Nest Camera Network
The aim of the camera network is to provide a comprehensive record of factors affecting breeding success for as many species possible at Kingfishers Bridge. Breeding success is limited by predation, food availability, weather conditions and many other factors. The cameras at the nest site will give us a much better insight into how those factors fit here at Kingfishers Bridge.
Existing CamerasBarn Owl
House Martin Great Tit Tawny Owl Blue Tit Bat Cave Home Wood Lake Island (motorised Pan, tilt, zoom) Lake view (fixed) Little Owl |
Planned CamerasShelduck
Swift Small Passerine Boxes Kingfisher Sand Martin Main Project view Washes view Otter Holt Bittern Marsh Harrier |
The camera network currently consists of 16 individual cameras, some situated looking over the reserve, others positioned in nest boxes to capture personal and beautiful actions and interactions of their inhabitants.
We have recently upgraded our internet signal to accommodate the 8 High-Definition digital and 8 analogue High-Resolution cameras currently set up. The video footage captured is saved up over a week and the Warden can then go through the footage and save any particular behaviours or events.
We have recently upgraded our internet signal to accommodate the 8 High-Definition digital and 8 analogue High-Resolution cameras currently set up. The video footage captured is saved up over a week and the Warden can then go through the footage and save any particular behaviours or events.
Analogue Camera System
|
New Side-View box design
|
Image using side-view box design
|
Image using side-view box design
|
High Definition Digital Camera
|
Separate Day/Night illuminator (stops over exposure in night vision mode, and sharper images in daytime)
|
Kestrel chicks viewed with a high definition camera
|
The HD camera system allows us to extend the range of the network much farther, as well as providing much sharper images. It requires a lot more initial outlay using Fibre-optic links to the server via a string of access points, however now this is in place we are be able to link a camera to this from anywhere within 200 meters of the nearest access point, including the Bittern and Marsh Harrier nests in the Reedbeds.
With thanks to
Jenny Hopkins & Adam Bower
Networking Geniuses
Jenny Hopkins & Adam Bower
Networking Geniuses