I recently learned about a new approach to field guides called
Handheld Birds. Developed by National Geographic, the guide uses a
Palm PDA and software to create a easily transportable interactive
field guide with audio features.
The small size (115 x 80 mm), light weight (130 g), audio playback and
multiple search features make this a great substitute to carrying a
printed field guide.
Handheld Birds allows you to view text descriptions that includes
species characteristics, plumage variations, family features, notes on
behavior, similar species. Graphics include species drawings and
range maps. You can listen to audio clips of calls and songs as well.
The software helps you identify unknown species through a search using
multiple criteria:
-- bird primary coloration (multiple colors permitted),
-- size (warbler, robin, crow, etc)
-- habitat (grassland, marsh, pelagic, etc),
-- location (by state or region), and
-- time of year.
Also included is the ability to search using a "vocalization sounds
like" text description.
The software permits you to save the checklist for your day's outing,
and then upload the information to eBird, the online service sponsored
by Cornell and Audubon. You can make field notes using the PDA's
notepad, but entering text on a PDA is laborious.
For additional information see -- http://www.handheldbirds.com/
--oryoki
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