r/MerlinBirdID

Florida
Central Florida

*THIS APP USES INATURALIST API* I have been an avid hiker and nature enjoyer my whole life. One thing that always bothered me was how often I (and everyone else) would stop mid-hike to stare at a phone screen trying to identify a plant or bug.

Apps like iNaturalist are incredible, but using them in the field completely breaks your immersion in nature.

I wanted a way to learn what was around me before I went out. So, I put together (with AI) a widget-focused app called Verdant Vista. It hooks into the iNaturalist API and basically acts as a set of location-based digital flashcards on your home screen. It pulls the specific, seasonally relevant wildlife and plants for your exact area right now or a specific location you select in the settings.

The idea is that you passively learn the species throughout the week when you glance at your phone. Then, when you actually go on a walk, you can leave your phone in your pocket because you already recognize what you're looking at.

It’s completely free and no log in, on the Play Store if anyone wants to try out the widgets: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.verdant.vista&pcampaignid=web_share

Would love to hear from other hikers/foragers on whether this fits into your routine, or if there are specific widget sizes/layouts you'd prefer

Note: This doesn't just launch the app, it immediately starts recording.

⚡ QUICK SETUP: Launch Merlin Bird ID Audio Rec in 2 Seconds via Back Tap

You need the free Merlin Bird ID App, then two native (free) iOS apps: Shortcuts and System Settings.

Phase 1: Build the Shortcut

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone and tap '+' (top right).
2. Tap 'Add Action', search for 'URL', and select 'Open URLs'.
3. In the URL field, enter exact string: merlinbirdid://record(This protocol bypasses the home screen and opens audio recording directly).
4. Tap the title at the top, rename it "Launch Merlin Audio", and tap Done.

Phase 2: Map to the Tap Gesture

1. Open iPhone Settings > Accessibility > Touch.
2. Scroll to the bottom and select Back Tap.
3. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
4. Scroll past System utilities down to the SHORTCUTS section at the bottom.
5. Select "Launch Merlin Audio".

💡 FIELD OPERATIONAL NOTE:

Back Tap reads accelerometer/gyroscope force rather than screen touch. Heavy, shock-absorbent phone cases damp kinetic transfers. If taps aren't registering, tap directly on the camera module cluster or center chassis.

If trail trekking or handling gear causes accidental Double-Tap triggers, map to Triple Tap instead—it requires a much more intentional signature to fire.

Link to see how fast it is: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2LLxAQJHfrc

Link on how to build it step by step: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4787NJHq9Y

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🌐 Full guide & workflow notes: https://thenestinglab.com/fieldnotes/008-merlin-back-tap/

Are these directions clear enough? I think this trick is fantastic and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the Merlin Bird ID app.

edit: I changed the weird YouTube embed links to normal looking Youtube links.

Merlin couldn’t make this one out. I was thinking two Barn Owls, but have never heard this type of vocalization from them. Just very different to the usual screech I hear from them. Western WA.

a beautiful day on the Toronto Islands

please help me figure out if this is a Cooper's hawk or sharp-shinned hawk, southern Wisconsin