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General apps like Cornell's are perfect as a catch-all but I tend to use specific apps for specific requirements. In many cases these aren't apps at all but rather the Kindle versions of the paper field guides. For example, we have just returned from a cruise to the subantarctic islands of Marion and Prince Edward where I lent heavily on the Kindle version of Steve Howell's "Oceanic Birds of the World". In Mexico I used an app called "Bird Data Mexico" which was essentially a field guide in electronic form as well although it also had recordings of most of the calls/songs.
The Karoo, like most drier areas, can be quite devoid of bird life at times but can suddenly erupt with enormous numbers of birds if there has been good rainfall. I guess the wind and the heat also blunted my enthusiasm for photography at the time. Still, it remains a favourite place on Earth for me.
Ah yes, because I have no prior experience this one, the only one I know of, seems really super. Having an app like this for birding is like having GPS for touring. The first one you ever try is like wow!
p.s. I noticed only one bird in your week in the Karoo (but not exactly a surfeit of trees either!).
Hi Steve, I have it installed on my phone amongst a number of other birding apps. It is almost impossible for a single birding app to cover all bases so I spread my bets :-).
2 years agoI would be shocked if you don't know about the Cornell bird lab, and their ebird app. But if it's new to you, wow, will you ever love it!
2 years agoHi Kathleen. I'm glad you enjoyed it. We certainly enjoyed Mexico. It was quite different to what we were expecting. It is a large and varied country that is worth visiting again.
2 years agoThanks for the great tour. I enjoyed seeing lots more of Mexico than I ever will otherwise. Glad you're home safely.
2 years agoGlad you have enjoyed the journal Rich. Don't discount Mexico. I think it is a relatively safe and easy country in which to cycle tour. I think you might enjoy it.
2 years agoThanks Andrea. In retrospect I regret my negative sounding post above. It's not a good idea to type up an entry when still knackered after all the traveling!
2 years agoYes, glad you made it home OK. You two are much more adventurous cycle tourers than we are. I’ve really enjoyed following along - I’d never be brave enough to attempt the trip you took!
2 years agoWhat a pain, to have to return early and go through all of that hassle. But I'm glad you made it home safely and can start daydreaming about your next wonderful trip.
2 years agoThanks Suzanne. Hopefully we will be able to do a few shorter tours in in South Africa while we wait for the dust to (almost) settle again. Leigh and I have already discussed a few possibilities.
2 years agoSorry for the abrupt end to your tour! I enjoyed following you over the past months. Hope you can get back on the road soon.
2 years agoHi Steve. I have been holding back on updating the journal until we either make it back to SA or realise we are stuck here. We are booked to fly out on Friday. Holding thumbs that our PCR tests come back negative and that Lufthansa doesn't cancel the lights. Stay safe.
2 years agoWe are sure you have been very busy trying to sort out testing, rearranging flights and so on, but if you have time and energy do give an update so we know how things are going. Take care.
2 years ago
You two do get around! Yesterday in Extramadura, today the Yucatán. It looks like you lost a step. Perdidos indeed!
2 years ago