J. Michael Meyers
Sara H. Schweitzer
J. B. Sabine
2005
<p><span>Time-lapse video photography has become a valuable tool for collecting data on avian nest activity and depredation; however, commercially available systems are expensive (>USA $4000/unit). We designed an inexpensive system to identify causes of nest failure of American Oystercatchers (</span><i><span class="genus-species">Haematopus palliatus</span></i><span>) and assessed its utility at Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia. We successfully identified raccoon (</span><i><span class="genus-species">Procyon lotor</span></i><span>), bobcat (</span><i><span class="genus-species">Lynx rufus</span></i><span>), American Crow (</span><i><span class="genus-species">Corvus brachyrhynchos</span></i><span>), and ghost crab (</span><i><span class="genus-species">Ocypode quadrata</span></i><span>) predation on oystercatcher nests. Other detected causes of nest failure included tidal overwash, horse trampling, abandonment, and human destruction. System failure rates were comparable with commercially available units. Our system's efficacy and low cost (<$800) provided useful data for the management and conservation of the American Oystercatcher.</span></p>
application/pdf
10.1648/0273-8570-76.3.293
en
Association of Field Ornithologists
A simple, inexpensive video camera setup for the study of avian nest activity
article