Abstract
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. SINOPSIS. Aparato inhalambrico de bajo costo para observar nidos en cavidades Para examinar nidos en cavidades y cajas de anidamiento, muchas veces es necesario usar instrumentos de fibra ´ optica y cde videos montadas en postes. Sin embargo, el costo de estos sistemas pudiera ser muy elevado para algunos investigadores potenciales. Describimos un aparato inhalque puede ser utilizado para examinar cavidades de hasta 15 m de altura y de 2.5 cm de dien su entrada. Entre los componentes del sistema encontramos una cinhalun sistema de iluminaci´ on infrarojo, un monitor de televisi´ on manual y un poste telescEl sistema puede ser montado en un dia (si hay las herramientas necesarias) y su costo es de $850 dolares. Nuestro sistema fue utilizado para monitorear nidos de Sialia mexicana yp rov´ o ser confiable y efectivo. Durante dos temporadas de campo intentamos determinar el estatus de nidos en 928 ocasiones y pudimos determiner la etapa en que se encontraban en 901 (97%) de estas. Para aquellos que est´ en en la disposicide ensamblar sus propias unidades de monitoreo, nuestro equipo es adecuado y se presta para estudios con presupuesto limitado y le permite al investigador hacer observaciones directas con seguridad.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
