Presented by Elliott Ress

Elliott Ress monitors nests of tundra-breeding birds in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska – Photo by Sarah Hoepfner

The Merlin app has proved to be an extremely useful resource for both non-birders and birders alike. The Merlin Sound ID feature has helped improve birders’ ability to identify birds by sound, while also increasing community awareness, and supporting research. MerlinVision is the engine that powers Merlin Sound ID. This presentation is intended to give people a glimpse into the science behind MerlinVision and highlight the importance of recording and uploading audio for conservation efforts.

Elliott Ress is a Filipino-American birder and ornithologist. He graduated from Cornell University with Distinction in Research, working at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Elliott is also a published author whose research involved evaluating flight calls of Magnolia Warblers. Most recently, Elliott worked in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, monitoring nests of tundra-breeding birds and evaluating nesting success. He is currently a contributing editor for MerlinVision and is a primary observer for the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch this season.

Our meetings are available both in person and virtually. For those attending the meeting in person on October 14th, we’ll meet in Room 26 of the Gateway Community Center at 7pm. This room is located on the east side of the building along Glenwood Drive. Look for our banner outside.

For those joining virtually, when you use the link, you will be let into a “waiting room” where you will then be added to the meeting by the host. Please sign in with your name when you enter the room, so we know to admit you. You will be muted when you first join the meeting. You can use your computer’s microphone and speakers (most computers have both). This is the preferred way to join. You can also get an audio connection to the meeting without the Zoom capability by using your phone. For more information on how to attend by Zoom, or how to get an audio connection by phone, contact info@flatheadaudubon.org.

Videos of previous presentations are available on our Videos page.