MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • August 28, 2022
Merlin first appeared in 2014. Initial versions could identify 400 common North American species from images. Now, using the vast photo library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the app is well trained. Over 8,000 species can be identified now, 80% of the world’s bird species. Some users report a 90% or higher rate of correct identifications from photographs. To me, Merlin’s ability to identify sounds is more useful and is nothing short of astounding. ~ Herb Wilson