How Birders use PDA's
PDA's (hand held computers) are slowly growing in popularity among bird watchers, but are still far less
prevalent than the printed field guide and other traditional birding tools. There are three different
ways that birders leverage PDA's in the field:
- Digital Field Guide
Rather than carry a book into the field, install field guide software on a PDA. The digital field
guide is typically smaller and more easily searchable than the printed version. On the negative side,
PDA screens are often difficult to view under the glare of the mid-day sun.
- Listing
Many bird watchers keep lists of the birds they see in the field. Lists typically include the
bird specie, location, date/time, and notes on the experience. For most birders, a paper
notebook and pen are fine tools for listing. Others use PDA's (and sometimes special software)
to record and store their lists.
- Integrated Photography
Some PDA's come with an integrated digital camera. As birders love to take pictures,
the PDA can serve a dual purpose for note taking and digital photography. For advanced birders,
the combined PDA/camera stores pictures and notes together, creating a linked text and visual record of
bird encounters in the field.
Handheld Computing Products for Birding
- Wildlife Lister
Listing software for a desktop computer that exports data to Palm and Windows handheld computers
- AviSys 5.0
Popular PDA-based listing software. Includes desktop software for managing lists and communication
with the handheld.
- Thayer Birding Software
Desktop-based field guide software that can work with AviSys.
- National Wildlife Federation Handheld Field Guides
Digital field guides for Palm Pilots that include images, range maps, search features, and more.
Sold with bird libraries on a state by state basis.
- Garmin iQue 3600
PDA with very good screen and integrated GPS. Birders might use GPS for recording precise location
of sightings.
- palmOne Tungsten C
Solid color screen for outdoor birding use and Palm OS works with the Wildlife Federation field guide software.
|
