2 replies to this topic

[DrCloud]

So, even though cellular coverage in the RMNP backcountry (not to mention parts of town) is spotty, I usually carry my phone when hiking -- if for no other reason than the clock. And because I'm lugging it around, it occurred to me that maybe it could be useful in other ways.

It turns out that we're always finding flowers and seeing birds that we can't identify readily.

Well, as they say, there's an app for that -- several in fact. The upshot here is that I paid for and downloaded something called iBird Pro and another, Audubon Wildflowers, both Android apps (I have a Samsung Galaxy S -- I'd be surprised if there are not iPhone versions, too). They each have huge (by phone standards) databases that install on an SD card, so they're self-contained when you're out of range. iBird seems more solid (reviews of Wildflowers mention crashing, and it's been a little persnickity for me) and it includes sounds -- I've been annoying people in the next office with all sorts of bird calls this morning. The wildflowers one includes lots of photographs, which will be hugely helpful.

So now I've got yet another reason to want to get west again soon! HPH

[DeeCeeM]

Cool! I may have to check that out. Thanks for posting.

[Mark Zemmin]

That is a really good app.