I picked up a new window feeder. I am hoping for a closer view of the birds once this feeder gets visitors.
I got (stole) this idea from seeing Spike's great site at bluebirdlovers.com.
It has turned out that the birds found the new feeder. However, I did remove the other feeder to force them to look for this one. It's worked out well.
I will be monitoring this myself as I will be busy most of next week, so hopefully all will go well.
Also, this weekend, John and I set up the bee hive to get ready for spring. You can see a few pictures at beehivecam.com.

Traj

Since using EvoLV software to stream the video, I've experienced some crashing to the program. I have been in contact with the programers and they have been working to solve the problem.
Yesterday they sent me an updated version to test. The problem was that in some instances, viewers disconnecting would result in either a freeze up or the program ceased. The new version looks like it has taken care of that problem. If it continues to show it is corrected, they will release a new version.

Traj

Evological.com released their new streaming software that I've been waiting for. Now I do not have to go through Stickam.com to get great streaming. This uses Quicktime, so you may have to download the driver for QT if you haven't already got it.

Traj

This morning, I updated the "technical setup" page. Actually, I also renamed it to "How it works". A few more pictures were added and I hope it makes it clearer how my sites work.

Traj

Today I received a new cable that looks to be more weather resistant. So, audio is back. I'm happy again.
Happy New Year!

Traj

I'm not getting 12 volts to the microphone. The problem is in the extended cable. I have the voltage on the other end. I may have to replace the cable and that won't be until after the new year. Bummer.

Traj

I have added a great outdoor microphone to the bird feeder. This is located at the bottom of the feeder, where the pole meets the feeder. This is a powered mike and is fairly sensitive. This should make viewing more enjoyable. It will however, pick up on some neighborhood noises such as the dog next door and kids bouncing the basketball. All in all, I think it will work out great.

Traj

Traj

I added a squirrel feeder to the mix. Maybe it will keep them away from the bird feeders and with a camera on the squirrel feeder, it will add entertainment.

Traj

The woodpecker has been staying in the birdhouse nightly. It arrives by about 7pm and leaves shortly after 5 in the morning.

Traj

The woodpecker made another visit this afternoon at around 3pm. It did a little more work on the hole and left after a few minutes.

Traj

Now that the eggs are gone, I've switched back to monitoring the birdfeeder and the birdhouse at the same time. The wrens are still at the nest, so I don't know what's going to happen there. I wonder if anyone actually is interested in all this. The guestbook is still empty after being there for over a month. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth the expense I've put into doing this. I guess if I like watching that's all that matters.

Traj

This afternoon, all seven eggs were gone from the nest.  I found one on the ground with a crack in it.  I only had the sensor recording no more than every 30 minutes, so I wasn't able to see what went on.

Traj

This morning I was surprised to see 7 eggs in the nest. Last year, 6 was the maximum. The incubation has been started but we managed to snap a quick picture. A little too quick, since I didn't have the proper focus, but you can see all seven. What you can't see is that the eggs are a light brown color with darker brown speckles.

Traj

This morning the fourth egg arrived. This week has been mostly overcast and cool. Warmer weather is on the way this weekend.

Traj

It appears that there are a couple of eggs in the nest.  They blend in with the nest so it's hard to see.  

Traj

The wrens have been busy all morning on house #2. Click the streaming video link to watch live.

Traj

As luck would have it, the wrens are building in one of the houses that do not have a camera set up. We'll have to see if anything happens in the others.

Traj

The wren has started to bring in more nesting material into house #2.  I have decided to place it online now. If for some reason it stops building, I will switch again.

Traj

This morning, the first twig was placed in bird house #2.  Hopefully this will become the new home for the wrens.  Once I see that constant building is going on, I will place this camera online.

Traj

So far I witnessed 3 bird houses being checked over by the wren.  Only 2 of the houses have cameras.  Last April 27th was the date that we had this kind of activity.  Almost a year to the day.

Traj

There are two video streams going right now.  The feeder is being hosted by Stickam and looks pretty good.  I have the second one on the "Latest Picture" link.  On that page, there is a still picture which will capture any movement in the birdhouse.  If activity does occur, an email with that picture will be sent to me.  That picture will also be updated on the page.  Below that is a live stream.  Last year, the first bird to check out the house was on April 27th.

Traj

I'm now using BoinxTV and Grabraster software to send a feed to Stickam.  Stickam is hosting the stream and it looks like it's a much better quality of video.  With this change also brings audio to the stream for a much better experience.

Traj

Both bird houses are cleaned and ready for residency. The cameras have been adjusted and focused. Looking at it now, they seem out of focus, but that's allowing for buildup of the nest.
House #2 was relocated. Last year only insects took up residence in it. It's still been a little cool so far this April. We should see something soon.

Traj

I found a great app for my iPhone called iBird North. There are different programs depending on the region of the US you live in. There is also one for the entire country.
If you have an iPhone or other "smart" phone and have an interest in birds (why else would you be reading this?), check it out. You may never have to refer to another field guide again.

Traj

Shortly after 7 am the birds left the nest.  Unfortunately, the camera's aim was knocked out of position last evening.  

Traj

Today it looked as though one of the birds was going to fledge.  I think it ran out of daylight and lost its nerve.

Traj

It's getting to be quite crowded in the birdhouse.  The rate of growth is unbelievable.  According to what I have read, fledging could take another week or so.  But at least one chick has been spreading its wings a little.  I wonder just how much longer before they leave.

Traj