Camera Update

Wow - we really apologize for how long it is taking to get the new camera system up and running. I know this experience has been frustrating for all of our falconcam fans out there and it has been equally (or likely even more) frustrating for me! Unfortunately, our web consultants have run into some serious obstacles with the software - that has been the primary cause for delay.

There's been a lot of questions coming in as to whether we will have everything up and running by the time we have eggs (which should be mid to late March). Know that our intentions are that we will!

As always, we appreciate your patience. All of the latest updates are posted here, so if it isn't on the blog then we don't know ourselves! I will have more details next week and it is hoped that the ledgecam refreshed image option will be restored next week as well. In the meantime, both Scout and Orville have been visible via the ledgecam. They've been going in and out of the box, no doubt working on their scrape.

Cam update

We are another step closer to having the new camera systems up and running. Last week we installed a new nestbox camera. This is a photo of all the components inside the housing after it was installed in front of the nestbox:
Here is the new housing:

The camera housing is the same style as we've used in the past so the falcons shouldn't notice any change. The only difference is for now, the top of the new housing still needs to be fitted with some anti-slip tape. Just a small touch that we add to give the structure more "grip" for when the birds perch on it. I have the material in my office and will apply it to the housing next time out on the ledge. Despite this housing being slick for now, I've noticed it hasn't deterred Scout from continuing to use it as a favorite perching spot.

As soon as networking issues are worked out and the nestbox view is up and running we'll be able to install the new ledgecam. Hopefully, this will be very soon!

Platform Perch Reinstalled + Cam Update

This afternoon we reinstalled the platform perch in front of the ledgecam. The purpose of this platform is to elevate the birds a few inches to enable us to read legband codes when they sit in front of the camera. Both Orville and Scout were present and quick to defend their territory, although after a few minutes they lightened the pressure on us but still kept a close watch.

Unfortunately, the problem with the ledgecam still images continues to be undetermined, otherwise, I would have captured an image to post here to show the new look.

We are another step closer to installing the new cameras. Currently, our plan is to install the nestboxcam first since it isn't functioning otherwise. The housing will be the same so the birds won't notice any change. Our goal is to get it up and running before we start on the ledgecam. Right now the main speed bump involves figuring out camera networking issues. Ideally, I'd like to have the nestboxcam installed yet this week but it may be next week. However, even after the actual camera is installed, there may still be additional time before we can see the view on the website. Getting the system upgraded and back online is a high priority but sometimes all you can do is be patient and wait for all the pieces to fall into place...

Both birds

I'm sorry to report we are behind schedule with getting the new cameras up and running. Unfortunately, winter weather delayed a meeting last week. We have rescheduled for this week to preview the new system and start planning an install date. I had hoped that we could have everything done by now--early enough in the season before the birds become too territorial while we are out on the ledge. Too late! This morning I visited the ledge for some preliminary work and both Scout and Orville (confirmed with leg band codes) were not only present, but eager to defend their territory!