Birding Apps

[American Redstart]

I have an ipod and I'm wondering what are some reliable birding apps that some of you use in the field.
Preferably an app where you can listen to the songs and calls of the birds.

[Trillian Flummox]

My personal favourite is iBird Canada ($6.99) but I also have Audubon Birds (reg. $14.99, on sale now $2.99).    These two apps are quite similar but I find iBird a little easier to use. I also like the inclusion of standard illustrations for each bird, not just photos (Audubon uses photos only). Both include songs & calls, though Audubon probably provides more samples for each bird.  iBird also lets me keep notes for each bird, Audubon does not.  I'm looking forward to the launch of iBird Journal (coming soon) which sounds like it might be a great checklist app for counting birds in the field. Note:  iBird has a more expensive version called "iBird Pro" for $19.99.  I don't really know what features it has that iBird Canada does not.

-kris

[Brian Bailey]

I have 3 different apps on my Android phone and 1 on an iPad.  They all have room for improvement and their effectiveness and features depend on the platform (Android or iOS) and the device.  I have Sibley, Audubon, and iBird.  Sibley is my favourite, but it's also the most expensive (and therefore the last one I purchased).  They all have a good selection of songs and calls.  I would start with Audubon.  It's a pretty decent app, especially on iOS, and I think it is currently the least expensive.  All the Audubon guides go on sale frequently.  It was on for 99¢ a couple of weeks ago.

Beware of storage space:  they all have huge databases that must be installed.

All the apps fail to various degrees and in various ways to fully exploit the potential of a mobile app versus a printed book, but they're getting there.  They are though by far the fastest an cheapest way to get a huge collection of bird recordings.

BB

[Bluffs Birder]

Another app to consider is the Peterson Guide to Birds of North America.  It too however, as Brian Bailey has previously mentioned, lacks to fully exploit it's potential.  More than one song or call would be a start and to state where the recordings are made, as the Audubon app does, would be another plus.  Bird calls and songs can vary greatly from region to region.

Good luck,
Walter

[American Redstart]

Thank you all of you for the replies.

[Brian Bailey]

Audubon apps often go on sale at American holidays.  There Birds app and Butterflies are both on sale this weekend (Memorial Day) for $1.99.

BB

[Steve Hood]

I need to buy a BlackBerry for work.  Are there any birding apps available yet?

[Brian Bailey]

You get to go birding at work!?  :lol: It looks lke the Sibley Birds of North America is the only one currently available for Blackberry.

BB

[Steve Hood]

Thanks Brian.  Unfortunately work gets in the way of my birding.