Axis network cameras and AXIS Companion VMS have been used to document the movements of a family of Blue Tits, resulted in the book Blue Tits in the Aspen Trunk.
Roger Engvik is a dedicated ornithologist, photographer and journalist with an interest in a wide variety of bird species, from the largest birds of prey to the smallest birds to be found in the common garden. Roger has used Axis network cameras as part of a unique project to record one of the most popular of small birds, the Blue Tit. The project resulted in an illustrative photo book, Blue Tits in the Aspen Trunk.
“A whole new world opened up when I started to film using Axis cameras”, begins Roger Engvik, author of the book. “I began by observing various species of sea eagle. After the sea eagles had moved on, I started filming the Blue Tits living in my garden. I built a nesting box in an Aspen tree trunk, where I set up the first network camera. The project evolved from there.”
Overcoming challenges
Installing the camera to film inside the nesting box was not an easy task. The camera needed to be set in position at exactly the right height and distance in order to film the nest and produce sharp images. It took Roger two years to establish an optimum position, focusing on the exact spot where the Blue Tits would build their nest. He also had to ensure that the camera lens would remain clear of nesting materials such as moss, grass and other debris, for the duration that the birds would be using the box.
To enable Roger to accurately monitor each bird he tagged them with coloured rings. This allowed easy identification as their movements were tracked. It also helped distinguish them from the other birds in an area near the nesting box which Roger affectionately terms his ‘Bird Café’. It consists of a fenced-in area to keep out cats, larger birds and other animals, while welcoming Blue Tits, Great Tits and other small bird varieties.
A weather-proof solution
Eight cameras in total, a mixture of AXIS M1065-L, AXIS P5655-E PTZ and AXIS M5525-E PTZ Network Cameras, were carefully chosen to meet Roger’s requirements. Roger built an aluminium box covered with bark for camouflage in which to install an AXIS M1065-L, allowing him to film directly into the nest. He cut out a hole in a metal plate that formed the roof, with holes for camera lens, infrared light, and a microphone, as well as remotely controlled LED lighting.
Roger also installed an airtight and waterproof box for one of the AXIS M1065 cameras used to film the bird café. The plastic box was covered with camouflage tape so that it would blend into the surroundings. The Axis camera captures video through a photographic filter and the hole for the data cable on the rear is sealed with silicone in order to prevent water penetration. The box is weatherproof and designed to withstands storms and heavy rainfall, without any condensation forming in the camera container, and it withstands sub-zero temperatures, as well as excessive heat. The larger PTZ cameras were used to film the entrance to the nest and the birdlife in the garden.
High quality, durable technology
Due to Axis cameras having unparalleled image and sound quality, Roger has been able to capture crystal clear images and high-quality audio of the birds. Still images from the cameras have proved perfect for his book, and Roger has been suitably impressed by the durability and reliability of the technology that he has chosen.
Roger explains: “I film continuously and use the motion detection functionality of the cameras to ensure that I don’t miss anything. I haven't had any problems at all, even though the cameras are switched on 365 days a year, around the clock. The Axis cameras are well suited to my requirements and the ongoing support I receive from Axis is incredible.”
Fascinating insights
Axis Companion Video Management System (VMS) has been used to process the camera footage and has provided Roger with a great way to keep track of the eight cameras that are currently in operation.
Roger continues: “I get a good overview and can choose which footage to save as video recordings, and what I should use for still images. It has been an incredibly exciting journey. The cameras have given me access to events I would otherwise have not had the opportunity to experience, and the VMS system has made the whole operation of recording and storing video, audio and imagery incredibly straightforward.”
The insights into the daily lives of Blue Tits have been eye-opening for Roger. He has already observed behaviours that ornithologists have not previously documented. Among other aspects of the life of the Blue Tit he has learned much about courtship, communication, nest building, the search for food, defence against intruders and the hatching and rearing of chicks.
Blue Tits in the Aspen Trunk
The book, Blue Tits in the Aspen Trunk, encapsulates 12 years of studies in a series of spectacular images, mainly obtained via Axis cameras. The book is aimed at everyone interested in nature and birds, and also covers how to successfully use network cameras for bird watching. Roger terms his work ‘web ornithology’ and would encourage other ornithologists to replicate his methods, perhaps to further the understanding of other bird species.
In a follow-up project, Roger will study the lifecycle of frogs, conducting a study of the frogs themselves and all of the birds and animals that catch and eat frogs when they arrive at a pond to lay their eggs. This will include crows, herons and otters. He plans to film above and below the surface of the water in what promises to be another remarkable project.