CD #2 features Colorado range maps for all 274 species, over 1000 photos for 262 species (phots of nest and/or eggs for over 110 species,) over 300 video clips for 115 species, over 300 sounds for 145 species, and 147 interactive quizzes. Highlights on C D #2 include 274! species of doves, owls, goatsuckers, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and songbirds. Colorado hosts 224 species of songbirds, which are known for their colorful plumages and melodious songs. The songbirds include species that migrate through th e state in spring and fall in addition to species commonly seen at backyard bird feeders. New features on CD #2 are average and extreme arrival/departure dates for migratory species, and details about nesting and songs for each species.
The design of the CDs was based on research that shows that people remember information better when it is presented in a variety of media types. The audio-visual nature of the CD makes it ideal for children and beginning/intermediate birdwatchers. Specie s photographs use text boxes and arrows to clearly point out diagnostic characteristics. The text that accompanies the sounds and video clips details the important characteristics to look and listen for in the clips. The video clips can also be viewed fra ! me by frame to freeze the action where you want it. A screen is also available for the user to enter notes, for example, to keep a list of species. The interactive quizzes provide hints in the form of pictures, sounds, and videos, and the user has to gues s the correct species. If you guess correctly, Aztec the parrot rings the bell, but if you guess incorrectly, the birds will laugh. A booklet accompanies the CD for help in getting started and for troubleshooting, and free technical support is available.
Better Birdwatching CD-ROMs now offers a free email support service to help birdwatchers, the Betterbird Listserv. The listserv provides answers to your bird related questions in addition to periodic reports of bird sightings. To join, simply send an ema il to birdcdroms@aol.com requesting membership on the Betterbird Listserv.
The CDs are currently being used at schools throughout Colorado, from elementary to college level. The species covered are alos similar birds fo! und throughout the western states. Over 400 copies of CD #1 have sold since its release in March of 1998. For more information call 1-888-414-2837 or visit the web site. Sample screen shots of the CDs are available at the web site.
Dr. Ronald A. Ryder, renowned Colorado birder and Wildlife Professor Emeritus from Colorado State University, reviewed the CD. "A useful, interactive guide that will appeal to novice and advanced birders ... a valuable reference tool, especially for thos e new to Colorado ... the programs are easy to learn and operate," said Ryder.