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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,618
Legend
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OP
Legend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,618 |
It was a couple months ago that my son told me about the Merlin app from Cornell Labs.
So, I installed it on my phone. I started sitting in the open garage around dusk and using Merlin. It blew me away. I found myself doing it everyday and looking forward to it.
Birsd watching is becoming significantly more popular, driven heavily by younger generations, digital identification tools, and a cultural shift toward outdoor wellness. An estimated 96 million Americans now participate in birdwatching, representing roughly 37% of the U.S. population.
Driving Forces Behind the Boom
Smartphone Apps: Tools like the Merlin Bird ID app—which uses audio recognition to identify bird songs in real-time—have added millions of users, acting like "Shazam for birds" and lowering the barrier to entry.
Youth Engagement: Gen Z and Millennials are adopting the hobby at unprecedented rates, with studies showing triple-digit percentage increases in young adult participation since 2018.
Social Media: Viral video trends and communities across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have reframed birding as a trendy, mindful outdoor activity rather than a niche pastime.
Economic and Social Impact
Spending: U.S. participants spend over $107 billion annually on equipment, travel, and bird-related goods.
Mental Health: Practitioners increasingly cite the hobby as a accessible way to reduce stress, unplug from technology, and practice mindfulness outdoors.
I was floored when I read these stats. I had no idea it was that popular.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,395
Hall of Famer
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Hall of Famer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,395 |
We walk every night about 6.5 miles. We changed our route about 3 months ago. So many more birds to see on that route. There is a beautiful cardinal and a blue jay we see every night, such vibrant colors on these two different birds.
We also have seen many hawks, buzzards, I think a falcon or two.
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,612
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,612 |
I'm still in awe after our two weeks in Costa Rica in May. I've never been a "birder", though I've always loved birds. Monteverde, Costa Rica is a world-renowned birdwatching paradise, home to over 400 distinct bird species. We hired a local guide and spent about 5 hours in the Curi-Cancha reserve. Combining a spotting scope with the power of today's cell phone cameras will turn anyone into a birdwatcher.
Even apart from the tour, my wife captured "shots" that in the past could only be captured by seasoned photographers; with amazing clarity and detail.
More than that, it was an experience that will recenter you as a human. You can feel pretty small when you're out in nature. Costa Rica, and especially Monte Verde (The Cloud Forest), is OWNED by the birds. What time do you get up? 5:15am, along with everyone else. Unless your house is soundproofed and you're sleeping in a steel chamber with earplugs. It's quite an experience to realize birds will dictate to YOU the details of your life.
I cannot wait to go back. In the meantime, my wife just ordered a spotting scope with a cell phone attachment. 🤣
Been really busy, but I'll post some pics real soon.
HERE WE GO BROWNIES! HERE WE GO!!
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,612
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,612 |
Here's a couple. Sorry about the size. First one was through a scope at about 25 yards. Second was poolside at our small resort (talk about a surprise!). He didn't stay long, so only one decent shot. Both through the lens of a Samsung 25 Ultra. ![[Linked Image from u.cubeupload.com]](https://u.cubeupload.com/FATEmustard/BIRD1.jpg) ![[Linked Image from u.cubeupload.com]](https://u.cubeupload.com/FATEmustard/BIRD2.jpg)
HERE WE GO BROWNIES! HERE WE GO!!
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,618
Legend
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OP
Legend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,618 |
Wow way cool.
Just got back from Iceland. Puffin watching is a big deal.
Many years ago I started feeding ruby-throated hummingbirds. They nest where I live. I hung the feeders from the fascia board six inches from the windows. At one time I had five feeders out. Probably 30 birds.
We had a cockatiel once that I trained to sing the Andy of Mayberry song.
I love birds. In Nevada we lived in Carson City and Reno. The valley has a large population of birds of prey and migratory fowl. I always had my binoculars with me.
I have counted 33 species of birds in my backyard. We have red tailed hawks, red shouldered hawks, broad winged hawks, coopers hawks, barred owls. The backyard is an old growth forest completely natural. Lots of wildlife. Fox both red and silver, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, deer trail runs through the back. Fawns sleep in the yard.
But, the Merlin app really got to me. I feel like I am turning into "the Birdman of Alcatraz." I am learning how they really communicate.
I was shocked to learn how popular it has become.
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