How To

How to Choose a Backyard Birdcam

By Nannette Richford, eHow Editor
How to Choose a Backyard Birdcam
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Nearly 48 million Americans participate in some form of birdwatching (US Fish and Wildlife Services 2006). The majority report observing birds around their homes. Backyard bird cams make it easier to observe from the comfort of your own home and capture images that can be saved to the computer in digital format. Choosing the right bird cam to meet your needs is the first step towards increasing your viewing range and recording your observations.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Backyard
  • Mounting structure (pole, tree, building)
  • TV/computer
  • Birdhouse
  • Bird Feeder
  1. Step 1

    Decide on the purpose for your bird cam. If your desire it to capture quality digital images of birds as they visit the feeder your needs will be different from those who wish to capture the nesting habits from inside a nest box. See Resource section for links to the following products.

  2. Step 2

    Consider purchasing a bird cam with a motion detector to capture images whenever a bird enters the feeding area. The Backyard Digital Camera with Motion Sensor is an excellent choice. This camera uses a SD memory card to store digital photos. The card must be purchased separately and is not included with the camera. This camera has a motion detector that activates when it detects movement in the area. It comes with an 8-foot power cord and a swivel mount. This camera sells for $179.

  3. Step 3

    Consider the functions available for each bird cam. WINGSCAPES BirdCam is a wonderful choice in bird cams. This wireless camera operates on 4 D-cell batteries with an optional AC adapter. It has build in 32 MB memory and is designed to use memory cards up to 4GB. It operates via remote control in automatic, manual, or time-lapse modes. An optional mounting arm is available that will allow you to mount the camera right on the pole of the feeder or a nearby tree. It currently sells for $249.

  4. Step 4

    Choose a bird cam that is designed to function in low light if you wish to install it in a bird house to observe the nesting and feeding habits of birds. The Night-Owl Cam in Spy-Cam Birdhouse has Night Vision Camera pre-installed in the birdhouse. This camera will produce quality color photos of birds. Mount on a post and run the cord into the house and plug it into the TV or VCR. It is currently on sell out for $99.95.

  5. Step 5

    Consider installing a camera in your existing birdhouses. The Hawk-Eye Nature Cam is quick and easy to install. This full color camera provides digital images that can be viewed on the TV or a computer screen. It features a built in microphone and has a weather shield that allows you to install it outside the box, if you prefer. It currently sells for $94.95.

  6. Step 6

    Choose the camera that best fits your needs and your budget and install it in your backyard for hours of enjoyment watching birds in their natural habitat.

Photo Credit

Anthony Marquette/morguefile.com

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