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Method Article

A Video Surveillance System to Monitor Breeding Colonies of Common Terns (Sterna Hirundo)

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DOI:

10.3791/57928

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July 22nd, 2018

 ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 
1Chesapeake Conservation Corps, Chesapeake Bay Trust, 2Department of Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Science, University of Maryland, 3Natural Heritage Program, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 4Natural Systems Analyst, 5Department of Biology, Hood College, 6Department of Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland, 7U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chesapeake Bay Field Office, 8U.S. Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

* These authors contributed equally

In This Article

Summary

This paper describes a protocol that uses a remote video monitoring surveillance system to continuously monitor breeding colonies of ground-nesting waterbirds. The system includes five cameras monitoring individual nests and one camera monitoring the colony as a whole, and is powered by car batteries that are recharged via solar panels.

Abstract

Many waterbird populations have faced declines over the last century, including the common tern (Sterna hirundo), a waterbird species with a widespread breeding distribution, that has been recently listed as endangered in some habitats of its range. Waterbird monitoring programs exist to track populations through time; however, some of the more intensive approaches require entering colonies and can be disruptive to nesting populations. This paper describes a protocol that utilizes a minimally invasive surveillance system to continuously monitor common tern nesting behavior in typical ground-nesting colonies. The video monitoring system utilizes wireless cameras focused on individual nests as well as over the colony as a whole, and allows for observation without entering the colony. The video system is powered with several 12 V car batteries that are continuously recharged using solar panels. Footage is recorded using a digital video recorder (DVR) connected to a hard drive, which can be replaced when full. The DVR may be placed outside of the colony to reduce disturbance. In this study, 3,624 h of footage recorded over 63 days in weather conditions ranging from 12.8 °C to 35.0 °C produced 3,006 h (83%) of usable behavioral data. The types of data retrieved from the recorded video can vary; we used it to detect external disturbances and measure nesting behavior during incubation. Although the protocol detailed here was designed for ground-nesting waterbirds, the principal system could easily be modified to accommodate alternative scenarios, such as colonial arboreal nesting species, making it widely applicable to a variety of research needs.

Introduction

Common terns (Sterna hirundo, hereafter COTE), a waterbird species with a widespread breeding distribution, have become a flagship example of the need for conservation and monitoring programs1. Once harvested to near extirpation for the millinery trade, federal legislation in the 1900s enabled populations to rebound. However, declining population trends in the Chesapeake Bay have prompted increased concern over COTE, in addition to many other waterbirds2. COTE are currently listed as a Maryland state endangered species due to reductions in both breeding numbers and active breeding colonies3. Stressors including flooding and washouts of breeding sites4,5,6, anthropogenic disturbance, competition/predation with gulls7,8, and predation by great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)9,10, are believed to have contributed to current population declines; however, the relative contributions of individual stressors are not known. Understanding stressors associated with different stages of the breeding cycle, such as incubation, post-hatch, and fledging success are important but can be intensive and include frequent surveys that require entry into the nesting colony11. Such monitoring techniques can be disruptive to tern populations, and in some cases may result in nest abandonment and/or reductions in reproductive success12,13,14.

While the impact of researchers on common terns is well documented, intensive monitoring can impact a number of additional ground-nesting colonial species, such as short tailed shearwaters (Puffinus tenuirostris)15, common eiders (Somateria mollissima)16, black skimmers (Rynchops niger)17, and Fiordland crested penguins (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus)18. For instance, a study on short tailed shearwaters found that monitoring intensity had an inverse relationship on hatching success, and can exacerbate population declines. These examples illustrate the increasing need to reduce disturbance while maintaining comprehensive monitoring programs. With the video system outlined in this paper, we aimed to obtain information on nest attentiveness and observation of predators in a manner that would reduce the physical presence of humans within the colony.

Our study was located at the Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island (38°46′01″N, 76°22′54″W, hereafter Poplar Island), one of the few known nesting sites for COTE in Maryland. Ongoing monitoring programs on Poplar Island have identified consistent nesting by COTE, albeit with variable levels of success depending on presence of avian or mammalian predators19,20. Due to these factors, Poplar Island was identified as an ideal location to conduct this study.

While the ability to monitor waterbird populations with video technology has clear benefits to the species under observation21,22, a number of technical considerations must be taken into account when implementing such an approach. For instance, video resolution must be sufficient to identify items of interest to the researcher, such as food items, nest markings, or colored leg bands for individual identification. Additionally, the physical components must be durable enough to withstand both weather events and wildlife interactions. Wireless security cameras were chosen due to their high definition picture quality, color display with wireless and infrared capabilities, outdoor durability, and overall cost effectiveness23.

The objective of this study was to design a video monitoring system that would allow for the remote observation of a ground-nesting colonial species while causing minimal disturbance to those individuals and the colony. This paper outlines the specific video system used to collect data.

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Protocol

1. Pre-Field Preparation of the Video Monitoring System

Note: This includes the steps necessary to prepare the solar panels, battery system, cameras and staking system for construction at the field site.

  1. To begin set-up of the solar panels and battery system, cut and solder 20 copper insulated 10 American wire gauge (AWG) wires (10 positive, 10 negative), attaching ring terminals when necessary.
    1. Cut six negative (black) and six positive (red) wires approximately 2 ft. long, stripping between 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. from each end.
    2. Cut four negative (black) and four positive (red) wires approximately 4 ft. long, stripping between 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. from each end.
    3. Add a thin layer of solder to one end of two negative and two positive 2 ft. wires, and both ends of all 4 ft. wires.
      Note: Soldering helps to prevent the exposed metal from splitting in the charge controller, enabling the wires to be reused more readily while ensuring optimal conductivity. However, this step is not necessary.
    4. Attach 3/8 in. ring terminals to the non-soldered ends of the positive 2 ft. wires and 5/16 in. ring terminals to the non-soldered ends of the negative 2 ft. wires.
      1. To attach the ring terminals, feed the stripped wire through the yellow tubes until the exposed metal reaches the edge but does not stick out.
  2. Label the four solar panels C1, DVR1, DVR2, and DVR3 respectively and attach the appropriate wires.
    1. For panels C1 and DVR2, attach one set of 4 ft. positive and negative wires to the respective positive and negative ends on the solar panel using winged wire connectors. Cap open ends of wires with additional winged wire connectors for transport.
    2. For panel DVR1, attach two sets of 4 ft. positive and negative wires to the respective positive and negative ends on the solar panel using winged wire connectors. Cap open ends of wires with additional winged wire connectors for transport. Panel DVR3 does not need any additional wire attachments.
    3. Tape all loose wires to the back of the solar panels for transport.
  3. To prepare the solar panels for staking, attach a 50 ft. long piece of rope to each side of the back of the solar panels by sliding the rope through the provided holes until the midpoint of the rope reaches the hole. For added precaution and to reduce wear, wrap duct tape around the edges of rope that come into contact with the solar panel; there should be eight pieces of rope total.
    1. Tape all loose rope to the back of the solar panel for transport.
  4. Begin set-up of the battery system by attaching the charge controller to an 18-gallon plastic bin.
    1. Drill four holes 1/4 in. in diameter, 1 in. from the top, centered lengthwise, and attach using the screws included in the system. Repeat this step for a second plastic bin; label the first bin “Camera system” and the second, “DVR system”.
    2. Leave one positive and one negative 2 ft. wire with ring terminals in the “Camera system” bin and three positive and three negative 2 ft. wires with ring terminals in the “DVR system” bin.
  5. Attach the DVR to a 1/4 in. thick 1 ft. x 2 ft. plywood sheet using Velcro sticky back tape strips and place the plywood in the “DVR system” bin for transport.
  6. Charge six 12 V dry cell Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) car batteries with a battery charger by attaching the positive clip to the positive terminal on the car battery and the negative clip to the negative terminal on the car battery and plugging the battery charger in to an outlet.
  7. Attach wires to the charge controllers to prepare the battery system for field use.
    1. Attach one set of one side soldered, one side ring terminal 2 ft. wires (hereafter referred to as OSS/OSR wire) to the charge controller in the “Camera system” bin by loosening the screws labeled "Battery +” and “Battery –” on the charge controller and sliding the soldered end of each wire into the left side of its corresponding slot. Positive wires attach to the positive (+) slot and negative wires attach to the negative (-) slot.
    2. Tighten the screws and ensure both wires are secured. Repeat steps 1.7.1 and 1.7.2 for the charge controller in the “DVR system” bin.
      Note: CAUTION: Make sure there is no bare metal sticking out of the bottom of the charge controller as this has the potential to short and disrupt the system. If this occurs, complete replacement of the charge controller will be necessary.
    3. In the “DVR system” bin, attach the 12 V male DC adapter with positive and negative wires and two male DC power plugs to the charge controller by loosening the screws labeled “Load +” and “Load –” on the charge controller and sliding the corresponding positive and negative wires into the left side of each slot. There should be one positive wire from the 12 V male DC power adapter and one positive wire from each of the male DC power plugs in the “Load +” slot and one negative wire from the 12 V male DC power adapter and one negative wire from each of the male DC power plugs in the “Load –” slot.
      1. Tape loose wires to the plastic box for transport. After tightening the screws, make sure the connection is secure to ensure that none of the wires fall out of the charge controller.
    4. Repeat step 1.7.3 with only the two male DC power plugs, not the 12 V male DC adapter, in the “Camera system” bin. There should be two positive and two negative wires in the corresponding slots on the charge controller.
      Note: The wires on the two male DC power plugs can be soldered together, positive to positive and negative to negative, to reduce the number of loose wires in the charge controller.
    5. Connect two 4 port DC power splitters (one female to four male) to the two male DC power plugs in the “Camera system” bin. Repeat this step for the two male DC power plugs in the “DVR system” bin.
  8. Prepare the cameras for field use.
    1. Attach a wireless HD camera to a 1.5 ft. 2x4 board (or a 2x4 wood stake) using the provided screws. Cut the board opposite the mounted camera into a V pattern to ensure easier staking. Repeat with four more cameras.
    2. Attach one wireless HD camera to a 5 ft. long 2x4 board (see 1.8.1 for instructions) using screws. This will serve as the colony camera.
    3. Label each wireless HD camera with its counterpart receiver. Place the five cameras attached to 1.5 ft. boards in the “Camera system” bin for transport and all six camera receivers in the “DVR system” bin for transport. The remaining camera will be carried separately.
    4. Bundle six 50 ft. Bayonet Neill–Concelman (BNC) extension cables with duct tape for transport and place in the “Camera system” bin.
  9. Prepare the staking system for field use.
    1. Drill one hole in the center of each of the two sides furthest from one another on the sawhorse (size of hole differs based on type of eye bolts used). Repeat for the remaining three sawhorses, for a total of eight.
    2. Attach eye bolts, nuts, and washers to each of the holes in the following pattern: eyebolt, nut, washer, sawhorse, washer, nut, with the eyebolt facing outward.
    3. Loosely attach 9-22 mm hose clamps to each of the eye bolts.

2. Construction of the Video Monitoring System in the Field

Note: This includes the steps necessary to secure the staking system, wire the battery system and solar panels, connect the DVR system and set up the cameras.

  1. To secure the staking system, begin by determining the placement of the camera and DVR systems. The camera system should be far enough from the nests to reduce disturbance but within the range of the BNC extension cables.
  2. Secure sawhorses to the ground using a metal rebar staking system.
    1. Place one sawhorse and the “Camera system” bin at the designated camera system location. Place the remaining three sawhorses and “DVR system” bin adjacent to one another at the designated DVR system location.
    2. Ensure that the sawhorses are oriented for maximum sun exposure.
    3. Drive two 5 ft. rebar 1-2 ft. into the ground using a post driver. Make sure that the rebar is spaced to match the distance between the eye bolts on the sawhorse. Repeat for each sawhorse, ensuring that the rebar is stable.
    4. Lift each sawhorse over the rebar pairs and slide the ring clamps through the rebar on both sides. Tighten the ring clamps.
  3. Secure the solar panels to the sawhorses.
    1. Place solar panel C1 on the sawhorse at the designated camera system location and panels DVR 1, 2, and 3 on the three sawhorses at the designated DVR system location at the optimum angle for maximum sun exposure (angle depends on latitude and season). Place panels DVR 1, 2, and 3 in order.
    2. Drive two 6 in. nails (or tent stakes, depending on the substrate) into the ground in front of each solar panel to prevent sliding. There should be eight nails total.
    3. Drive two 6 in. nails (or tent stakes, depending on the substrate) into the ground at an approximate 45° from the back of the solar panels and secure the loose ends of rope from the back of the solar panel to the nails. Adjacent rope can attach to the same nail for a total of four nails for the DVR system and two for the Camera system.
  4. Place the “Camera system” bin near panel C1 and the “DVR system” bin near panel DVR1.
  5. To wire the battery system, remove any loose items from both bins and place two 12 V dry cell AGM car batteries in the “Camera system” bin and four 12 V dry cell AGM car batteries in the “DVR system” bin. When placing the batteries, ensure the negative terminal is always facing the same direction.
    Note: A third battery may be added to the “Camera system” bin if the system is not maintaining an optimal charge during operations.
    1. Wire the two 12 V dry cell AGM car batteries in the “Camera system” bin in parallel.
      1. Attach the 3/8 in. ring terminals from the positive, 2 ft. wire to each of the two positive battery terminals on the 12 V dry cell AGM car batteries. Repeat this step with the negative 2 ft. wire with 5/16 in. ring terminals and the negative battery terminals.
      2. Attach the OSS/OSR wire from the charge controller to a positive battery terminal. Repeat this step with the negative OSS/OSR wire and the negative battery terminal on the opposite battery.
    2. Wire the four 12 V dry cell AGM car batteries in the “DVR system” bin in parallel (Figure 2).
      1. Make sure that the four 12 V dry cell AGM car batteries are oriented in a 2x2 fashion. When looking into the bin, the side of the bin where the charge controller is attached is considered the top. As a result, the batteries in this 2x2 pattern will be labeled top left (TL), top right (TR), bottom left (BL) and bottom right (BR).
      2. Attach one 3/8 in. ring terminal from the positive 2 ft. wire to the positive battery terminal on battery TR and the other 3/8 in. ring terminal from this same wire to the positive battery terminal on battery BR. Repeat this step with the 5/16 in. ring terminal from the negative 2 ft. wire to the negative battery terminals on the respective batteries.
      3. Attach one 3/8 in. ring terminal from the positive 2 ft. wire to the positive battery terminal on battery TL and the other 3/8 in. ring terminal from this same wire to the positive battery terminal on battery BL. Repeat this step with the 5/16 in. ring terminal from the negative 2 ft. wire to the negative battery terminals on the respective batteries.
      4. Attach one 3/8 in. ring terminal from the positive 2 ft. wire to the positive battery terminal on battery BL and the other 3/8 in. ring terminal from this same wire to the positive battery terminal on battery BR. Repeat this step with the 5/16 in. ring terminal from the negative 2 ft. wire to the negative battery terminals on the respective batteries.
      5. Attach the OSS/OSR wire from the charge controller to a positive battery terminal. Repeat this step with the negative OSS/OSR wire and the negative battery terminal of a different battery.
  6. Connect the solar panel wires to the charge controller, attaching positive connections together and negative connections together.
    1. Connect one positive and one negative wire from DVR2 to the respective positive and negative wires on DVR3 using the winged wire connectors on panel DVR3. Connect one positive and one negative wire from DVR1 to the respective positive and negative wires on DVR2 using the winged wire connectors on panel DVR2.
    2. Connect the remaining positive and negative wires from DVR1 to the charge controller in the “DVR system” bin by loosening the screws labeled “Solar +” and “Solar –” on the charge controller and sliding each wire into the left side of its corresponding slot. Tighten the screws and ensure both wires are secure.
    3. Repeat step 2.6.2 for C1 and the charge controller in the “Camera system” bin.
      Note: CAUTION: Make sure that the positive and negative ends of wire do not touch during this step, as this has the potential to short and disrupt the system (see 1.7.2 for additional note).
    4. Discard any winged wire connectors leftover from transport and tape all winged wire connections with weatherproof electrical tape.
    5. Check to make sure both the white and green lights (solar and battery power, respectively) are on in both charge controllers. This ensures the system is operational and has a full charge.
      Note: The system will not function optimally without a full charge. If the battery power light is not green (yellow or red), either disconnect the batteries and recharge them or allow the solar panels to charge the batteries for several hours before proceeding.
  7. Connect the DVR system to the receivers and program settings.
    1. Place the wooden plywood with the attached DVR on top of the four 12 V dry cell AGM car batteries in the “DVR system” bin.
    2. Connect the female DC power plug on each receiver to each of the male DC power plugs on the two 4 port DC power splitters.
    3. Connect one of the male DC power plugs from one of the two 4 port DC power splitters to the port labeled “DC12V” on the DVR. Secure the remaining male DC power plug with weatherproof electrical tape.
    4. Connect the yellow BNC connector on each receiver to six of the eight ports labeled “Video In” on the DVR.
    5. Securely tape each receiver to the sides of the “DVR system” bin with duct tape. Receivers should be spaced at least 4 in. apart to reduce signal interference.
      Note: Extreme temperature fluctuations may cause the tape to be ineffective so ensuring proper hold is crucial to preventing footage loss.
    6. To program the DVR settings, connect the 12 V male DC adapter from the charge controller to the yellow AV port on the display monitor and the HDMI cable from the display monitor to the HDMI port on the DVR. Press the power button on both the DVR and the display monitor to ensure the system is working.
    7. Attach the provided computer mouse to the USB port on the DVR; this allows the display monitor to be programmed with the appropriate settings, including the correct date and time (factory settings can be retained for the remaining setting options) Once the settings are adjusted, remove the computer mouse.
  8. Set up the cameras in the field.
    1. Place all cameras in marked locations at the nesting site and drive each stake into the ground with a mallet. While driving the stakes in, hold the camera in one hand to prevent possible damage to the camera or loosening of the screws and ensure that each stake is stable before proceeding.
    2. String out one BNC extension cable to each of the six camera locations with the male DC port end at the cameras and the female port end at the “Camera system” bin, and make sure to avoid hitting other nests with the cable.
    3. Plug each BNC extension cable into the corresponding camera female port and use weatherproof electrical tape to seal all connections.
    4. Seal the yellow video ports on both sides of the BNC extension cables with weatherproof electrical tape.
    5. Connect the six BNC extension cables to each of the four port DC power splitters in the “Camera system” bin.
  9. Place the lid on the “Camera system” bin and secure with a bungee cord.
  10. Return to the DVR system and check the display monitor to view the live footage. Ensure that the videos on the display monitor are clear and accurate and make adjustments to camera placement if necessary.
  11. Place the lid on the “DVR system” bin and secure with a bungee cord.

3. Review the Video Footage.

  1. Remove the hard drive from the DVR in the field by unplugging both the data and power Serial Advanced Technology Attachments (SATA) from the hard drive. If data collection is ongoing, replace the hard drive with a different one.
    Note: Removing the hard drive will reset the settings on the DVR system. To reset them, repeat steps 2.7.6 and 2.7.7.
  2. Set up the video review devices.
    1. Plug the DVR into a power source with the provided power cable.
      Note: If video monitoring is still in progress, footage can be reviewed using a different DVR from the one established in the field. This would require purchasing a second DVR.
    2. Connect the DVR to a computer monitor by attaching an HDMI cable to the respective HDMI port on both devices. If HDMI cables are not available, VGA cables can be used to connect the DVR to a computer monitor.
    3. Connect the hard drive to the DVR system by plugging in both the data and power SATA cables. Once connected, set the hard drive in the DVR box and close the lid.
    4. Attach the provided computer mouse to the USB port on the DVR. This allows interaction with the program on the monitor.
    5. Turn on both the monitor and DVR. This should cause the system logo to appear while the system is initializing.
  3. As a blue pop up box will appear, right click the mouse anywhere outside of the pop up box to close it. A screen should appear with nine rectangles, eight of which should display the system logo in the center.
  4. Right click anywhere on the screen. A pop-up box will appear with the following options: View 1, View 4, View 8, View 9, Pan/Tilt/Zoom, Camera Setting, Info, Sequence, Disable Beep, Search, Manual, and Main Menu.
  5. Click Search. A blue pop-up box will appear titled, “System Login”.
  6. As the system will generate the automatic username (admin) and password (000000), enter the password in the provided field using the on-screen keyboard and click OK. The username and password can be changed at any time within the settings.
    Note: A screen will appear with a long rectangle at the bottom and a calendar on the right; dates with recorded footage will be highlighted in bright blue; all other dates will appear dark blue. Click the date of the video to be reviewed. Once clicked, the bottom of the screen will change to show recorded footage for the day in yellow.
  7. As the DVR records footage for all six cameras on six separate channels, press the single grey rectangle under the calendar to review footage from one camera at a time. This causes a pull down menu to appear with a list of channel numbers; select the appropriate channel.
  8. To view the footage, press the play button (triangle pointing right). To skip to a specific time on the video, click on the appropriate time on the recorded footage rectangle at the bottom of the screen.
  9. To play faster than real time speed, press the fast-forward button (double triangles pointing right). Each click will speed the footage up by 1x speed; footage can be viewed up to 4x speed before the fifth click returns the footage to a normal playing time.
  10. To pause the footage, press the pause button (two parallel lines). This will save the place in the footage but stop the playback.
  11. In order to switch footage, press the stop button (square); this will reset the footage and display. Once the main display is black, the calendar and channel pull down menu can be clicked to change the footage.
  12. To close the program, stop the footage and right click anywhere on the screen. This will cause the program to return to the main screen of 9 rectangles. Power off the monitor and DVR system.

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Results

The implementation of this video monitoring protocol will result in continuous datasets of footage from five waterbird nests at close range and one set of footage of the entire colony from an elevated vantage point. A successful use of this system will minimize time where the footage is out of range or displaying a poor-quality image and will maximize time where the footage is of high quality (Figure 2; Figure 3). Cameras were in...

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Discussion

Monitoring waterbirds can be disruptive, and investigator disturbance while monitoring waterbirds has been linked to nest abandonment and decreases in reproductive success12,13,14. The protocol presented here offers a minimally invasive monitoring approach that allows researchers to establish and document the nesting behavior of ground-nesting waterbirds through continuous video footage.

Because this ...

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Disclosures

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

All data reported in this manuscript were collected in accordance with protocol approved by the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Animal Care and Use Committee. This project was funded by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area.  Video production was funded by The Chesapeake Bay Trust and Friends of Patuxent. We would like to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Environmental Service, and Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration for general logistical support and allowing video filming on site. We would like to acknowledge Dr. Bill Bowerman and Dr. Daniel Gruner from the University of Maryland for their input into system design and implementation. We would also like to acknowledge Bill Schultz, Kaitlyn Reintsma and Katie DeVoss for their help in troubleshooting and in field set-up in summer 2017. Finally, we would to thank Michael Glow (internal review) and anonymous reviewers for their input. The use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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Materials

List of materials used in this article
NameCompanyCatalog NumberComments
Morningstar SS-20L-12V (2)Morningstar Corporation3680192Charge controller
Renogy 100 W 12V Panel (4)RenogyRNG-100DSolar panel
LOREX LW3211 (6)LorexLW3211-2PKWireless camera with receivers
Sawhorse (4)HDXSH106
LOREX DV7082LorexDV7082W8ch 1080p HD DVR; Comes with computer mouse
12V dry cell Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) car batteries (6)OptimaDS46B24R
TCT LCD color monitorKumanX0013XAI51Mini display monitor
22 in. display monitorDellS2218HFor office
18 gallon plastic bin (2)Sterilite1446Plastic container
Black copper insulated 10 AWG wireSouthwire22973257Black electrical wire
Red copper insulated 10 AWG wireSouthwire37113803Red electrical wire
3/8 in. ring terminalsAutocraft85417
5/16 in. ring terminalsAutoCraft85445
Winged wire connectors (red)Commercial Electric775304Connector is large enough to accommodate 3 10AWG wires inside
12V male DC adapter (2)Avue162537
Male DC 2.1 x 5.5 mm power plugs for CCTV (4)WinBook231001
Four port DC power splitters, 1 female to 4ClearViewPWRSPIDER4
1.5 ft. wooden board (5)Home Depot461443
5 ft. wooden boardVigoroRC 85N
1/4 in. x 2 in. eye bolt (8)Everbilt816721
5/16 in. hex nuts (16)Everbilt804886
5/16 in. washers (16)Everbilt807220
SAE size 6 stainless steel clamps (8)Everbilt670655E
60ft. BNC extension cables (6)WinBook432377
2 ft. x 4 ft. wooden plywoodHome Depot1502104Cut to 1 ft. x 2 ft.
5 ft. metal rebar (8)Weyerhaeuser35616
Bungee cord (2)HDX56128For securing lid
15 ft. x 3/4 in. sticky back tapeVelcro239540
Duct tapeDuck392875
Permanent MarkerSharpie35010
1/4 in. x 400 ft. white diamond braid nylon ropeEverbilt72716
Weatherproof electrical tapeScotch6143-BA-10
Schumacher 6A 12V automatic battery charger/ Carquest battery charger 8ASchumacher/ CarquestSP6/ CQ-80CRTwo possible car battery chargers
6 in. nails (14)Grip-Rite60HGC
18 Volt 1/2 in. Drill-DriverRyobiP208BDrill
25 watt standard duty soldering ironWellerSP25NKUSSoldering iron
Leaded rosin core solderBernzomatic354123Solder
Wire cutterStanley84-199
ScrewdriverHusky146340142Came from 14 piece set of Phillips and flathead drivers
15 in. aggressive tooth sawHome Depot122SS159
Rubber malletHDX31030
Post driverEverbilt901147EB

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Common Tern MonitoringNesting BehaviorWaterbird ColoniesWireless CamerasMinimally Invasive MonitoringSolar Powered CamerasDigital Video RecorderGround Nesting BirdsBreeding Colony Observation
A Video Surveillance System to Monitor Breeding Colonies of Common Terns (Sterna Hirundo)
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