Lost my App-etite

Off for a hike, Copyright 2025 JeanMaher.com

After a friend used an app on his cellphone that identified birds by their songs at my house, My friend’s app seemed so amazing – it was picking up several birds I knew, and even few more nearby - I had no idea they were here. They don’t come to my bird feeders (apparently, they eat insects, not seeds, so not interested in showing up).

I downloaded the app, too. The new "shiny object" app was intriguing for a while; I can see why people like it. A person just opens the app, taps “Record” and voila! Any birds making noise in the area are listed. Cool. I even discovered one I had never heard of: a Great Crested Flycatcher (look it up). I got excited and started to use it on my hikes to see what it picked up.

It was fun for about a day or two.

I assumed it would be a great way to know where to train my lens and imagined the great shot I’d capture of a bird that is singing away in all its glory in the underbrush or overstory.

But I couldn't find them. I didn't see them. I began to get frustrated. My eyesight could be better; I should be able to find this little lifeform in among the leaves on the trees or on smaller shrubs.

Like most times when I get excited about something, I’m all in. I thought this was a great way to find birds.

HOWEVER (the unintended consequence part) is that instead of feeling excited about what I saw, I came away deflated and defeated when I couldn't find the bird in the brush or trees.

I asked myself, what was different about this from how I normally see things in nature? Good question.

I realized I was trying to find that darn avian. THAT one. I stopped seeing what else was there! I put on blinders and limited my view. I had regrets. I didn’t get a photo. I let that get to me. The trying was my clue that I was pushing too hard. It’s a good reminder that everything happens in its own time and space. I’m not in charge.

Bottom line, I took the fun out of something I love to experience, which is to be breathtakingly surprised by what is around the next corner. It truly is what keeps me going back – there is always something new to see in nature.

Sometimes something that seems like it would be a good thing for me to do at face value really isn’t for me in this moment. I guess some things are better left to explore. To relax into the space and the experience.

I deleted the app. For now.