Between you and me, the other night I made a decision.
Truth be told, this world is in desperate need of as much joy as it can muster.
I have decided that when I see glimmers of joy, I’m going to say something about it.
So, here I am following through with that decision and telling my little part of the internets about a surprising free app that is free of all the strife so present these days in about every nook and cranny of the web.
No this isn’t a sponsored commercial.
This is just a fun free app that has made my life better and so here I am sharing that joy.
Meet my guy– Merlin.
As you might be familiar, over recent years I have become QUITE the birdwatcher. Side Note: Did you know that studies show that bird sounds are so incredibly good for our mental health?
Birdwatching alone brings me so much joy. It is a hobby of noticing that I never noticed I was missing. And now I cannot imagine NOT noticing the birds. So. Much. Joy.
But then Merlin comes along and makes it even more fun.
See a bird I am unfamiliar with? Snap a pic and ask Merlin.
Well Cris, that appears to be a Pileated Woodpecker.
Hear a bunch of birds and wonder who it is? Ask Merlin and he records their sounds and gives me a list!
Well Cris, this was your morning playlist.
Catch a glimpse of a bird but didn’t hear it or get a picture? I can just describe it to Merlin and he will give me a guess!
Well Cris, that might be a Carolina Wren or a Field Sparrow. Which do you think it is?
Oh the absolute joy this app has brought me. I can learn about each bird. Hear recordings. See what female, male and juvenile of each type of bird look like.
I have shared this with so many of my family and friends. We enjoy sending each other pictures of our playlists to compare.
Everyone –young and old– gets a kick out of it!
We use it at home to record sightings of all our favorite birds and when we travel to identify new ones.
So. Much. Fun.
Have you hung out with Merlin yet? Who did he introduce you to lately?
Kim Honeycutt says
Hey Cris, it’s been awhile since we’ve talked! I hope you’re all doing well! I’m so proud of how well Mikey is doing with his music career!!
I love watching birds and listening to their beautiful songs! This is great information and I thank you for sharing it. I need to check Merlin out!! Sounds fun! Happy Bird Watching🐦🦜🐦⬛
I love you guys❤️
Cris says
Hey Kim!
Mikey is doing such cool things with his music. Who knows, you might just see him over here again one of these days!
So glad you enjoy the birds too! What is you favorite bird?