Has anyone else noticed how good Google Lens has gotten identifying birds? Merlin was my go-to but now GL seems to work quite well. Here is a partially blocked bird I shot, a red-billed leiothrix, and GL had no problem identifying it.
I use Google Lens too, for birds and bugs, and it can be very helpful. But it can also get it quite wrong, especially with bugs. It does better on birds, sometimes even when the bird is at an odd angle.
I use Google Lens too, for birds and bugs, and it can be very helpful. But it can also get it quite wrong, especially with bugs. It does better on birds, sometimes even when the bird is at an odd angle.
...for longer than I care to admit, I've been 'testing' my latest camera gear by taking pictures of birds...mostly 'backyard birds' and the occasional bald eagle.
I do not describe myself as a 'birder'...rather I like to take pictures of interesting birds with modern gear.
I have found Google Lens (when did the Google Lens name become a thing?) for years...it is invaluable (at least for me) for beginners.
I also use the Merlin ID sound app on iOS...it has also been useful as well.
I also use Google lens, but not just for bird ID. If I see a photo of a landscape, or cityscape for which there isn't a location noted, I do simply put that image into Google lens and it will often show me other similar images on the internet and I can determine the location. I also use it for flower/plant identification.