I am looking for Reconyx HC600-like, infrared and movement triggered camera traps (weather proof) that record video. The idea is to set them up at focal plants to observe/record frugivory events. Has anyone tried particular models with success in the field?
I use a webcam (similar to pc web-cams), attached to a recorder with SD card, and to a car battery, which gives a life-span around two days (also with infrared). I use them to follow larks nests and never had problems. Of course, if you have monney, special cameras will give better resolution and results.
I see that this is an old post, but I give it an answer just in case it could be helpful. When monitoring smaller animals the camera trap has to be placed quite close to the study object. For some camera traps this could be problematic due to the focal length of the camera (i.e. that object to close won't be sharp), although some have close focus capability. I know some have disassembled the camera trap and changed the position of the lens.
You might also consider standalone standalone mini DVR with video motion detection, I have used that for monitoring e.g. flower-visiting insect and up to raptors providing food to nestlings.
Hello,
Thanks very much for your answers!
Just to give you an update: I tried several models of camera traps in the Masoala Hall, Zürich Zoo, and decided to go with the Bushnell Nature View HD Cams based on performance.
I deployed them in the field (Aldabra Atoll), and have been working fantastically.
They come with magnification lenses that may even be used with insects (although the trigger is not THAT sensitive, and it is better to use time lapse for that purpose–e.g. look at pollinator visitation).
Hi, I am searching for good camera trap model for video recording and also pictures making of European Robin to check their food and nest predation. Has anyone could recommend me a good, camera trap tested on small passerine birds?
Oliwia,
I am trying to research feeding of berries on frangula alnus using camera traps. I used browning strike force elite trail camera. Got some video of robins at 6ft distance from tree crown but I suspect videos of robin were incidental to other trigger events eg wind triggering branch movement. This has had big implications for my research.
Whatever model you purchase it would be worthwhile testing it at feeding stations that attract robins or other similar sized birds at different distances . Same goes for any species of interest eg if its a mammal try testing with permission at a pet farm that may have it. I am now testing for detection rate using this method post field work. It would have been better if I had done it before hand but circumstances didn't allow. Sometimes you only know about pitfalls after you spend time and money on equipment and effort.
Also you should be aware that my 'incidental' footage shows robins flying into frame and picking berries on the wing and flying out of frame in less than 2 secs. The time in and out of a field of view that the robin enters may (depending on the activity) be too short for your trail camera to capture video or photos. Your photo that is blank may have just missed the action or activity by the robin. This could be the case especially if you need to be close to the species for the camera to detect it which will mean a small field of view.
Also you may like to search for the following useful papers. the first two are particularly useful I think.
"Identifying Performance Differences Among Trail Cameras Used to Monitor Forest Mammals" and
"Wildlife camera trapping: a review and recommendations for linking surveys to ecological processes"
and
Management and Analysis of Camera Trap Data: Alternative Approaches
and
An Open Standard for Camera Trap Data
and
Random versus Game Trail-Based Camera
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