Tweeters,

I got a number of requests for more information on the BirdPod, so, I'll reply to the list.

The software was developed by Mighty Pods, LLC. I purchased mine directly from their web site at http://www.ibirdpod.com

It is based upon the Stokes CDs that have been edited to remove the spoken bird names, and organized into 'playlists' by habitat, alphabetically, and in checklist order. The complete system consists of an Apple iPod, the Stokes CDs, and the BirdPod software. You can purchase all of the parts separately and assemble yourself, or you can order it pre-loaded. As I didn't own an iPod, or the Stokes CD, and didn't want to spend a couple of evenings fiddling with it, I ordered my pre-loaded. I was able to take it out of the box and start looking up bird songs in five minutes. I checked into ordering the iPod separately over the Internet. I could only find it for about $10 less. It was well worth it not to have to mess with loading the CDs and software myself. You can order it with only Western Birds, only Eastern birds, or both. I got mine with both as I travel extensively. You can order a couple of different models of iPod. I got the 2gb Nano in the hopes that Mighty Pods will add birds of many more countries. Both Western and Eastern fit easily in the 1gb model.

You WILL need to also buy an car charger. I was draining the battery in a days birding. If you want to call birds in you will also need a small external speaker. I picked up a small (roughly 3"x3") battery powered speaker and cable from Radio Shack. I'm sorry, I don't have the model number as I am in Sweden this week.

I have had no issues with the iPod. It is readable in direct sunlight. The iPod is not waterproof, so we'll have to see how it does this winter. It has survived a couple of drops so far. The plastic bezel over the display of the iPod scratches VERY easily. You need to keep it in the little protective sleeve that comes with it - even when it is in your pocket.

Using it this spring and summer I made great progress on learning bird song.

Enjoy,

Rick Taylor
Everett