I wonder. Who, like me, has been whipping out their Merlin Bird ID apps again? For those unfamiliar, Merlin Bird ID is an app that helps you figure out what bird you’re looking at — or listening to — just by snapping a photo or recording its song. I’ve been a longtime fan, originally using it to identify birds by sight — a handy aid for a mother who’d never been into birds, but quickly yearned to feed the passions of a young son with an old-soul interest. Within the last couple of years, they added the ability to identify birds by sound, a feature I know many in my demographic geeked out about — as evidenced by the backyard bird lists popping up on social media, showcasing feathered visitors. Just this week I found myself doing the same. Now it seems that opening the Merlin app for the first time each year rides alongside crocuses and magnolias as a new sign of spring.
It would be a lot more poetic if I actually knew bird sounds. I’m reminded of our birding guide in Costa Rica, Esteban. On our first day in Monteverde, after a late-night drive through the mountains, my son, Carson, and I woke at 5 a.m. for our tour. Carson was mesmerized by avian discovery. I was equally taken by Esteban’s ability to identify birds by sound — the joy of being near someone so skilled was worth the price of admission.
However, not all of us grow up learning these things. Although I no doubt had a backdrop of bird sounds in my youth, I simply forgot to pay attention, leaving me without the knowledge I so admired. It’s easy to criticize technology, lamenting the pure days before it existed. This app, though, is a reminder of the essence of technology: just a tool to make things easier. In this case, a tool that makes the joy of birding accessible for someone who missed it for 40+ years. Technology doesn’t replace wonder — it just gives us another way in.
I recall my husband and I, as righteous young know-it-alls, discrediting technology and blaming it for all that is wrong with the world. We were in Alberta for his grandfather’s 90th birthday celebration –– we didn’t know it would be the last time we saw him. Doug asked Poppa Jack, “What’s the greatest achievement you’ve seen in your 90 years?” Without hesitation he said “technology.” He described with simplicity the joy of now receiving pictures instantly as his great-grandchildren are born, compared to the long weeks before seeing his own children, working far from home with the telephone company. In a “we asked the question so I suppose we should listen” moment, Poppa Jack’s reflection softened our righteousness — as only wisdom can. Labelling things as good or bad is easy. Most of reality, however, lives somewhere in the middle.
So, which birds have been visiting your yard? Whether you know them by sound, use the support of an app, or honestly don’t care — it all gets to be in. And, as it turns out, you don’t need to know the birds to feel their song.
Looking to gather with your flock? Here’s what else is happening:
Fleetwood Magic – May 3 at 9 p.m. at Roberts Creek Hall, $40 in advance, $45 at the door (dancing shoes required).
2nd Annual Car Boot Sale – April 26 at 11:30 a .m. to 3 p.m. at Roberts Creek Elementary; bring cash, a reusable bag, and a friend!
Trail User Forum – discover new trails, connect with like-minded trail lovers. May 24, 3 to 5 p.m. at Sechelt’s Seaside Center. Contact [email protected] for more information.
