What is Avendex?

Avendex is an application pre-programmed with a database that enables users to quickly access over 32,000 bird sightings reported by over 3,000 observers, from over 1,200 locations, across a wide span of years, in both North and South Carolina.

What purpose does Avendex serve?

Avendex enables users to quickly access bird sighting data for any species (or group of species) for any location (or group of locations) in any time frame. Birders could use Avendex to easily get an idea of the best location or period to search for unusual species (see the next question).

Another primary use (perhaps the most primary!) of Avendex could be to serve as an electronic historian of North and South Carolina bird sightings. Of course, not ALL bird sightings are included; the vast majority of birding events included within Avendex fall within the last 50 years. And many great sightings did not make it into our source data, but were published elsewhere.

What do you mean, “unusual species”?

The Avendex database only contains bird sightings that are somewhat unusual. Users will find few to no records for more common species (Still, over 450 species, hybrids, or "forms" are represented).

What is the source of all this data?

Bird sighting data included in Avendex comes from various sources. These sources include printed compilations of sightings, internet listservs, records committee reports, and sometimes direct reports to Redshank Software. Of course, Avendex doesn't include everything. Also, the records were loaded into the database manually. As a result, there are certainly some inadvertent keying errors and omissions.

Avendex does not infringe on any organization's copyright protection. Compiled bird sighting facts do not constitute a creative work --- publishing such facts does not invoke copyright protection.

Will there be updates to the bird sightings database?

Yes, we intend to update the database as new source data becomes available. However, the updates won't be free. Existing (and registered) Avendex users will be able to get most of the updates fairly inexpensively. Such updates will usually include any new features added to Avendex. We can make no promises as to the timing of such updates; and of course, we cannot guarantee to do them forever.

Will people purchase the updates quarterly?

No, updates won't be available that frequently. Users can purchase updates at their convenience, but we suggest users purchase an update at least once a year. We can offer no guarantees as to the timing of updates. Indeed, we do not guarantee to provide updates forever.

Why does Avendex only have bird sightings from North and South Carolina?

We had easiest access to raw data from North and South Carolina. However, it is possible that data from other states may be added in the future (no promises, just possible).

What are the Avendex system requirements?

See the full system requirements of Avendex on this page.

What if I have problems with Avendex?

Redshank Software offers free e-mail support for Avendex. We do not have the staff available to provide phone support. If you are unhappy with Avendex, you may return the software to us within 30 days of purchase for a refund (less shipping costs). E-mail us for instructions.

Visit our Support area to make sure your problem has not already been corrected with an update.

Can I learn to identify birds with Avendex?

No. Avendex only makes available to users a vast amount of sighting data; no identification information.

Is there a demo version of Avendex?

Yes! You can download the demo (less than 10 megabytes in size) for free. The demo includes installation instructions and the complete Avendex User Guide, all in PDF format. If the demo is too large for you to download, contact us. We can probably be convinced to mail you a CD containing the demo.

How much does Avendex cost?

Avendex costs $25 dollars, which includes USPS shipping and handling. You can order Avendex via our online store or using a downloadable PDF form. Occasionally, we run specials that enable customers to purchase Avendex at less than the $25 price. E-mail us to see if there are any current specials. Registered Avendex users will be able to purchase updates to Avendex at a considerably lower price.