Rocky Mountain Research Station Publications
RMRS Online Publication - Journal
Articles, External Publications, and Special Reports
An economical wireless cavity-nest viewer
Huebner, Daniel P.; Hurteau, Sarah R. 2007. An economical wireless cavity-nest viewer. Journal of Field Ornithology. 78(1): 87-92.
Inspection of cavity nests and nest boxes is often required during studies of cavity-nesting birds, and fiberscopes and pole-mounted video cameras are sometimes used for such inspection. However, the cost of these systems may be prohibitive for some potential users. We describe a user-built, wireless cavity viewer that can be used to access cavities as high as 15 m and with entrance diameters as small as 2.5 cm. System components include a wireless camera, boom with near-infrared lighting system, hand-held television, and telescoping pole. The unit can be assembled in about one day with commonly available tools, and the total cost was about $850 (US). Our cavity-viewing system was used to monitor the nests of Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) and proved to be reliable and effective. During two field seasons, we attempted to check the status of nests 928 times and were able to determine the nesting stage 901 times (97%). For those willing to assemble their own units, our cavity viewer permits safe, direct examination of cavity nests or open nests for investigators with limited budgets.
Keywords: cavity nest, nest monitoring, Sialia mexicana, video camera, video surveillance
About PDFs: For best results, do not open the PDF in your Web browser. Right-click on the PDF link to download the PDF file directly to your computer. Click here for more PDF help.
Download Article
http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_other/rmrs_2007_huebner_d001.pdf
PDF File Size: 600 K
Title: RMRS Other
Publications: An economical wireless cavity-nest viewer
Electronic Publish Date: November 7, 2007
Last Update: November
7, 2007