A simple free bird app has transformed allotment visits for several plotholders - opening their ears and eyes to many more bird neighbours that they ever imagined! Within hours, they had heard and then watched a fairly rare redstart - it was singing its wonderful melodies close to their plot. You don't need to be tecky to use this app - users will be happy to introduce you to it. Click "more" to see our log!
Our allotment Treasurer, John Farrington, first discovered the Merlin app. It was developed by Cornell University, which has made it available for free. Simply install and turn it on - and while you're digging, it will alert you to any bird it hears nearby, and provide a picture to help identify it. It also automatically stores a diary of all birds, providing the basis of a valuable log, especially for migrant bird.
Below are the birds logged in May 2025. If you spot any others - even without any tecky apps! - please pass on names and approx dates to Olwyn, who will add them. And if you would like to learn more about the app, please email Olwyn or speak to John.
BIRDS LOGGED DURING MAY 2025 – total 20
- Blackbird (OH)
- Blackcap (OH)
- Blue Tit (OH)
- Chaffinch (OH)
- Chiff Chaff (OH)
- Great Tit (JF)
- Greenfinch (OH)
- Hedge Sparrow (OH)
- Herring Gull (OH)
- Jackdaw (OH)
- Long-tailed Tit (OH)
- Nuthatch (JF)
- Oyster Catcher (OH)
- Parakeet (OH)
- Redstart (OH)
- Robin (OH)
- Song Thrush (OH)
- Willow Warbler (JF)
- Wood Pigeon (JF)
- Wren (OH)
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