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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,625
Legend
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OP
Legend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,625 |
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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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: 14,618
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,618 |
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: 14,618
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,618 |
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: 17,625
Legend
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OP
Legend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,625 |
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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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,104
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,104 |
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.
As bonefish noted above, the feeder should attract both birds and animals native to your area. I took Ornithology in college and found it to be the best Biology class offered. All animals enjoy a free meal.
GM strong...
Home of the Free, Because of the Brave...
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,625
Legend
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OP
Legend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,625 |
I keep a birdbath on the deck and keep the water fresh.
All the birds come for water. I don't have a seed feeder because squirrels become a pain.
I put out a handful of dried mealworms out every morning. My regulars (wrens, titmouse, bluebirds, cardinals), wipe it out pretty fast.
My favorites are the raptors. Barred owls live close by. I hear them when it's dark in the early morning. I had a broad-winged hawk on the deck rail just checking things out the other day.
Carolina wrens are like outdoor pets. They know who you are and have no fear at all. They will hop right up to me. I let them build their nests in the garage and inside an old outdoor grill.
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,545
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,545 |
I use the Merlin app when I'm helping out at summer camp. It's a game changer for getting folks into birdwatching.
"FIALURE IS NOT AN OPTION...!"
-mac
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,625
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,625 |
When AI decoded the language of dolphins. I was amazed that it was accomplished. I always believed that animals were way more intelligent than what they were given credit for. It validated my beliefs.
When I started using Merlin it became clear that each species has many different sounds. I noticed a difference when nesting pairs communicated. Males and females use different sounds to "talk to each other."
Wrens male and female look the same. But when together you can see the "talk" differently. They make many different sounds and react in different ways.
I have learned a lot in a short time using the app. It is super cool technology.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 40,544
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 40,544 |
I have had the Merlin app for a few years now. It's interesting when it picks up a singing bird and tells you what it is.
I have a couple of hummingbird feeders I tend. Its fun to sit and watch them dive bomb each other trying to lay claim to the feeders.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/small-gator-chomp.gif)
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,625
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,625 |
I find it interesting that Gen z people are getting into bird watching.
Coming from my generation I am struck by how numb people have become to the world around them.
Phones have become an extension of hands. People are constantly "connected." Life revolves around staring at some kind of screen.
There is a world around us. You only have to see and hear to be a part of it.
Bird watching is a way to connect. You listen and watch. The world slows down. Your senses become engaged.
My kids are full grown adults. Both were raised on long walks outdoors and playing outside. Now as adults they turn to the outdoors for entertainment.
I like seeing the growth of bird watching. IMO it is important to me to be aware of what is all around us and how we fit in.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,363
Hall of Famer
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Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,363 |
Let me know if you see one of these around. My favorite bird! ![[Linked Image from static.boredpanda.com]](https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/large-bird-harpy-eagle-23.jpg)
Joe Thomas #73
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Forums DawgTalk Everything Else... Bird Watching
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