Mobile Apps for Species Identification

 Nature Identification Apps

I have a few apps that I like to use when I was working at the State Park or in my current job.  These apps include iNaturalist, Merlin, and Audubon.  Merlin and Audubon are specific to birds.  I like to use Merlin with my camp students so we can identify birds while walking through the woods.  My favorite identification app that I like using is iNaturalist.  It is my go to app for figuring out whatever I encounter while in nature.  I will review this app below.

Source: Screenshot from Courtny's phone

iNaturalist is an app that can be downloaded to your phone or you can log into it on the computer.  I find the phone one to be much easier.  When you first open the app, you are taken to your log of observations.  Mine is shown below.  You can check on your observations, add a new one, or explore observations in other areas.  This app allows you to identify a variety of species, such as caterpillars, mushrooms, mammals, and plants.  People can comment on your identification, help you identify what you can't, or let you know if your identification maybe incorrect. 

Source: Screenshot from Courtny's phone

I love to use this to identify anything that I can't remember what they are called or to help me figure out what something is that I haven't seen before. You could, also, make a project and lump your observations to a specific area or see what other people are finding in that area.  It could give you new things to explore while out hiking. 

Source: Screenshot from Courtny's Phone

When you identify a species, you take a picture of it (and hopefully the coordinates of where it was taken was on).  You upload that to the app and the information about where it was found should be on there.  Then, you hit the what did you see area and it will help you find the name of what you photographed.  Sometimes, a species can't be identified and it can just show a general family or type of what it is.  For the most part, it identifies what you are trying to identify.

Below are some observations that I have made when I was out exploring.  

Source: Screenshot from Courtny's phone

Source: Screenshot from Courtny's Phone

 

It is easiest to identify plants that have flowers.  Finding the name by leaves or bark alone is hard at times.  You can, also, use the seeds or nuts to help you identify it.  The more distinguishing features it has the easer it is to find a match.

Source: Screenshot from Courtny's Phone

Source: Screenshot from Courtny's Phone

Source: Screenshot from Courtny's Phone

Source: Screenshot from Courtny's Phone

This app is especially helpful in identifying plants that are poisonous or harmful.  Before you touch a plant you are unsure about, check the app to make sure it is safe to touch.

Source: Screenshot from Courtny's Phone

Source: Screenshot from Courtny's Phone

I highly recommend downloading this app before heading out on your next adventure.  It will be very helpful and could possible stop you from getting a nasty rash from that dreaded poison ivy.  

Image Sources:

Rearick, C. (2022, August 7) Screenshot of nature folder on Courtny's phone. Author’s personal collection

Rearick, C. (2022, August 7) Screenshot of observation homepage on Courtny's phone. Author’s personal collection

Rearick, C. (2022, August 7) Screenshot of observation of American dagger on Courtny's phone. Author’s personal collection

Rearick, C. (2022, August 7) Screenshot of observation of cardinal flower on Courtny's phone. Author’s personal collection

Rearick, C. (2022, August 7) Screenshot of observation of deer mouse on Courtny's phone. Author’s personal collection

Rearick, C. (2022, August 7) Screenshot of observation of poison hemlock on Courtny's phone. Author’s personal collection

Rearick, C. (2022, August 7) Screenshot of observation of scalded on Courtny's phone. Author’s personal collection

Rearick, C. (2022, August 7) Screenshot of observation of shagbark hickory nut on Courtny's phone. Author’s personal collection

Rearick, C. (2022, August 7) Screenshot of observation of spring peeper on Courtny's phone. Author’s personal collection

Rearick, C. (2022, August 7) Screenshot of observation of stiff leaved goldenrod on Courtny's phone. Author’s personal collection

Rearick, C. (2022, August 7) Screenshot of project homepage on Courtny's phone. Author’s personal collection