Name: a video surveillance system to monitor breeding colonies of common terns (sterna hirundo)
Uploaded: 2018-07-22T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Video Surveillance System to Monitor Breeding Colonies of Common Terns Sterna Hirundo at JoVE.com

All data reported in this manuscript were collected in accordance with protocol approved by the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Animal Care and Use Committee. This project was funded by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area.&#160; Video production was funded by The Chesapeake Bay Trust and Friends of Patuxent. We would like to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Environmental Service, and Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration for general logistical support and allowing video filming on site. We would like to acknowledge Dr. Bill Bowerman and Dr. Daniel Gruner from the University of Maryland for their input into system design and implementation. We would also like to acknowledge Bill Schultz, Kaitlyn Reintsma and Katie DeVoss for their help in troubleshooting and in field set-up in summer 2017. Finally, we would to thank Michael Glow (internal review) and anonymous reviewers for their input. The use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

1. Pre-Field Preparation of the Video Monitoring System
Note: This includes the steps necessary to prepare the solar panels, battery system, cameras and staking system for construction at the field site.
<ol>
	<li>To begin set-up of the solar panels and battery system, cut and solder 20 copper insulated 10 American wire gauge (AWG) wires (10 positive, 10 negative), attaching ring terminals when necessary.
	<ol>
		<li>Cut six negative (black) and six positive (red) wires approximately 2 ft. l...

<ol>
	<li>Nisbet, I. C. T., Arnold, J. M., Oswald, S. A., Pyle, P., Patten, M. A., Rodewald, P. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Common+Tern+(Sterna+hirundo.).">Common Tern (Sterna hirundo.).</a> The Birds of North America. , (2017).</li><li>Brinker, D. F., Mccann, J. M., Williams, B., Watts, B. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Colonial-nesting+seabirds+in+the+Chesapeake+Bay+region:+where+have+we+been+and+where+are+we+going?.">Colonial-nesting seabirds in the Chesapeake Bay region: where have we been and where are we going?.</a> Waterbirds. 30 (1), 93-104 (2007).</li><li>Maryland Natural Heritage Program. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> List of rare, threatened, and endangered animals of Maryland. , 21401 (2016).</li><li>Palestis, B. G., Hines, J. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Adult+survival+and+breeding+dispersal+of+common+terns+(Sterna+hirundo)+in+a+declining+population.">Adult survival and breeding dispersal of common terns (Sterna hirundo) in a declining population.</a> Waterbirds. 38 (3), 221-228 (2015).</li><li>Buckley, F. G., Buckley, P. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Microenvironmental+determinants+of+survival+in+saltmarsh-nesting+common+terns.">Microenvironmental determinants of survival in saltmarsh-nesting common terns.</a> Colonial Waterbirds. 5, 39 (1982).</li><li>Erwin, R. M., Brinker, D. F., Watts, B. D., Costanzo, G. R., Morton, D. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Islands+at+bay:+rising+seas,+eroding+islands,+and+waterbird+habitat+loss+in+Chesapeake+Bay+(USA).">Islands at bay: rising seas, eroding islands, and waterbird habitat loss in Chesapeake Bay (USA).</a> Journal of Coastal Conservation. 15 (1), 51-60 (2010).</li><li>Drury, W. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Population+changes+in+New+England+seabirds+(Continued).">Population changes in New England seabirds (Continued).</a> Bird-Banding. 45 (1), 1 (1974).</li><li>Anderson, J. G., Devlin, C. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Restoration+of+a+multi-species+seabird+colony.">Restoration of a multi-species seabird colony.</a> Biological Conservation. 90 (3), 175-181 (1999).</li><li>Erwin, R. M., Miller, J., Reese, J. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Poplar+Island+environmental+restoration+project:+challenges+in+waterbird+restoration+on+an+island+in+Chesapeake+Bay.">Poplar Island environmental restoration project: challenges in waterbird restoration on an island in Chesapeake Bay.</a> Ecological Restoration. 25 (4), 256-262 (2007).</li><li>Kress, S. W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+status+of+tern+populations+in+northeastern+United+States+and+adjacent+Canada.">The status of tern populations in northeastern United States and adjacent Canada.</a> Colonial Waterbirds. 6, 84-106 (1983).</li><li>Carney, K. M., Sydeman, W. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+review+of+human+disturbance+effects+on+nesting+colonial+waterbirds.">A review of human disturbance effects on nesting colonial waterbirds.</a> Waterbirds. 22 (1), 68-79 (1999).</li><li>Brubeck, M. V., Thompson, B. C., Slack, R. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effects+of+trapping,+banding,+and+patagial+tagging+on+the+parental+behavior+of+least+terns+in+Texas.">The effects of trapping, banding, and patagial tagging on the parental behavior of least terns in Texas.</a> Colonial Waterbirds. 4, 54 (1981).</li><li>Gochfeld, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differences+in+behavioral+responses+of+young+common+terns+and+black+skimmers+to+intrusion+and+handling.">Differences in behavioral responses of young common terns and black skimmers to intrusion and handling.</a> Colonial Waterbirds. 4, 47 (1981).</li><li>Nisbet, I. C. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Behavior+of+common+and+roseate+terns+after+trapping.">Behavior of common and roseate terns after trapping.</a> Colonial Waterbirds. 4, 44 (1981).</li><li>Carey, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Investigator+disturbance+reduces+reproductive+success+in+Short-tailed+Shearwaters+Puffinus+tentuirostris.">Investigator disturbance reduces reproductive success in Short-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus tentuirostris.</a> IBIS. 153 (2), 363-372 (2011).</li><li>Stein, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Absence+from+the+nest+due+to+human+disturbance+induces+higher+nest+predation+risk+than+natural+recesses+in+Common+Eiders+Somateria+mollissima.">Absence from the nest due to human disturbance induces higher nest predation risk than natural recesses in Common Eiders Somateria mollissima.</a> IBIS. 158 (2), 249-260 (2015).</li><li>Safina, C., Burger, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+human+disturbance+on+reproductive+success+in+the+black+skimmer.">Effects of human disturbance on reproductive success in the black skimmer.</a> The Condor. 85 (2), 164-171 (1983).</li><li>Ellenburg, U., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessing+the+impact+of+nest+searches+on+breeding+birds-+a+case+study+on+Fiordland+creasted+penguins+(Eudyptes+pachyrhynchus).">Assessing the impact of nest searches on breeding birds- a case study on Fiordland creasted penguins (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus).</a> New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 39 (2), 231-244 (2015).</li><li>Erwin, M. R., Beck, R. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Restoration+of+waterbird+habitats+in+Chesapeake+Bay:+great+expectations+or+sisyphus+revisited?.">Restoration of waterbird habitats in Chesapeake Bay: great expectations or sisyphus revisited?.</a> Waterbirds. 30 (1), 163-176 (2007).</li><li>Erwin, M. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Post phase I dike construction faunal component surveys of the Paul S. Sarbanes ecosystem restoration project at Poplar Island: the 2012 assessment of waterbird nesting. , (2012).</li><li>Cox, W. A., Pruett, M. S., Benson, T. J., Chiavacci, S. J., Thompson, F. R., Ribic, C. A., Thompson, F. R., Pietz, P. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+camera+technology+for+monitoring+nests.">Development of camera technology for monitoring nests.</a> Video surveillance of nesting birds. , 185-198 (2012).</li><li>Mckinnon, L., B&#234;ty, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+camera+monitoring+on+survival+rates+of+High-Arctic+shorebird+nests.">Effect of camera monitoring on survival rates of High-Arctic shorebird nests.</a> Journal of Field Ornithology. 80 (3), 280-288 (2009).</li><li>. LW3211 series specs Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lorextechnology.com/downloads/wireless-security-cameras/LW3211-Series/LW3211_Series_Spec_R1.pdf">https://www.lorextechnology.com/downloads/wireless-security-cameras/LW3211-Series/LW3211_Series_Spec_R1.pdf</a> (2017)</li><li>Nisbet, I. C. T., Cohen, M. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Asynchronous+hatching+in+common+and+roseate+terns,+Sterna+Hirundo+and+S.+Dougallii.">Asynchronous hatching in common and roseate terns, Sterna Hirundo and S. Dougallii.</a> IBIS. 117 (3), 374-379 (2008).</li><li>. 720P Wireless digital security camera LW3211 series quick start guide Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lorextechnology.com/downloads/wireless-security-cameras/LW3211-Series/LW3211_SERIES_QSG_EN_R1.pdf">https://www.lorextechnology.com/downloads/wireless-security-cameras/LW3211-Series/LW3211_SERIES_QSG_EN_R1.pdf</a> (2017)</li></ol>

Monitoring waterbirds can be disruptive, and investigator disturbance while monitoring waterbirds has been linked to nest abandonment and decreases in reproductive success12,13,14. The protocol presented here offers a minimally invasive monitoring approach that allows researchers to establish and document the nesting behavior of ground-nesting waterbirds through continuous video footage.
Because this ...

Common terns (Sterna hirundo, hereafter COTE), a waterbird species with a widespread breeding distribution, have become a flagship example of the need for conservation and monitoring programs1. Once harvested to near extirpation for the millinery trade, federal legislation in the 1900s enabled populations to rebound. However, declining population trends in the Chesapeake Bay have prompted increased concern over COTE, in addition to many other waterbirds2. COTE are currently listed as a Maryland state endangered species due to reductions in both breeding numbers and active breeding colonies3. Stressors including flooding and washouts of breeding sites4,5,6, anthropogenic disturbance, competition/predation with gulls7,8, and predation by great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)9,10, are believed to have contributed to current population declines; however, the relative contributions of individual stressors are not known. Understanding stressors associated with different stages of the breeding cycle, such as incubation, post-hatch, and fledging success are important but can be intensive and include frequent surveys that require entry into the nesting colony11. Such monitoring techniques can be disruptive to tern populations, and in some cases may result in nest abandonment and/or reductions in reproductive success12,13,14.
While the impact of researchers on common terns is well documented, intensive monitoring can impact a number of additional ground-nesting colonial species, such as short tailed shearwaters (Puffinus tenuirostris)15, common eiders (Somateria mollissima)16, black skimmers (Rynchops niger)17, and Fiordland crested penguins (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus)18. For instance, a study on short tailed shearwaters found that monitoring intensity had an inverse relationship on hatching success, and can exacerbate population declines. These examples illustrate the increasing need to reduce disturbance while maintaining comprehensive monitoring programs. With the video system outlined in this paper, we aimed to obtain information on nest attentiveness and observation of predators in a manner that would reduce the physical presence of humans within the colony.
Our study was located at the Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island (38&#176;46&#8242;01&#8243;N, 76&#176;22&#8242;54&#8243;W, hereafter Poplar Island), one of the few known nesting sites for COTE in Maryland. Ongoing monitoring programs on Poplar Island have identified consistent nesting by COTE, albeit with variable levels of success depending on presence of avian or mammalian predators19,20. Due to these factors, Poplar Island was identified as an ideal location to conduct this study.
While the ability to monitor waterbird populations with video technology has clear benefits to the species under observation21,22, a number of technical considerations must be taken into account when implementing such an approach. For instance, video resolution must be sufficient to identify items of interest to the researcher, such as food items, nest markings, or colored leg bands for individual identification. Additionally, the physical components must be durable enough to withstand both weather events and wildlife interactions. Wireless security cameras were chosen due to their high definition picture quality, color display with wireless and infrared capabilities, outdoor durability, and overall cost effectiveness23.
The objective of this study was to design a video monitoring system that would allow for the remote observation of a ground-nesting colonial species while causing minimal disturbance to those individuals and the colony. This paper outlines the specific video system used to collect data.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Morningstar SS-20L-12V (2)</td>
			<td>Morningstar Corporation</td>
			<td>3680192</td>
			<td>Charge controller</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Renogy 100 W 12V Panel (4)</td>
			<td>Renogy</td>
			<td>RNG-100D</td>
			<td>Solar panel</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LOREX LW3211 (6)</td>
			<td>Lorex</td>
			<td>LW3211-2PK</td>
			<td>Wireless camera with receivers</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sawhorse (4)</td>
			<td>HDX</td>
			<td>SH106</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LOREX DV7082</td>
			<td>Lorex</td>
			<td>DV7082W</td>
			<td>8ch 1080p HD DVR; Comes with computer mouse</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12V dry cell Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) car batteries (6)</td>
			<td>Optima</td>
			<td>DS46B24R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TCT LCD color monitor</td>
			<td>Kuman</td>
			<td>X0013XAI51</td>
			<td>Mini display monitor</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>22 in. display monitor</td>
			<td>Dell</td>
			<td>S2218H</td>
			<td>For office</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18 gallon plastic bin (2)</td>
			<td>Sterilite</td>
			<td>1446</td>
			<td>Plastic container</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Black copper insulated 10 AWG wire</td>
			<td>Southwire</td>
			<td>22973257</td>
			<td>Black electrical wire</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Red copper insulated 10 AWG wire</td>
			<td>Southwire</td>
			<td>37113803</td>
			<td>Red electrical wire</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3/8 in. ring terminals</td>
			<td>Autocraft</td>
			<td>85417</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5/16 in. ring terminals</td>
			<td>AutoCraft</td>
			<td>85445</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Winged wire connectors (red)</td>
			<td>Commercial Electric</td>
			<td>775304</td>
			<td>Connector is large enough to accommodate 3 10AWG wires inside</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12V male DC adapter (2)</td>
			<td>Avue</td>
			<td>162537</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Male DC 2.1 x 5.5 mm power plugs for CCTV (4)</td>
			<td>WinBook</td>
			<td>231001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Four port DC power splitters, 1 female to 4</td>
			<td>ClearView</td>
			<td>PWRSPIDER4</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1.5 ft. wooden board (5)</td>
			<td>Home Depot</td>
			<td>461443</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5 ft. wooden board</td>
			<td>Vigoro</td>
			<td>RC 85N</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1/4 in. x 2 in. eye bolt (8)</td>
			<td>Everbilt</td>
			<td>816721</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5/16 in. hex nuts (16)</td>
			<td>Everbilt</td>
			<td>804886</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5/16 in. washers (16)</td>
			<td>Everbilt</td>
			<td>807220</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SAE size 6 stainless steel clamps (8)</td>
			<td>Everbilt</td>
			<td>670655E</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>60ft. BNC extension cables (6)</td>
			<td>WinBook</td>
			<td>432377</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2 ft. x 4 ft. wooden plywood</td>
			<td>Home Depot</td>
			<td>1502104</td>
			<td>Cut to 1 ft. x 2 ft.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5 ft. metal rebar (8)</td>
			<td>Weyerhaeuser</td>
			<td>35616</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bungee cord (2)</td>
			<td>HDX</td>
			<td>56128</td>
			<td>For securing lid</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15 ft. x 3/4 in. sticky back tape</td>
			<td>Velcro</td>
			<td>239540</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Duct tape</td>
			<td>Duck</td>
			<td>392875</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Permanent Marker</td>
			<td>Sharpie</td>
			<td>35010</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1/4 in. x 400 ft. white diamond braid nylon rope</td>
			<td>Everbilt</td>
			<td>72716</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Weatherproof electrical tape</td>
			<td>Scotch</td>
			<td>6143-BA-10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Schumacher 6A 12V automatic battery charger/ Carquest battery charger 8A</td>
			<td>Schumacher/ Carquest</td>
			<td>SP6/ CQ-80CR</td>
			<td>Two possible car battery chargers</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6 in. nails (14)</td>
			<td>Grip-Rite</td>
			<td>60HGC</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18 Volt 1/2 in. Drill-Driver</td>
			<td>Ryobi</td>
			<td>P208B</td>
			<td>Drill</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>25 watt standard duty soldering iron</td>
			<td>Weller</td>
			<td>SP25NKUS</td>
			<td>Soldering iron</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Leaded rosin core solder</td>
			<td>Bernzomatic</td>
			<td>354123</td>
			<td>Solder</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Wire cutter</td>
			<td>Stanley</td>
			<td>84-199</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Screwdriver</td>
			<td>Husky</td>
			<td>146340142</td>
			<td>Came from 14 piece set of Phillips and flathead drivers</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15 in. aggressive tooth saw</td>
			<td>Home Depot</td>
			<td>122SS159</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rubber mallet</td>
			<td>HDX</td>
			<td>31030</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Post driver</td>
			<td>Everbilt</td>
			<td>901147EB</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a video surveillance system to monitor breeding colonies of common terns (sterna hirundo)

Many waterbird populations have faced declines over the last century, including the common tern (Sterna hirundo), a waterbird species with a widespread breeding distribution, that has been recently listed as endangered in some habitats of its range. Waterbird monitoring programs exist to track populations through time; however, some of the more intensive approaches require entering colonies and can be disruptive to nesting populations. This paper describes a protocol that utilizes a minimally invasive surveillance system to continuously monitor common tern nesting behavior in typical ground-nesting colonies. The video monitoring system utilizes wireless cameras focused on individual nests as well as over the colony as a whole, and allows for observation without entering the colony. The video system is powered with several 12 V car batteries that are continuously recharged using solar panels. Footage is recorded using a digital video recorder (DVR) connected to a hard drive, which can be replaced when full. The DVR may be placed outside of the colony to reduce disturbance. In this study, 3,624 h of footage recorded over 63 days in weather conditions ranging from 12.8 &#176;C to 35.0 &#176;C produced 3,006 h (83%) of usable behavioral data. The types of data retrieved from the recorded video can vary; we used it to detect external disturbances and measure nesting behavior during incubation. Although the protocol detailed here was designed for ground-nesting waterbirds, the principal system could easily be modified to accommodate alternative scenarios, such as colonial arboreal nesting species, making it widely applicable to a variety of research needs.

The implementation of this video monitoring protocol will result in continuous datasets of footage from five waterbird nests at close range and one set of footage of the entire colony from an elevated vantage point. A successful use of this system will minimize time where the footage is out of range or displaying a poor-quality image and will maximize time where the footage is of high quality (Figure 2; Figure 3). Cameras were in...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Video Surveillance System to Monitor Breeding Colonies of Common Terns Sterna Hirundo at JoVE.com

A Video Surveillance System to Monitor Breeding Colonies of Common Terns Sterna Hirundo

This paper describes a protocol that uses a remote video monitoring surveillance system to continuously monitor breeding colonies of ground-nesting waterbirds. The system includes five cameras monitoring individual nests and one camera monitoring the colony as a whole, and is powered by car batteries that are recharged via solar panels.

A Video Surveillance System to Monitor Breeding Colonies of Common Terns (Sterna Hirundo)

Many waterbird populations have faced declines over the last century, including the common tern (Sterna hirundo), a waterbird species with a widespread ...

This surveillance system enables ornithologists to answer key questions related to nesting behavior such as nest attentiveness and the impacts of predation. The main advantage of this technique is that it allows for intensive monitoring of colonies while reducing disturbance levels that may otherwise have negatively impacted them. To begin, label four solar panels C1, DVR1, DVR2, and DVR3.For panels C1 and DVR2, use winged wire connectors to attach one set of four foot positive and negative wires to the respective positive and negative ends of the panels. Then cap the open ends of the wires with additional winged wire connectors. For panel DVR1, use winged wire connectors to attach two sets of four foot positive and negative wires to the respective positive and negative ends of the panel.Then cap the open ends of the wires with additional winged wire connectors. Tape all of the loose wires to the backs of the panels for ease to transport. Next, attach a charge controller to two 18 gallon plastic bins as specified in the text protocol.Label one of the bins camera system and the other DVR system. Next, loosen the battery positive and battery negative screws on the charge controller in the camera system bin and slide the soldered end of each wire into the left side of its corresponding slot. Tighten the screws and ensure that both wires are secure.Then repeat this process for the charge controller in the DVR system bin. In the DVR system bin, attach a 12-volt male DC adapter to the charge controller by loosening the load positive and load negative screws and sliding the corresponding positive and negative wires into the left sides of each slot. Then tape the loose wires to the plastic box for transport.Repeat this process with the two male DC power plugs in the camera system bin. Then connect two four-port DC power splitters to the male DC power plugs in the camera system bin. Repeat this process with the male DC power plugs in the DVR system bin.First, place solar panel C1 on a sawhorse at the designated camera system location. Then place panels DVR1, two, and three in order on three sawhorses at the designated DVR system location. To prevent sliding, drive two six-inch nails into the ground in front of each solar panel.Then drive two six-inch tent stakes into the ground at a 45 degree angle from the back of the solar panels. Secure the loose ends of rope from the backs of the solar panels to the stakes. Next, position four 12-volt dry cell AGM car batteries in a two by two fashion.Attach one 3/8 inch ring terminal from the positive two foot wire to the positive battery terminal on the bottom right battery. Then attach the other 3/8 inch ring terminal to the positive battery terminal on the top right battery. Repeat these steps with the 5/16 inch ring terminal from the negative battery terminals on both right batteries.Next, attach one 3/8 inch ring terminal from the positive two foot wires to the positive battery terminals on the top left and bottom left batteries. Then repeat this step with the 5/16 inch ring terminal from the negative wire to the negative battery terminals on both left batteries. Attach the one side soldered/one side ring terminal wire from the charge controller to a positive battery terminal.Then attach the negative to the negative battery terminal of a different battery. To connect the solar panel wires to the charge controller, attach one positive and one negative wire from DVR2 to the respective positive and negative wires on DVR3. Then attach one positive and one negative wire from DVR1 to DVR2 and attach the remaining wires from DVR1 to the charge controller in the DVR system bin.Next, place the plywood attached to the DVR over the car batteries in the DVR system bin and tape each receiver to the DVR system bin as specified in the text protocol. Connect the female DC power plug on each receiver to each of the male DC power plugs on the two four-port DC power splitters. Then connect one of the male DC power plugs to the port labeled DC 12 volts on the DVR.Secure the remaining male DC power plug with weather-proof electrical tape. Next, connect the yellow B and C on each receiver to six of the eight ports labeled video in on the DVR. Then connect the 12-volt male DC adapter from the charge controller to the yellow AV port on the display monitor.Connect the HDMI cable from the display monitor to the HDMI port on the DVR. Then press the power buttons on the DVR and the display monitor and program the settings. To attach the cameras to the surveillance system, connect a B and C extension cable from each camera to the four-port DC power splitters in the camera system bin.Finally, check the display monitor to view the live footage. Ensure the video is clear and make adjustments to the camera placement if necessary. The implementation of this camera monitoring system resulted in the collection of 3, 120 hours of footage from eight nests and 504 hours of footage from one colony camera.Out of these combined 3, 624 hours of data, 83%of the footage contained usable high-quality data. This technique helps pave the way for ornithologists and management communities to improve data collection and monitoring of target species in a minimally invasive manner, reducing the impacts monitoring efforts have on the species we aim to research and protect.

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