Giving flight to expertise

Designing Bird ID Master involves digitization, information extraction, data conversion and model training. Mei adopts a swift iteration method, enhancing user experience based on feedback and user needs and has dedicated the last six years to the evolution of his mini program, which has undergone 588 iterations.

Specialist friends have eagerly assisted with identification and provided copyright authorization for the use of field guides by the program. From aiding in the identification of Chinese bird species to supporting all known bird species globally, from image recognition to sound recognition, the program offers identification references for beginner and intermediate bird enthusiasts.

"Bird ID Master is merely a supplementary identification tool. In terms of professional knowledge, field guides and ornithological knowledge remain indispensable," Mei says. "Bird ID Master can help people search for information and offer guidance, which I believe is already quite adequate."

In addition to the nonprofit mini program, he has alternative income streams. For instance, he provides bird identification services for smart backyard cameras in European and US homes, and field monitoring tools for electrical safety companies.

He continues to observe and photograph birds, and has logged 1687 species on his personal list.