Merlin and eBird by Cornell Lab of Ornithology have become indispensable tools for birders at all skill levels. Now, there's an exciting opportunity to learn directly from expert birders Kevin O’Malley and Barbara Petersen. O’Malley, a naturalist and experienced birder, has led educational walks since 2004 and currently heads the South Sound Nature School. He will teach students to effectively use the Merlin application. Petersen, an avid birder who regularly leads field trips for the Rainier Audubon Society, will guide instruction on eBird—two powerful smartphone apps from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Merlin simplifies bird identification. O’Malley will guide students in quickly identifying birds by sight and sound using easy-to-follow guides, detailed photos, and audio recordings. Merlin's AI-driven sound recognition makes birding accessible for beginners and enhances the experience for seasoned enthusiasts.

Petersen will introduce students to eBird, an innovative tool for tracking and recording bird sightings. eBird allows birders to log their observations in real time, creating personalized checklists while contributing valuable data to global conservation efforts. Participants learn to explore interactive maps, check recent sightings, and join local birding communities.

This special class session will provide hands-on training and practical instruction, ensuring students gain confidence using both applications effectively.

Whether you're new to birding or looking to sharpen your skills, mastering Merlin and eBird offers a rewarding gateway to nature exploration. By the end of the session, participants can confidently identify local bird species, contribute to important scientific research, and connect with a vibrant community of birdwatchers.

The class fee is $45 per person.

Sorry, refunds are not available.