Why budding birders are flocking to Shazam-like apps to identify avians
Birdwatchers tell the BBC how apps have changed their lifelong hobby - and attracted new birders.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I think that it's been a really great tool that I've integrated into my birding routine."
— Megan Szostak , Influencer
"The folks who are sharing their experiences with Merlin, talking how they're just getting started birding for the first time, might be making references like 'well now that I'm 30, I'm a bird watcher'."
— Jessie Barry , Academic
Key People
Locations
All Coverage
Birdwatchers tell the BBC how apps have changed their lifelong hobby - and attracted new birders.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
A beautiful Himalayan bird is changing its voice due to human activity, research shows
A sharp increase in human activity is affecting the way the Himalayan monal lives and communicates, studies show.
October 6, 2026 at 11:07 PMHow fans are falling in love with football again
BBC Sport speaks to Dorking Wanderers owner and manager Marc White about the growing use of social media helping non-League teams grow.
October 7, 2026 at 01:01 PM'Add me to WhatsApp' scam calls to be investigated
The UK's data watchdog is investigating a spike in complaints about "robo calls" that appear to lead to a recruitment scam.
October 8, 2026 at 11:05 PMWhy are there so many mushrooms around this year?
The RHS says the hot, dry summer followed by autumn rain could lead to record sightings.
October 8, 2026 at 05:13 AMBBC Inside Science
How do you research the impacts of social media on young people?
June 18, 2026 at 04:00 PMASOS app users receive push notifications apparently sent by hackers
Dozens of people appear to have received a strange message from the clothing and beauty store's app.
October 6, 2026 at 10:37 AM