Sir, – In reference to your story about an app “to help birdwatchers identify species based on song”; such modern contrivances are for B-division enthusiasts who take the passion up late, or in retirement, perhaps because of a vacuum in their lives. The majority of serious and committed bird watchers command their own rites of passage, with a good pair of optics and a keen ear. – Yours, etc, PETER DOYLE Blackrock, Co Dublin.