Bird watching device

[sagat]

Hi all when watching birds, do you guys use a device? i want to design a device that enables bird watchers to undertake thier activities effectively. Can you guys provide feedback on a device you would like to use and what features you would like to see? i hope to design a prototype in a few years time. thanks

[Peregrine Harlequin]

I don't get to go bird watching enough! Whether it's watching my own birds, looking in the back yard, or going to the best wetlands around, bird watching is second on the list of things I don't get to do enough (after archery).

And I'm not sure what kind of "device" you're talking about, sagat. When I'm after birds, I usually only take 2 things: binoculars and a field guide (although friends are always welcome!). So are you talking about binoculars? A spotting scope? Some kind of blind? I need more information before I can provide any quality answers. Until then, all I can say is to make your device tough and weatherproof!

[sagat]

And I'm not sure what kind of "device" you're talking about, sagat. When I'm after birds, I usually only take 2 things: binoculars and a field guide (although friends are always welcome!). So are you talking about binoculars? A spotting scope? Some kind of blind? I need more information before I can provide any quality answers. Until then, all I can say is to make your device tough and weatherproof![/quote]

So far the the device i have in mind would be in handheld form i.e PDA . Bird watchers can take notes and store information of the days event. At the end of the day, they can print out, share thie information etc

[sagat]

hi guys any help?

[Peregrine Harlequin]

Oh, a PDA-type device. Things I can think of off the top of my head that might be nice:

-able to store various lists

-able to sort lists by things like bird species, date, location, time of day, number seen, and whether you've seen it or not. And maybe whether each species is threatened/endangered or not. I'm thinking something similar to opening up a directory of mp3s in Explorer and seeing different categories (like artist, album, etc.). Except instead of music files, each species could be an entry (mp3). Then each entry would hold all the pertinent info (like the extra info attached to an mp3).

-like I mentioned earlier, try to make it as tough and weatherproof as you can. The longer it lasts, the more people will want to spend their money on it.

-perhaps some computer compatibility? Include a disc with a program and a USB cable (like a digital camera) so people can upload, download, and modify their lists. As a bonus you could include some sample lists (maybe eastern/western North America checklist, raptors, shorebirds, or whatever).

-a name that's easy to remember and catchy. It's corny, but the only thing I can think of right now is the Bird in Hand. Or maybe Birdin' Hand.

That's all I can think of right now. I hope it all makes sense, and I hope it helps.

DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE

[alleaa]

Hi you may want to post your question on a bird watchers forum
http://forums.birdwatcherscommunity.com/index.php?


(psstt hope it's ok to post this hear of course if not please feel free to delete)

[sagat]

thanks guys points taken