Bird ID apps attract new generation of birders

Apps like Merlin Bird ID are drawing younger people to birdwatching, with 12 million downloads in 2026 alone. Developed by Cornell's Lab of Ornithology, Merlin uses AI to identify 11,000 bird species by sight or sound. Birders say the tool makes the hobby more accessible, despite occasional errors. Gen Z users share sightings on social media, and other apps like Birda also see rising downloads.