Remote monitoring of nests using digital camera technology

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Although cameras have been used for many years to collect data at birds' nests, recent advances in digital technology have led to increased storage capacity, faster and easier review of data, and reduced power consumption. The development of sophisticated triggering mechanisms, such as video motion detection, herald a new era of portable, energy-efficient systems that require less frequent maintenance. We used a digital infrared camera system to monitor predation events at the nests of ground-nesting Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus; N = 40) and tree-nesting Spotted Flycatchers (Muscicapa striata; N = 17). Eight predator species were recorded taking eggs or chicks at Lapwing (N = 10) and Spotted Flycatcher (N = 7) nests, including red fox (Vulpes vulpes), badger (Meles meles), sheep (Ovis aries), and Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) at Lapwing nests and Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius), European Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Great-spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major), and domestic cat (Felis catus) at flycatcher nests. We tested three system configurations in an attempt to minimize power requirements and maximize predation-event recording capability. We found that the use of a passive-infrared sensor to awaken the system from standby mode did not compromise reliability and reduced power consumption. With this system, a 38-Ah battery operated the system for 120 h with no maintenance at a cost per unit of about $800 (US; or £400 UK Sterling). Further modifications would permit adaptation of the system for a wide range of scientific and nest surveillance operations. SINOPSIS. Nuevo instrumento para monitorear nidos a remoto, utilizando tecnología de camara digitalAunque las cámaras han sido utilizadas por mucho tiempo para tomar datos en nidos de aves, avances recientes en la tecnología digital, ha permitido incrementar la capacidad de almacenaje de información, el revisar fácil y rápidamente los datos y reducir el consumo de energía. El desarrollo de mecanismos sofisticados de disparo (triggering), tales como la detección de movimiento con video, marca una nueva era en equipo portátil de alta eficiencia energética que requiere poco mantenimiento. Utilizamos un sistema de cámara infraroja digital para monitorear eventos de depredación en nidos de Vanellus vanellus; N = 40) e individuos de Muscicapa striata; N = 17). Se pudo constatar la depredación de huevos de Vanellus (N = 10) y de Muscicapa (N = 7) por ocho especies de depredadores. Entre estos a Vulpes vulpes, Meles meles, Ovis aries y Corvus corone sobre nidos de Vanellus. También a Garrulus glandarius, Buteo buteo, Dendrocopus major y a gatos (Felis catus) en nidos de Muscicapa. Tres configuraciones de sistemas se pusieron a pruebas para tratar de minimizar los requerimientos de energía y maximizar la capacidad de grabación de los eventos de depredación. Encontramos que el uso de un sensor infrarojo pasivo, que encendiera el sistema de un modo de espera ("standby"), no comprometio la confiabilidad del aparato y redujo el consumo de energía. Con este sistema una...

Shifts in Dominant Nest Predators along a Rural-to-Urban Landscape Gradient

“…, Benson et al 2010, Bolton et al 2007, Brown et al 1998, Buler and Hamilton 2000, Carter et al 2007, Coates et al 2010, Conner et al 2010, Farnsworth and Simons 2000, Franca et al 2009, Franzreb 2007, Granfors et al 2001, Grant et al 2006, Herranz et al 2002, King and DeGraaf 2006, Liebezeit and George 2003, Lusk et al 2006, Major and Gowing 1994. Marzluff et al 2007, McKinnon and Bety 2009, Moore and Reid 2009, Morgan et al 2006, Morrison and Bolger 2002, Perkins et al 2005, Peterson et al 2004, Pietz and Granfors 2000.…”

Evaluation of an underwater solid state memory video system with application to fish abundance and diversity studies in southeast Australia

“…There is a need to correlate video observations with times and events that are consistent with experimental design and project objectives. Video systems that use similar technology to the SSM system described in this study have been used in conjunction with activity or proximity based actuators (Davis et al, 2004;Bolton et al, 2007;Rillahan et al, 2009;Steen, 2009) which cue the recording of information within an area of interest or during certain types or levels of activity. The merging of data streams through video systems initiated by physical cues such as light, depth or temperature or the integration with other remote sensing technologies such as ultrasonic tagging devices offers opportunities to correlate video information with other sources of data, increase sampling efficiency and reduce potential sources of systematic bias such as autocorrelation associated with continuous sampling (Hooker et al, 2008).…”

Breeding success of Spotted Flycatchers Muscicapa striata in southern England – is woodland a good habitat for this species?

“…Nests were deemed to have been successful if chicks had reached fledging age and the nest showed signs of success (well‐trodden lining, droppings and/or feather scale present), if fledged young were seen nearby, or if adult activity indicated fledged chicks in the vicinity (alarm calling or feeding). The cause of nest failure (abandonment or predation) was determined either directly using evidence recorded by remote digital nest cameras following methods described by Bolton et al . (2007), or by interpretation of signs at or around the nest, based on experience gained from the camera evidence.…”