A new audio-visual technique for effectively monitoring nest predation and the behaviour of nesting birds
Diane Colombelli-Négrel A , Jeremy Robertson A B and Sonia Kleindorfer AA School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: jeremy.robertson@flinders.edu.au
Emu 109(1) 83-88 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU08048
Submitted: 16 September 2008 Accepted: 17 December 2008 Published: 10 March 2009
Abstract
Effective monitoring techniques are vital to understanding a range of behaviours and their consequences for evolution of life histories. Video and photographic monitoring is regularly used but rarely with audio monitoring even though it can identify birds or predators off-camera, and detect alarm calls and songs. We developed a 4-channel audio-visual recording system to continuously monitor the nests of Superb Fairy-wrens (Malurus cyaneus). This innovative system worked autonomously for 3 days and identified repeat visits by some predators, detected nest predation by Grey Currawong (Strepera versicolor) and two rodents, and provided new insights into nest defence, provisioning rates, vocalisations of parents and nestlings and interactions between them.
Acknowledgements
We thank the Australian Research Council, Department for Environment and Heritage, Mark Mitchell Foundation, Holsworth Foundation, and Nature Foundation of South Australia for financial support. The Animal Welfare Committee, Flinders University, and the Department for Environment and Heritage approved the research. Thanks to Chris Evans and David Wilson at the Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour, Macquarie University, for very helpful advice. Doug Butler suggested we consider a generator for power. Ian Rogers at Waikerie Honda modified the generator and had many helpful suggestions. Thanks to Hafiz Stewart and John Bracken at the Department of Environment and Heritage for advice on fire regulations.
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