Remote monitoring of nests using digital camera technology

ABSTRACT.   Although cameras have been used for many years to collect data at birds' nests, recent advances in digital technology have led to increased storage capacity, faster and easier review of data, and reduced power consumption. The development of sophisticated triggering mechanisms, such as video motion detection, herald a new era of portable, energy-efficient systems that require less frequent maintenance. We used a digital infrared camera system to monitor predation events at the nests of ground-nesting Lapwings ( Vanellus vanellus ; N = 40) and tree-nesting Spotted Flycatchers ( Muscicapa striata ; N = 17). Eight predator species were recorded taking eggs or chicks at Lapwing ( N = 10) and Spotted Flycatcher ( N = 7) nests, including red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ), badger ( Meles meles ), sheep ( Ovis aries ), and Carrion Crow ( Corvus corone ) at Lapwing nests and Eurasian Jay ( Garrulus glandarius ), European Buzzard ( Buteo buteo ), Great-spotted Woodpecker ( Dendrocopus major ), and domestic cat ( Felis catus ) at flycatcher nests. We tested three system configurations in an attempt to minimize power requirements and maximize predation-event recording capability. We found that the use of a passive-infrared sensor to awaken the system from standby mode did not compromise reliability and reduced power consumption. With this system, a 38-A h battery operated the system for 120 h with no maintenance at a cost per unit of about $800 (US; or £400 UK Sterling). Further modifications would permit adaptation of the system for a wide range of scientific and nest surveillance operations.     

无人机航测在风景园林中的应用研究

近年来随着民用无人机的普及,无人机开始越来越多地应用于风景园林领域中。但目前大多数应用还停留在基础的航拍层面,对于应用潜力更大的航测层面,在风景园林行业中的应用相对较少,也更鲜为人知,现有研究更多聚焦于具体案例的应用方面,未能对其进行系统的认知和介绍。简要介绍无人机航测与遥感系统的构成及常见传感器类型,通过文献综合、项目实践等方法,系统地整理了国内外无人机航测相关的研究与应用进展,进而总结出无人机航测在风景园林中的应用可分为传统航测、倾斜摄影、多种传感器遥感3个方面。最后指出传统航测发展最为成熟,短时间内推广应用的可能性最大;倾斜摄影效率最高;多种传感器遥感未来开发潜力最大。以期对今后无人机在风景园林中的应用与研究有所启发。     

Automatic counting of birds in a bird deterrence field trial

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