Date: 2/6/26 5:09 pm From: Kevin Schutz <kschutz...> Subject: [cobirds] Appropriate use of tools, including "technology", when identifying birds?
Hello CoBirds Community,
Today's post by Bill Kosar and subsequent responses prompted me to start the following discussion.
First, some background. We all hear and read of the risks and appeals of not relying upon common technology in popular use today - Merlin, etc. In the past, I've been forthright in admitting some of my identification limitations when inquiring about participation with various surveys and describing how I use multiple tools to (personally) learn and narrow on any reported identifications I may make. As such, I have been declined for participation - no technology allowed, etc. That's fine as I know the intent is to provide (reasonably) accurate data for various scientific purposes. What I've found curious is reading subsequent posts from other participants for the same surveys indicating their use of technology. Argh!! - so some routes potentially went uncovered. We know of examples of published experts/authors of books covering their "big year" efforts and garnering numerous speaking engagements afterwards that use technology such as frequency shifting headphones to assist them with identification while birding.
I admit confusion, especially in the context of mixed inputs pleading for more data reporting juxtaposed against pleas and warnings that at times feel more like one is receiving a "thou shalt not" style sermon. When is technology use appropriate when recording an identification? Does use of technology depend on specific surveys/records/databases? What constitutes "technology" and how is technology defined? Does technology include sound amplification headphones, recordings that can be compared post observation at a later time against vetted libraries, optics, photography, electronic or printed guide books? Even consultation to more experienced birders relies upon some form of technology (vocalizations, photographic confirmation, etc.). All of the examples listed above could be characterized as "technology" in the context of humankind, and in some cases would seem to be dismissed out-of-hand.
Today, within eBird, when one submit a checklist, one is asked "Are you submitting a complete checklist of the birds you were able to identify?" I think eBIrd used to ask something along the lines of "... to the best of your ability", but I can't attest to that with certainty. I've always adopted the philosophy that I would record identifications to the best of my ability, which includes the use of various forms of technology to assist me with a confident identification.
What are the current, best practices deemed acceptable today for bird identification? Should technology use be context specific (eBird database, bird surveys, other...)? While database corruption is and always will be a concern, are we artificially limiting community science resources over such concerns? Humans will always be fallible. When technology limitations are appropriate, how much cheating is likely occurring? Are we at a point where we are past being able to use an honor system, of relying upon one's best abilities? When some form of technology has been used to assist with an identification, is it incumbent to disclose all forms of technology used (optics, photography, recordings, various forms of guidebooks, applications such as Merlin, various AI applications)?
I am sincerely interested in understanding the breadth of views present. I may find myself having to reconsider my philosophy of using "my best ability" as no longer being appropriate.
I hope this post results in a respectful, thoughtful discussion.
KS El Paso County
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