Tech that helped me fall back in love with birdwatching - Engadget

The more you walk through parks and forests you will eventually realize that Google Maps is very, very bad at outdoor spaces, so you're going to need a backup. We're particularly fond of Cairn, which has more trails marked than Google, but also lets you know where you can expect to find cell coverage — and will also notify your loved ones where you're going just in case something goes wrong. It's also worth noting that the newest Apple Watch now has a built-in compass, so you can keep track of your directions in a (slightly) more old-fashioned way.

Where to go

Now that you're all packed and have downloaded all the apps you need, it's time to head out and start looking for birds. Fall migration is one of the best times to look for birds, as our feathered friends will be headed south from September to November. Both eBird and the Audibon app list "hotspots" near you, while eBird's app will list all the sightings of a particular species. And check out the site for your local Audibon society, as they'll offer plenty of tips for your particular region. (For example, the NYC Audibon site lists all the parks you can visit and when you can expect the most sightings.)