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Buzz Schaumberg
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, 2:20 PM, Steingraeber,David <David.Steingraeber...> wrote:
#yiv3031903256 P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;}There's good reason not to rely solely on Merlin Sound ID, or sometimes, even your ears! (After all, Merlin WAS a magician, and although it's called "Sound ID", it labels what it lists as "best suggestions", not identifications.) While I was in Portal, AZ in April, a Northern Mockingbird flew in and perched in a nearby mesquite. I had Merlin Sound ID running, and as I watched the mockingbird, it proceeded to mimic all of the following (as "suggested" by Merlin, and my ears, too!): Northern Flicker, Cactus Wren, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Say's Phoebe, Rock Wren, Gila Woodpecker, Hooded Oriole, Western Kingbird, Western Tanager, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Hermit Thrush, Crissal Thrasher, & Brown Thrasher, with some of those repeated/interspersed in the sequence! Mimus polyglottos, indeed!
Dave SteingraeberFort Collins
From: <cobirds...> <cobirds...> on behalf of Hondochica z <hondochica...>
Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2025 12:38 PM
To: Jeff P <jeff.percell...>
Cc: Paula Hansley <plhansley...>; CObirds <cobirds...>
Subject: Re: [cobirds] Merlin misidentification…
** Caution: EXTERNAL Sender **
I had Merlin identify a bird as an Indigo Bunting when the only bird singing was a Lazuli Bunting - clearly in my binoculars - white wing bars and orange breast - maybe 50 ft from me. Merlin did finally identify the bird as a Lazuli, but more often came back with Indigo. I won't trust Merlin unless I hear the bird, and if the song is unfamiliar to me - I'll often disregard the ID ( not included in my ebird list) unless I SEE the bird. It's a Great tool - but is imperfect. .
On Sat, Jun 21, 2025 at 12:41 PM Jeff P <jeff.percell...> wrote:
A couple of weeks ago I had Merlin incorrectly suggesting mockingbird where Yellow-breasted chats and separately gray catbirds were actively chattering. I also had Merlin recommending Ash-throated Flycatcher on Thursday afternoon at the parking area for Lichen Loop Trailhead in Boulder County. However, I believe it was just a Yellow-breasted chat mixing in an ATFL call.
Remain vigilant when using Merlin.
Good birding,Jeff Percell Erie, CO
On Sat, Jun 21, 2025, 10:50 AM Paula Hansley <plhansley...> wrote:
For those who rely on Merlin,
I tested Merlin several times while on a walk this morning. It consistently identified a Yellow-breasted Chat as a Lesser Goldfinch when I was more than 50 m from the bird! As I got closer, it changed its identification to chat.
Paula HansleyLouisville --
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