Scottish gull - changing from YLG to LBB in Merlin? (1 Viewer)

[LittleBitOfBreadNoCheese]

I saw this bird in flight some way off at first and thought it was a Herring Gull. I followed to where it landed to get some pics and then submitted the two below to Merlin Photo Id. The first one it said was a YLG but the closeup one where the angle/contrast is worse it then decided was an LBB. OK I know it wasn't actually as dark winged as the second picture suggests but its a bit disconcerting that that alone was enough to make a different diagnosis?

 

[HH75]

I saw this bird in flight some way off at first and thought it was a Herring Gull. I followed to where it landed to get some pics and then submitted the two below to Merlin Photo Id. The first one it said was a YLG but the closeup one where the angle/contrast is worse it then decided was an LBB. OK I know it wasn't actually as dark winged as the second picture suggests but its a bit disconcerting that that alone was enough to make a different diagnosis?

The bird is a graellsii Lesser Black-backed Gull. Even in that initial image, the upperparts are too dark for a Yellow-legged Gull, and please also note the extent of head streaking, more extensive than may be expected in Yellow-legged. Also, Yellow-legged Gull is quite notable in Scotland, not that probability alone should prove a basis for a solid identification.
Regards,
Harry

 

[Butty]

its a bit disconcerting that that alone was enough to make a different diagnosis?

Not really - or not unless you're easily disconcerted and feel you should be able to trust AI. Merlin is definitely remarkable, but it's equally definitely not reliable.

 

[LittleBitOfBreadNoCheese]

Not really - or not unless you're easily disconcerted and feel you should be able to trust AI. Merlin is definitely remarkable, but it's equally definitely not reliable.

I work as a programmer and have done a bit of machine learning although not in image recognition so I'm intrigued by the use of neural networks in birding. I've used birdNET quite a bit now and most of the time it is pretty good even with 2 or 3 different birds in the recording. It has significantly helped me learn. On the other hand it does have what I would call howlers now and again and some regular false positives which you can learn. I've barely used Merlin so far so haven't built up a detailed picture of its quirks partly due to only just getting my new camera.