For bird identification when the Bird ID setting is active, AX Visio uses a modified version from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Merlin Bird IdentificationExtensive bird database. The Mammal ID, Butterfly ID, and Dragonfly ID settings on the binoculars work with the Sunbird Database. However, although mammals and flying insects can currently only be identified in Europe and North America, Bird ID software works everywhere, even in Antarctica.
Identification apps use a combination of image recognition and geolocation, enabled by a built-in GPS sensor that tells the software where you are in the world. That can help you narrow down which species you’re likely looking at.
looking out
I am an amateur bird watcher and had the opportunity to test the AX Visio in the field in and beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. (Swarovski took me there to test the binoculars in the field). Reserve guests can currently rent the binoculars for $40 per day, with proceeds going to local conservation projects.
At first, I was overwhelmed by using a pair of technology-driven binoculars; I was worried that it would be difficult to master the camera and species identification. Fortunately, they are quite easy to use. Located on the bridge of the binoculars is the mode selection wheel, which is easily rotated to move between the AX Visio’s settings, including bird, mammal, butterfly and dragonfly species identification modes. There’s also a photo mode, which uses the built-in camera to take a photo and other settings.
For proper identification, the binoculars must be held steady and properly focused so that the imaging system has a clear image of the animal. When you point your binoculars at a bird, a red circle appears in your field of view, and as long as the animal fills most of that circle, it will be close enough to identify. Press the raised button on the top of the binoculars and within a few seconds, the creature’s name will be displayed on the screen.
I was impressed that the binoculars accurately identified very small birds. The AX Visio correctly identified a 5-inch long screen. malachite kingfisher which was clearly visible on a branch above the water 30 meters away. Later, I saw one 9 inches long bee-eater camouflaged in a tree 100 meters away, but it was too far away for the AX Visio to identify the bird. Frustratingly, sometimes a bird was clearly visible inside the red circle, but the binoculars would display an error message stating that there were no birds to identify.