Free Phone Apps to Enhance Your Outdoor Time

Local "gentle tech" guru for seniors, Bridget Agabra, provides trusted, personal technology service and training for seniors, and the tech-challenged. She tells us: "Starting with dial phones and manual typewriters through building my own computers to using smartphones and tablets and virtual reality headsets  – I have transitioned with the changes in technology. I understand firsthand how many times you have had to relearn how to write a letter or make a call!  Seeing a client’s relief when a problem is fixed, or a smile when learning a fun tip is personally fulfilling. A joy as well as a business!" Bridget offers free workshops through the King County Library System (they are always listed at the Northwest Prime Time Calendar of Events under "Senior Events"). 

Bridget's new monthly Q & A column will explore different topics to help the tech challenged feel less challenged. Here is her first offering, just in time for your end-of-summer outdoor adventures: 

Dear Bridget,

I saw someone holding their phone up to a tree, I think to identify an unusual bird song that was happening. I wasn’t able to ask them – do you know what they might have been using?

Yes, it was probably Merlin, one of my favorite outdoor time apps! Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this app uses your recording of birdsong to compare with likely local species. It is completely free and you don’t even need to create an account with them.

After downloading the app from your phone’s app store, it will need location permission so it can download information about birds in that area. To use for bird identification, open the app and tap the green Sound button for the phone to hear the bird and create possible matches, then tap RED button to stop. You can tap My Sound Recordings to delete previous, unwanted recordings.

Here are some other fun and educational apps that can enhance your time in nature. These apps are available in the App Store for iPhones and usually Google Play for most Android phones. The focus is on non-profit, government, and academic sources. All offer a level of free features, with some having additional features available with in-app purchase.

Bird Watching -- Audubon Bird Guide: This app, from the Audubon Society, uses your entry of more traditional birdwatching sight observations (size, shape) and matches them to likely local species.

Nature Identification -- Seek by iNaturalist: This app uses your camera or photos to identify wild plants, animals, reptiles, spiders, fish, and insects. No login account is needed. It’s a joint project of the California Academy of Sciences and National Geographic.

Astronomy: Skyview Lite: This app provides a planetarium view around our you, even in daytime! See the familiar constellations drawn in the sky. This is the free version of a commercial app.

Do you have questions about your phone, computer, online accounts or other tech issues you’d like to see answered in future editions of Northwest Prime Time? Email Bridget at QandA@GentleTechhelp.com. Bridget Agabra, of Issaquah-based GentleTechHelp.com, provides trusted, personal technology service and training for seniors, and the tech-challenged. In addition to her email (QandA@GentleTechhelp.com) Bridget can also be reached by phone: 425-246-1192.