Date: 8/14/25 11:54 am From: David Neimeyer <dave...> Subject: Re: osprey or red tail
Same here near Allentown. I could see a Red Tail circling; sound seemed to
come from that bird but Merlin identified as Osprey. I've had numerous
occasions where Merlin identified an Osprey but I couldn't see any birds
(usually I was in a wooded area with limited visibility of the sky.) I've
had other instances of Merlin identifying an unlikely bird for the area or
season (for example, Blue Grosbeak).
It all boils down to Merlin being a great tool, and fun to use, but must be
used with a grain of salt.
Sincerely
Dave Neimeyer
Haafsville, Lehigh Co., PA
On Thu, Aug 14, 2025 at 2:16 PM <ceceliahard...> <
<000001ea2b4afe88-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Merlin sound ID keeps suggesting it hears osprey when I only see red
> tailed hawk. Today I was walking by the Allegheny River and heard what I
> thought was a red tailed hawk and saw an adult perched on a sign on the
> Highland Park bridge. I saw another bird about 100 yards away and could see
> it vocalizing (I think).
>
> Merlin cycled between osprey and red tail ID and even added in Bald eagle
> at one point. I couldn't clearly see the calling bird clearly, but it
> seemed to be a juvenile red tail. I was not far downriver from the osprey
> nest that fledged a young bird this spring. I appreciate comments.
>
> Cecelia Hard
> Allegheny County
>
