[Tweeters] Merlin Sound ID

[Carol Riddell via Tweeters]

From Dennis Paulson: "When Merlin tells you you have heard a very unlikely bird, please be skeptical and if you list it on eBird, make sure you add that the ID was based on AI, not AK (actual knowledge).”

I strongly endorse Dennis's urge for skepticism. It does appear that many (perhaps newer?) birders are entering eBird checklists based on whatever Sound ID lists. This results in many erroneous additions to hotspot lists. Cornell describes Sound ID as a tool. (It’s a good tool.) It should be used as a tool, not as the Ten Commandments etched in stone. If you know your local birds, you should have a good idea when Sound ID lists a species that is unlikely, either due to location or season. It is then time to do two things. First, save the recording and then click on that special bird. It will take you to the place in the recording where Sound ID detected the possible species. You can listen and compare what you hear to the multiple recordings below that species. Frequently I don’t even have to do that because Sound ID has offered a possible species based on artifact sounds such as the swish of my movement or the clink of my binocular lens cover as I move about. Second, if the recording seems valid, then look around to see if you can find this special species. If you can’t, don’t put it in a public data base. Just remember that Sound ID is offering the best possible matches based on its data. A best possible match is not a conclusive match. It is a flag for the birder to start birding, to corroborate or discount the possible match. If you add an unlikely bird to an eBird checklist that you have not corroborated, please note Sound ID in the details box for that species. This is very helpful to other birders who might want to try to see your possible bird.

Carol Riddell
Edmonds, WA
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