Spy Nest Update

Nest Camera, Mourning Doves

I set up the nest camera on April 15th and spotted eggs on the same day. I have no idea when the eggs were laid, but dove eggs typically take two weeks to hatch. Therefore we should see some dove hatchlings by this Thursday, April 29th. 

This is the camera setup. 

On the base of the camera I used duct tape to attach a very powerful neodymium alloy magnet. This allows me to position the camera on the steel rafter of our pergola.  The camera is not made for outdoor use, therefore I created a rain cover using an aluminum bake pan, cut to fit the rafter. Fortunately (or not!), the cover has not been tested by actual rain. Not seen, and further from the nest is an external usb battery, also fitted with magnets. Each evening I collect the battery and recharge it overnight.

The Doves choose to make a nest in a three year old coconut husk basket with geraniums and a miniature rose.

Click here to see the live feed of the spy nest.

Other interesting bird sites:

Big Bear Eagle Camera

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Audubon California