The Merlin Bird ID app, originally designed for bird identification, has been found to help improve mindfulness and mental health by encouraging users to listen to and observe nature, fostering a sense of presence and grounding. The app allows users to identify birds by sound or sight, track sightings, and explore local avian life, which can lead to increased outdoor activity and a deeper connection with nature, ultimately aiding mental well-being.
The article reviews the best bird song and identification apps in 2025, highlighting options like Merlin Bird ID, Smart Bird ID, Chirpomatic, Picture Bird, Audubon Bird Guide, and BirdNET, each suited for different user needs such as learning, beginner use, North American focus, or citizen science. These apps utilize AI, sound, and image recognition to help users identify bird species, enhance birding experiences, and contribute to conservation efforts, with considerations on their accuracy and features.
Swarovski has introduced the AX Visio, a set of binoculars with AI bird identification feature for $4799, but a cheaper alternative involves using a digital camera, transferring the image to a phone, and using the free Cornell Merlin ID app. The overpriced binoculars use the same ID system available for free on the app, which also identifies birds by their songs.
Swarovski has unveiled its first smart binoculars, the AX Visio, at CES 2024, which can identify birds by pointing at them and using data from the Merlin Bird ID database. The binoculars also feature a Wildlife ID function, a camera for capturing and sharing images, expandable custom databases, discovery sharing, and a built-in compass. Priced at €4,600 (around $5,000), the AX Visio is set to be available in February, offering a high-tech solution for bird enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Swarovski has launched the world's first AI-supported smart binoculars, the Swarovski Optik Ax Visio, which can identify over 9,000 birds and other wildlife. Designed by Marc Newson, these binoculars combine high-precision analogue optics with digital intelligence, allowing for real-time identification, photo and video capture, and sharing of discoveries via a smartphone app. The binoculars will be priced at $4,799 / £3,820 and are set to go on sale in February 2024.
