Tech

Merlin Is Magical, but It Still Makes Mistakes

August 23, 2023 — As the popularity of the app’s Sound ID feature grows, so do concerns about how imperfect artificial intelligence impacts a trove of scientific data.
A bird feeder with a camera and microphone hangs outside.

These Smart Devices Can Identify the Birds Outside Your Window

July 10, 2023 — The Bird Buddy and the Haikubox offer new ways to get excited about birding from home.

What Does Generative AI Mean for Bird and Nature Photography?

June 21, 2023 — Soon we may not be able to easily tell if a bird photo is real or fake. And that poses fundamental questions that the wildlife photography field must grapple with.

How New Technology Is Making Wind Farms Safer for Birds

May 18, 2021 — Raptors and wind energy have a fraught history. Could these innovations allow them to co-exist? 

Can Painting Wind Turbine Blades Black Really Save Birds?

September 18, 2020 — A new study outlines a solution to the problem of wind turbine collisions. Experts say it’s promising, but they’re not sold just yet.

How Chickens Could Inspire New Treatments for Deafness

November 07, 2019 — Birds can't lose their hearing. So why do we?

A Simple Technology Could Help Stop Birds From Colliding With Power Lines

July 19, 2019 — It’s not rocket science, but it does build on the avian ability to see UV lights—with strong results.

Seabird Experts Turn to Algorithms to Help Keep Fishing Boats in Line

July 15, 2019 — A new machine-learning system for tracking vessel activity could provide relief for albatrosses in harm's way.

Birds of a Feather Kickflip Together in a New Crowdfunded Video Game

July 09, 2019 — A breakout hit, ‘SkateBIRD’ is a pet project for one seasoned developer and avian fan.

Cryptic Seabirds Can Hide From This Scientist, But Not From Her Spy Network

March 25, 2019 — Acoustic monitoring combined with powerful machine learning is giving researchers new insights into the elusive Ashy Storm-Petrel. It's just one way that artificial intelligence can tackle pressing conservation challenges.