Viewing nesting behavior over the Internet, rather than observing the birds directly, avoids activity near the nest that could lead the adults to abandon it.

Tri-State’s research uses a Canon pan/tilt/zoom camera and two Foscam pan/tilt cameras to transmit video from the nest site to a server over a wireless bridge comprised of two Amped access points.  Video is streamed from the server using Blue Iris software.

The WordPress software used for this website permits viewing from mobile phones. Simply open the browser on your mobile phone and enter the desired page, such as http://chimneyswifts.net/tristate/?page_id=294, in order to go directly to the “Live Video of Nest” page.

Many people’s technical expertise make this research and website possible, including:

* Bird handling and husbandry: Aimee Federer and Sarah Tegtmeier, Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research Inc.
* Wing tagging: Dr. Erica Miller, Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research Inc. and David Barber, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
* Camera and software selection and use: Mike Postolan, Glenham, NY
* Computer and power maintenance: Greg Keegan, Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research Inc.
* Webpage support: Leah Dodd, Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research Inc.
* Computer systems administration: Mike Poirier, Sigma Data Systems, Inc.
* Detailed behavioral observations by the many “Vigilant Vulture Viewers” (aka “V-cube”) who watch and document daily interactions of the vultures.

If you experience a problem viewing any part of this website, please post it in the COMMENTS section on the “Live Video of Nest” page.