Free Peterson Guide For Happy Birdwatchers
April 22, 2011
Released yesterday, Appweavers' Peterson Feeder Birds of North America is a robust, free taste of the developer's comprehensive and costly "complete" edition of famed ornithologist Roger Tory Peterson's (1908-96) body of work. That version, with the same title minus "Feeder," is priced at USD 29.99 and features nearly every bird native to the continent. This sub-section, however, is limited to the general backyard types most of us are likely to encounter on a daily basis. In this regard, for many youngsters and budding "birders," the app may be enough to enjoy without upgrading. (That's probably not what Appweavers had in mind, but it's usually the case.)
Like most contained reference apps, this one's a hefty download at 124 MB, and the space doesn't seem wasted. Inside, you'll find 18 categories of little flyers, each replete with colorful depictions and loads of information. Nesting habits, migratory patterns, identifying differentiators of age and sex, typical body-sizing, and call sounds are readily at hand and elegantly polished. The app is fast, informative, and can even geotag, log, and share your sightings. Extras include feeding instructions, seed lists, and a slew of articles ranging from ABA-sanctioned birding ethics to an illustrated lexicon of avian anatomy.
The app is universal, finely suited to all iOS devices. The iPhone/iPod version will serve dutifully in the field, and the iPad version is superior as a teaching tool for younger users.
Most people recognize John James Audubon (1785-1851) as America's foremost name in ornithological classification and art. It should be noted, though, that Audubon died half a century before Peterson hit the scene as one of the founding fathers of 20th century environmentalism. The pair's taxonomical attention to detail is similar, but Peterson's art is far more scientifically single-minded: Instead of showing the birds in scenic activity (hovering over a nest of young or strafing the field in the midst of a hunt), Peterson drew his subjects without any background distraction.
Peterson Feeder Birds of North America is a must-have for nature lovers, and, with Peterson's poised artwork and insightful commentary, the app may well inspire a new generation to follow its namesake's mission in observing and enjoying our majestic feathered friends.
