In recent years there has been a surge in popularity of birding apps, such as Birdnet and Merlin, which suggest an identification based upon the sounds or images presented to them. The use of such apps is great fun and to be encouraged since they make for excellent educational tools. However they do, fairly often, get it wrong and generate “false positives”. Because of this the SOS, in line with BTO guidelines, kindly asks users to refrain from adding any record into a database (such as iRecord, Birdtrack or eBird) which is unchecked and based solely upon an app reading.
One great advantage with Merlin is that recordings can be easily saved and stored on the app for future reference. And so the next time your device flashes up a Marsh Warbler or a Golden Oriole, remember to press the “save” button – it could make or break a fantastic record!
David Thorns
