So I recently got a new phone (switched from apple to a Google Pixel) and googles Gemini is baked into the phones userface. Anyway recently I got into running bird photos I take from my phone through both Gemini and Merlin to see which is more accurate.

Gotta say that Google Geminis AI has actually been mostly accurate. However, when it is wrong, it seems to completely fabricate things about the uploaded image to make it seem more correct. (Example in this case with it claiming its a common nighthawk because of the barley visible white wingbars which you clearly can't see in this photo)

I've also noticed uploading the same picture multiple times on Gemini can lead it to different deductions even when using the same prompt. The first time it gave, "magnificent frigate bird" or "barn swallow" due to "it's clearly forked tail" again no clue where it got the forked tail from.

Another example had me uploading a picture of a Common Raven in flight which upon first upload said it was a crow and upon subsequent uploads said Common Raven whereas merlin only suggested Raven both times I tried it.

Anyway, it seems to be common sense to use Merlin over any generic AI system. But thought I'd share anyway because why the fuck not. (BTW the first photo was a Merlin which somehow Merlin got immediately, and google Gemini only got correct after I pushed back against the common nighthawk suggestion with the prompt that the shape seemed more falcon than nighthawk)

Anyway would love to see anybody else's poor experiences with trying to get an ID out of an AI service.

I currently use cheap $40 12x48s - I wanted to see if I liked birding before putting money into it. I love it and was thinking of upgrading to 12x50 Vortex Diamondbacks as recommended by another birder I met. But looking at reviews, people are saying this doesnt fit well on a person with a smaller/narrower face so I am concerned (I use my current pair at the narrowest it can go!)

Any thoughts on this, or recommendations on another model in the same price range?

Also I have been told that 8x or 10x42s are better, but Im really loving my 12x48 size. I dont mind the size or weight at all. What would be the reason to go down to a smaller mag/size if this one works for me? Is there something I am missing here?

Thanks!

My sibling took this photo at Swan Lake Park a couple days ago and wants to know what the 3 birds in the middle with orange beaks and legs are.

This sweet baby is being quite bold towards me. he's happy to come within a few feet of me and I've been feeding him mealworms - I like to think he's one of the chicks that we found in the hedge earlier this year. I was feeding mama some mealworms and waxworms for extra fat and energy for her babies (left nearby obviously, not handfed), so I hope this is one of them who's figuring himself out :)

Took this while he was hunkering down for a moment after taking some worms, it's quite windy today so he was probably a bit chilly :(

Not a nest photo also! Just some leaf litter on the ground in a twiggy corner of the garden :)

I noticed this female house finch the other day with a very prominent swollen right eye. She doesn't seem to be able to see out of it, as she turns in full circles from time to time to scan the area. She has come back each day for the last few, so she's clearly surviving fine, but I wonder if this is from a wound of some sort or if I have a case of conjunctivitis here. If it's the latter, I'll be removing the feeder and bird bath for the next couple weeks. Thanks for the help!

Conditions in Catemaco are very flexible, one day you can have a clear sunny morning and the next day the sky is coated completely by the clouds that will bring rain later in the day.

is was one of those and while it made some photos harder, it also provided some oportunities for neat stuff like this heron, while a common species that ive seen plenty of times before, it still provides oportunities for great shoots

I like the feathers, captured this parakeet in the grand Chaco in south America.
You can check out many more of my bird pictures in my Instagram , I will be slowly adding more awesome birds I capture.

Trying to identity the bluey grey bird with a tawny belly. Having a hard time finding it in my book. Maybe a nuthatch? Photo taken in British Columbia 🇨🇦

Hey guys! I’m planning a two-week trip to Costa Rica, travelling from inland through the jungle to the coast and back again. I’m really excited about the birding opportunities and all the different species I’ll hopefully get to see!

I want to put together a little bucket list of birds to look out for during the trip, and I’d love to hear your opinions.

What would be your top 5 birds to spot in Costa Rica or Central America and why? They can be rare, beautiful, unusual, or just personal favourites that you think are absolutely worth seeing in the wild.
I’m curious to hear what makes your list! Bonus points if you have any tips on where to spot them.

Edit:
THANK YOU EVERYONE! I made a goal list thanks to your guys help, if you think something is missing let me know:

Toucans
Yellow-throated Toucan
Keel-billed Toucan

Hummingbirds
Purple-Crowned Fairy
Crowned Woodnymph
Coppery-Headed Emerald

Trogons and Quetzals
Resplendent Quetzal
Collared Trogon

Raptors
Crested Caracara

Other:
Three-wattled Bellbird
Bare-necked Umbrellabird
Turquoise Cotinga
Great or common Potoo

I wanted to capture the beauty of the White Storks that nest here every summer. I'm curious, what kind of stork species do you get to see where you live?

First time I’ve ever seen one up here! If anyone has information on why a pelican is in southwest Colorado I’d love to hear it.

PNW

Photographed this Snail Kite actively hunting, flying low over the calm surface while carrying visible prey dangling from its talons. I took this at Harns Marsh Preserve in Florida while out photographing for my Adventures in Southwest Florida.

Fun fact: While many raptors carry captured snails to a perch, Snail Kites are also observed consuming their prey right there in mid-flight, often dropping the empty shell afterward.

Shot this with Sony a6700 + Sony 200-600. I share daily Southwest Florida wildlife shots and fun facts on IG "@AdventuresSWFlorida" – thanks for checking it out!

Feelin' fluffy, with some lovely eyeliner!

Caught this Scrub Jay juggling a peanut in its mouth.

Tumwater, WA

Tempe, AZ

Nashville, TN

I know it’s a grouse, but not sure what kind of