If the party involves technology, I usually arrive late. But I'm there now and having a wonderful time. With my new friend, Merlin. You know those smartphone apps that tell you what song is playing?

Merlin was on the job at Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park one recent day, helping birders identify bird songs. Not Merlin the storied magician, although what was happening could be ...

Spring is here, and the air is full of birdsong. The Merlin Bird ID app tells you what type of birds you’re hearing … plus it’s quick, easy and free. With this software from the Cornell Lab of ...