We use Merlin regularly, particularly when in a new environment and find it to be a helpful companion tool. To my ears, birds sound slightly different in different regions of the country, which gives me careful pause until I learn these "regional variations." Merlin helps me learn this quicker than on my own. That being said, it does get some identifications wrong. So I always try to confirm the species on my own. And Michael? His ears aren't as good as they once were, so he finds Merlin to be very useful, especially if I'm uncertain whether we just heard a Carolina or a Black-capped Chickadee where their range overlaps. While very useful in many ways, I can't recommend relying on it for everything it flashes on the screen. I've seen too many incorrect suggestions. For instance, I can't tell you how many times I've looked for a Cerulean Warbler that Merlin suggested only to find yet another Northern Parula doing it's alternate zee-zee song. But I want to check everytime...just in case it is a Cerulean.Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: "<jwdavis...>" <jwdavis...> Date: 7/10/25 12:20 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Re: Merlin
Thank you, David, I agree with what you say, and it extends the birding years for those that have lost some of their hearing and is great for bird ID for those that do not know the 5,000 bird calls. I have studied and learn bird calls with the Birding By Ear
CD and other means and used that knowledge for years. Merlin is a better tool to fill in the gaps of knowledge and lost hearing. It is time to stop beating up on Merlin and for some stop trying to sound wise when they might be otherwise.
Jerry Wayne Davis
Hot Springs, AR
From: The Birds of Arkansas Discussion List <ARBIRD-L...> on behalf of David Chapman <dchapman1245...>
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2025 9:56 AM
To: <ARBIRD-L...> <ARBIRD-L...>
Subject: Merlin
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Joe Neal’s post regarding his interest in how birders utilize Merlin prompts this reply. As a long-time birder, I would, without hesitation say that Merlin is the greatest boon for birders since the Introduction of guidebooks. This is particularly true to those
of us who have lost our hearing. In my case, I have been deaf in one ear for over 25 years and have slowly been losing hearing in the other. More recently, I have qualified for and received a cochlear implant. I can now hear birds, but they sound different,
and I am doing my best to relearn at least the common species. How then do I use Merlin? If I hear or see a bird, I use Merlin to listen and confirm its presence. Often Merlin will tell me that other species are also present which prompts me to look more carefully.
In my opinion, Merlin only occasionally gets things wrong. Thus, Merlin has enabled me to continue my hobby which for the hearing impaired is so valuable.
