How to install a bird nest box camera

You will need

Bird box camera kit, with fixings
Drill, with various sizes of drill bits
Hammer
Screwdrivers

Do it: all year round

Takes just: an hour

Project categories

Overview

Knowing that birds are using your nest box to raise a family is great, but imagine if you could watch them doing it. Miniature surveillance cameras are now available which allow you to do just that. The cameras are affordable and come in kit form, needing no particular skill to install. Once the camera is in place, you can watch the real-life drama unfold on your TV.

See our practical project for advice on making a hinged nest box, ideal for accommodating a bird camera.

How to do it

1The camera is fixed to a cable link that is best threaded through a hole in the box side. Use a drill bit that makes a hole wide enough to fit the lead and plug through.

Threading cable through hole in side panel

2Carefully thread the cable into the box through the hole you've drilled. Make sure you don't damage the plug by forcing it through - if necessary, widen the hole instead.

3Mark the camera position according to the instructions, to ensure it will focus correctly. Drill small holes so the screws go in easily. Then screw the camera to the wall of the box

4Connect the camera according to the instructions and plug into your TV to check the focus. Secure the wire with clips to prevent pulling, hang up the box and enjoy the show.

Discuss this project

Talkback: How to install a bird nest box camera

Your comment will appear after a quick registration step

buddy 24/11/2011 at 15:29

Can you tell me where to get a bird box camera kit from please.

bel9tinker 24/11/2011 at 15:29

I have just -11th. Jan.-fitted a camera to one of my bird boxes and I am delighted to see that a blue tit is nesting in the box every night.
I hadn't realised that I would see a bird outside of the nesting season and we are having great pleasure from looking to see it has gone out in the morning and again each evening to see if it has returned. This in itself makes fitting a camera very worth while.

bel9tinker 24/11/2011 at 15:29

Reply to Buddy.

My camera came from www.birdboxcameras.co.uk who are based in St Leonards, Sussex.
Hint. 1 Make sure you calculate the approx length of cable that you will need to reach from your Box to your TV.
Hint 2 If you intend fitting the camera into a box you already have, you should plan well ahead so that you can take the box down for the minimum time in case birds are using it regularly for roosting.

Good luck