Across our desert landscapes, early mornings are usually filled with songs sung by birds of all kinds.
However, the challenge of spotting these feathered creatures amidst the mesquite trees and desert shrubs can be quite a task. And sometimes can be frustrating for younger bird watchers or newbies.
Here's where a unique tool comes into play—a free app designed for the whole family. This app can identify a bird either by its song or through a smart photo, adding a fun twist to your birdwatching experience.
The Merlin app developed at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology can identify a species through a series of Q-and-A prompts (What size is it? What location? What color?), or by listening to its vocalization to compare against a massive database of recordings. Or even do an analysis of your smartphone photos on the go!
As the app gathers audio of the bird, it begins showing possible matches. Pretty soon, many types of birds are listed in the Merlin app.
This is where the app truly shines. For a quick 'check-in,' you can set your phone outside and let it do its work. As the app gathers audio of the bird, it begins showing possible matches. Pretty soon, you have a stack of identified birds, each flashing yellow in the app with each individual chirp. It's like uncovering a hidden world of birds right in your backyard.
In a midtown survey, we encountered Lucy's Warbler, a Lesser Goldfinch family, a Bell's Vireo, an Ash-Throated Flycatcher, and an Abert's Towhee. Connecting the bird with their song makes it easy to single out your favorites during a walk.
Head to the foothills where you might pinpoint the stunning black Phainopepla, White-winged doves, and Gila Woodpeckers.
At Sweetwater Wetlands Park north of Silverbell Golf Course, explore a whole different set of winged neighbors, including Clapper Rails, Least Bitterns, and Mallard Ducks.
Or head south to Madera Canyon where you might find a Scott's Oriole, Summer Tanagers, or a Blue Grosbeak.
And wherever you are, start a recording at dusk to connect with our nocturnal wonders like a nightjar or the petite Flammulated Owl.
For those with a competitive streak, challenge your friends and family to see who connects with the most species or even the rarest birds identified. It's healthy fun for the whole family. And might just foster a lifelong love and appreciation for the gems lurking all around us.