AI Recognizes Nature: Rekindling the Joy of Exploring the World Around Us

In an increasingly digital world where people are often caught up in their phone screens and social media, a new wave of technology is quietly helping us return to nature – not by distancing ourselves from technology, but by using it to better understand the natural world around us.

A mockingbird photographed on April 28 in Houston, USA. (Source: AP)

One such example is the Merlin Bird ID app, a product of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which uses artificial intelligence to identify bird calls.

During a birding walk, a user was alerted by the app that a red-shouldered sparrow was nearby. With AI analyzing the live audio, the user discovered a vibrant creature that might have been overlooked amid the dense canopy.

A Red Sparrow photographed in the US. (Source: Animalia-life)

The app is more than just a recognition tool, it also creates an interactive experience similar to the real-life Pokémon Go game. Users can “hunt” for birds to add to their personal list, turning every walk into an exciting journey of discovery .

According to Drew Weber, Merlin app manager, the demographic has changed significantly over the past few years. “Five years ago, it was mostly retirees and bird lovers. Now we see a lot of younger people sharing their experiences on TikTok and Instagram,” he said.

Merlin Bird ID app interface. (Source: Merlin AI)

AI technology extends beyond birds to other areas of nature. The iNaturalist app and its kid-friendly Seek version allow users to identify plants, insects, and other creatures from images. Each submitted observation can contribute to conservation research, as global biodiversity is under severe threat.

“ We don’t just want users to identify a plant in their backyard, we want to build a community of nature enthusiasts, contribute data, and take action for conservation,” said Scott Loarie, CEO of iNaturalist.

The iNaturalist app automatically suggests the species of plant you photographed. (Source: Drew Monkman)

But AI isn’t always perfect. Birds like mockingbirds, which can mimic the calls of other species, sometimes confuse recognition systems. And while AI can suggest the name of a plant or a berry, experts warn against relying solely on the technology to identify wild foods.

“You should never rely entirely on automated identification for something as important as edible plants, ” Mr. Loarie cautioned. “But I am all for learning and exploring nature.”

From spotting rare birds to identifying poisonous plants and invasive species, AI is ushering in a new era of interacting with nature. The key is not to abandon technology, but to use it wisely to reconnect with the natural world — a world that has always been there, just waiting for us to notice and explore.

Minh Hoan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/ai-nhan-dien-chim-cay-va-con-trung-cong-nghe-khoi-lai-niem-vui-kham-pha-ar962702.html