckleberries during an August hike in Wyoming, iNaturalist proved invaluable, helping me identify various fruits, including serviceberries and thimbleberries. While one of my discoveries was sweet, I learned the hard way that not all wild fruits are edible, emphasizing the importance of caution when relying on automatic identifiers. Loarie cautioned against trusting any automatic identification for critical decisions, such as identifying edible plants, but he strongly supports the idea of learning about the natural world. For families, the nonprofit also offers an accessible sibling app, Seek, designed for a younger audience. In my explorations, I’ve also relied on these tools to identify harmful plants and invasive species, ensuring I stay informed and safe while enjoying the great outdoors.