As someone fairly new to learning calls, I still get fooled by even common sounds. Even though I’m generally more auditory than visual I believe my eyes when they confirm something I hear. That said, Merlin is a great tool. Yes it misses things you hear and know plain as day and suggests unlikely birds, but it recently helped me with my FOY Scarlet Tanager. I’ve heard robins, RB grosbeaks, & Scarlet Tanagers A LOT! Yet despite the descriptions (“robin that took singing lessons” or “robin with a cold”) I don’t always trust myself without visual confirmation. I tend to narrow it down and say “this sounds like either _____ or ______” before trying Merlin. It’s like a game. I notice my surroundings and what might be in that habitat. Invariably Merlin confirms one of several choices. I’ve enjoyed using it as one more tool in the bag, but it’s not to be solely relied upon. Ellynne Rey EllynneRey@gmail.com (Stamford)