Long time no post..

Blogger is back....
The handykam.com blogger blog is back. The reason for its absence is that we have been concentrating on content to our website. However, we have asked to bring it back. Also, we have so much to share with everyone and thought it was good to get back to sharing the latest handykam.com, camera and technology news....Please follow this blog for more really useful information.

Camera bird box features - bird box clip

Features of handykam.com camera bird box - securing clip
Most of our bird boxes and camera bird boxes come with a secure clip. This is a high grade plastic latch which is attached to the lid and is secured to the box by a brass panel pin. Why have this feature I hear you ask. Well, with a clip you are able to secure the lid down with the worry of wind lifting the lid or more importantly stopping predation. A lot of squirrels are very intelligent and can easily get into a camera nest box. With this feature, the box is secure to allow a bird to raise a brood safely.

The latch is a high quality UV protective plastic. The nail is a stainless steel or brass tack, designed to last for a long time. Another great feature of our boxes.

More information
All types of boxes
Wired camera bird box
Wireless camera bird box

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Bird box latch, clasp, lock, clip

Camera bird box features - Ventilation holes

Features of handykam.com camera bird box - Ventilation holes

All our camera bird boxes come with 5mm holes drilled into the base. This helps circulation of air during throughout the box as well as drainage if there was any sudden flooding or leakage from nesting material.

With ventilation holes the boxes temperature is regulated thus helping the success rate of broods.

More information
Wired camera bird box
Wireless camera bird box

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Bird box base, bottom, holes, ventilation, drainage, bird boxes

Feeding birds over Christmas

The weather seems to be getting worse every year and as we arrive at Christmas. It seems it is not getting any better either. This may be an 'age thing' to say this, but evidence does show that we are getting more extremes in conditions. Nobody knows this more than our native songbirds. Every day, rain or shine, they have to get up and find a huge volume of food every day. It is like sleeping on a park bench and having to find food with no wallet, phone or fridge. Birds do need to eat regularly as they are very active, lose a lot of heat through being small and having a huge surface area. Having extremes of weather can really make it a challenge for birds.

Down but not out
Certain bird numbers have reduced. In fact, sparrows have got to record lows as feeding habitats have changed. There has been research that over the years we have cleaned up our gardens and reduced natural feeding corridors for birds. By feeding birds you could be helping make the difference to numbers. Some say that by feeding, we are interfering with nature. The fact is that everything we do we are effecting habitats already. By feeding birds you are at least giving them a chance to survive in ever challenging times.

Save and enjoy
While you are feeding, why not monitor and enjoy them by using a mini camera. With a camera bird feeder you can keep an eye on your bird numbers as well as enjoy them too. They are a fantastic way of getting really close to your birds from the comfort of your own home.

Go for it, spare a little food over the festive period. There has never been a better time than now It may make the difference this winter and beyond.

More informationCamera bird feeders and feeders with cameras

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birds, feeding, Christmas, xmas, feeders, feeder, feeding birds,

Christmas - Top 3 tips on finding the best camera bird box

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. It is a great time to celebrate and reflect on a hectic year with family and friends. One of the hardest jobs is to find perfect gifts for everyone. At handykam.com, we have had years of supplying the perfect gifts. We pride ourselves in helping people choose the best camera bird box, wildlife or trail cameras available. Not only do we help choose the perfect gift, we also offer them at a great price, including everything you need too. A perfect gift for you, the recipient and the birds too.

However, here are some vital tips on choosing the best camera bird box system.

TIP 1 – Quality
Look at a few bird boxes and compare the quality. Try to examine the build, finish, waterproofing, lastability etc. All handykam.com boxes are made out of high quality 19mm cedar or pine. The boxes are crafted in our Cornish workshops from guys with years of experience. We design boxes that not only suitable for all our songbirds but designed to last.

TIP 2 – Value for money
Look at what is included in your kit for the price. Some kits simply just include a camera with an ordinary bird box. All handykam.com boxes are slightly bigger than average boxes to help the birds raise their brood as well as giving you the best camera view. We also include everything in the kit so you don’t have to zoom around buying extra bits to get started. This allows you to site your box in many ways.

TIP 3 – Hidden bonus extras
Look for the hidden extra benefits. At handykam.com, we go beyond the norm and include lots of little extras including hole sizers, tree protectors, fixtures and fittings etc. Another bonus is that we include a wonderful manual with easy to follow instructions, offers on delivery and unrivalled help and support for years to come.
Hopefully, with these tips you are able to find the best camera bird box. Don’t forget at handykam.com we have everything instock and FREE delivery too. It can’t get better than that.

More information
Camera bird boxes and camera nest boxes
Trail cameras and camera traps
Wildlife cameras
Why choose handykam first.

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bird box cameras, camera nest boxes, Christmas presents, xmas wildlife gifts, xmas wildlife presents.

Choosing the perfect camera bird box camera gift

Choosing the right camera bird box gift can be a real challenge. At http://www.handykam.com we have many years of experience and there is loads of options. There are many questions that you need to ask like:

• What birds would you like to attract?
• Where are you planning to locate the box?
• Would you like wired or wireless cameras?

There are so many questions and at handykam.com we can help. Please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help.

More information
Wired camera bird box cameras
Wireless camera bird box cameras
Camera kits

Helping birds enjoy camera bird boxes

We spend many hours choosing a camera bird box, positioning them in order to help save and enjoy our birds. A great way to make sure you keep enjoying your birds is to:

• Keep an eye where you are putting food. By putting food near a nest box, you potentially attracting a threat to your camera bird box.
• Keep monitoring your camera to check the welfare of your birds and spot any potential threats.
• Keep an eye out for domestic cats. Research shows that they are amongst the biggest threats to nesting birds. Try to keep your box high enough and away from any cat runs. If you are having trouble with cats, try cat repellent and visual deterrents.
• Keep an eye from bird predation. There are some birds like woodpeckers like nothing better than small chicks to feed their young. They tend to bash through the sides of a bird box in order to get to the nest. Try protecting your bird box with hole protectors or a predator guard kit.
• Keep an eye for pests and non native plants. These can have an effect on certain birds.
• Keep an eye on grotty feeders and feeding stations. Regularly cleaning them can cut down pests and diseases being carried to nest boxes. At the end of nesting season, a good idea is to clean out bird boxes
• Keep an eye out for flying birds. A good idea is to place stickers on windows to help stop them flying into them.

More information
Camera bird box systems
Predator kits

Top 5 reasons why you should get a bird box camera

Camera bird boxes or camera nest boxes have revolutionised the way we watch and enjoy our wildlife. There are many benefits from having them including:

Top 5 reasons to have a camera bird box

1) Habitats - There is a huge shortage in the number of birds in the UK. It is reported that we have lost over 40 million birds over recent years. This apparently due to the reduction in habitats including quality nesting sites. By having a bird box camera, you are helping give them a warm, secure home to nest in. With a camera you can measure how effective it has been. 2) Reproduction - Nesting boxes are needed to help birds reproduce. With over 60 species requiring nesting boxes, they can really make the difference when attracting a mate and raising a brood. With a camera you are able to keep an eye on their welfare. 3) Enjoyment – Having a camera bird box is incredibly enjoyable. There is nothing better than watching a bird attract a mate, build a nest and raise a brood. 4) TV – Having a camera bird box is like having your own wildlife channel in your living room. Being able to keep an eye on your wildlife can be incredibly rewarding and in many ways, better than TV. 5) Gifts – A bird box camera makes a fantastic gift for all ages. The plug in a play systems are very easy to use and install. They are an alternative gift that perfect for family, friends as well as your birds too. Go for it order a bird box camera today.

More information
Wired bird box cameras
Wireless bird box cameras
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birdbox benefits, habitat loss, bird numbers, helping birds, camera bird box.

Perfect gift for parents - Bird box cameras

Over the years we get a lot of people asking what they can give their parents for Christmas. Sometimes we spend hours racking our brains trying to find that perfect gift. It can seem really hard to find something a little different they can enjoy for years to come. Worry ye not, we have saved you pulling your hair out.

Have you thought about a camera bird box from Handykam.com? They come with everything included from fully assembled hand made box, high quality camera to even the fixtures and fittings. Our boxes are really easy to use and install. With its plug in and play technology, they'll be enjoying all the action on their TV in minutes. We have a wide range to choose from including wired and wireless boxes, suitable for all our native songbirds. Imaging the delight when they receive a camera bird box for the first time? We get many hundreds of non bird lovers really getting addicted to the live story that unfolds in their very own garden. The camera bird box is a perfect gift and best thing they just keep giving month after month. Go on treat your parents to a perfect gift this Christmas.

More info
Camera bird boxes and camera nest boxes
Camera kits for your own bird box

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I'm a celebrity get me out of here cameras with helen flanagan

Another year, another bunch of celeb flown to a Queensland jungle for I’m a celebrity get me out of here. From the very first show, the programme producers have opted to use GoPro camera, allowing you to get a celebs eye view of the thrills and spills in the jungle.

This is no more evident than the first show, where Helen Flanagan struggled with heights as she needed to cross a ravine. The GoPro cameras were mounted to helmets and film in 100% broadcast HD video including audio. Here at handykam, we are registered sellers of GoPro action cameras. They can easily mounted to cars, bikes as well as helmets, giving everyone a HD hands free view

More info
I'm a celebrity, get me out of here in a LIVE show on ITV1.
Complete range of GoPro Hero cameras

Ideal Christmas gifts for parents: Bird box cameras, wildlife cams and trail cameras

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for parents shouldn't have to be that hard. At handykam.com we have a wide range of gifts to suit every budget. Most of the gifts represent value for money as they are often used every day for several years to come. If your parents have a passion for their garden, interest in wildlife or would love a unique gift, here are some ideas for you.

Bird box cameras A complete bird box camera system comes with everything you need to enjoy birds in your garden. The plug in and play nest cam allows anyone to set up and enjoy their birds very quickly. All they do is turn on their TV or computer and witness the magic of birds mating, nesting and raising a brood right for their eyes.

Wildlife cameras and trail cameras Watch hedgehogs, foxes, badgers and more with a range of handykam.com camera systems. They are incredibly easy to use. Have a camera streaming live footage to your TV or computer and watch and record the action as it happens. Alternatively, you can get a trail camera. This is a remote camera that can be placed in the garden and records only when an animal moves in front of the camera. Part of the magic is seeing what is recorded the next day.

So whether you are getting a bird box camera system, wildlife camera or trail camera, we have a wide range to choose from. Don’t worry, they will simply enjoy any system for many years to come. However, we must warn you that they are very addictive and you will thanked many times as they enjoy their wildlife.

More info
Complete range of bird box camera systems
Complete range of wildlife cameras
Complete range of trail cameras

Bird box camera - A perfect gift

Not sure what to get someone who has everything? Why not get them a bird box camera system. We send many thousands of camera kits for people giving them as thrilling gifts.

Virtually every lucky recipient is bowled over when they unwrap their special gift. The nice thing with a complete bird box camera system is that it comes with everything you need in one box. It is extremely easy to use and install. All they do is unpack the system, follow the easy to read instructions and enjoy. When they are watching TV, they can quickly see what is happening in there bird box with a click of the remote.

The nicest thing about nest box camera systems is that they are a perfect gift and keep giving. For year after year, they can be enjoyed from the comfort of their armchair.

More information
Wired bird box cameras
Wireless bird box cameras

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Perfect gift, ideal garden gift, ideal present, gift for parents, birthday gift, anniversary gift,

Choosing a good bird box camera

Good bird box cameras should have certain characteristics that allow you to get maximum enjoyment from watching your birds. Over the years, Handykam have developed many features to our nest box cameras over the years. We now sell them either as complete bird box camera kits or as complete bird box camera kits.

So what is it and what do you need?
A bird box camera is a small camera that is placed in a bird box allowing you to watch and listen the delights of nesting birds. Most bird box cameras have the following key features:

• Small size to fit into a bird box easily
• Good optics to allow you to get the best out of the camera
• Focusable and interchangeable lenses
• Solid robust design, stopping any potential damage from birds if they were to nibble at the camera
• Swivel and tilt bracket for ease of positioning
• Secure and quick release fixings
• LDR light sensor to turn on off IR lights
• Small sensitive microphone
• Easy to connect connectors

There is nothing better than seeing a bird attract a mate to the nest box, build a nest, lay eggs, watch the eggs hatch and the chicks grow before witnessing them fledge right before your eyes. Its like having your own wildlife channel.
Also, don't forget in order to get the best out of your bird box camera, you need a good cables, power supply and camera bird box too. If this is all too much to work out you can always get a complete bird box camera system.

Handykam bird box cameras, nest box cameras are ideal for watching birds. We have spent many years making good quality cameras that are easy to use and install.

More information
Check out our complete bird box camera kits
Check out our bird box camera kits

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Olympics village on time-lapse camera

It is amazing to think that within a couple of years 67 blocks were built for all the 16,000 Olympic athletes! How did they do that in such short space of time. Well, now you can see a wonderful time-lapse of the big build. You can see the whole process in minutes.

Included in the build is all the facilities including shops, restaurants, and medical and leisure centres. After the Games it will be transformed into 2,818 new homes, including 1,379 affordable homes and houses for sale and rent after the games.
If you would like to time-lapse record an event, build, occasion, all you need is a time-lapse camera.

More information
Timelapse camera or time-lapse camera
Olympic information

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Timelapse camera, time-lapse camera, building camera, olympics camera.

GoPro Hero camera used on BBC worlds most dangerous roads.

Filming a car journey is a great way to document the thrills and spills of your adventure.  GoPro hero cameras are perfect for attaching onto a car, bike or 4 x 4 and recording in perfect HD. There is no better example of this than BBC 2 Worlds Most Dangerous Road where Sue Perkins and Liza Tarbuck drive the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Check out our GoPro cameras for more.

Keywords to help search
GoPro Hero, Go Pro, Gopro cameras, gopro rock climbing cam, rock climbing camera, rock climbing cam.

More info
GoPro action cameras and GoPro climbing cameras

GoPro Hero camera used on BBC Countryfile

Climbing is fun and exhilrating at the best of times. One way to enjoy climbing is to record it on a GoPro hero camera. The camera films in perfect HD on to an SD card, running off AA batteries. A good example was on BBC countryfile, where Julia Bradbury was scrambling up a rock face in Snowdonia. GoPro cameras are perfect as they record all the action for several hours. You can then review the high quality video and audio footage in the highest quality possible. Check out our GoPro cameras for more.

Keywords to help search
GoPro Hero, Go Pro, Gopro cameras, gopro rock climbing cam, rock climbing camera, rock climbing cam.

More info
GoPro action cameras and GoPro climbing cameras
More from Countryfile on iplayer

New super fast HD wildlife camera?

At handykam we are always looking at new wildlife cameras and nest cameras that can really make the experience more real. HKK have just release a 33-megapixel Super Hi-Vision-format camera. It shoots at a whopping 7580 x 4320 resolution at 120 frames per second. Check it out:

Wow..... we want one.

Handykam GoPro cockpit cameras - AS SEEN on Dave

Sometimes there are documentaries and there are good documentaries. Follow a team of trainee pilots learning to become Bush Pilots on channel Dave. In the show they use GoPRo Hero cameras to film the ups and downs of the cockpit action from Okavango Delta. Well worth the watch. The HD video footage is good for broadcast. Check it out all this week.

More info
Handykam - Buy GoPro Hero2
Bush pilots on Dave – click here

Keywords to help search
GoPro, pilot cams, trainee pilot cam, cockpit camera

Cat camera on The One Show

Great to see the cat camera used on the The One Show tonight (Tuesday 3rd July 2012). In the show they explored the adventures of a cat around a cathederal. Cat cameras or pet cameras are a perfect way to find out what your cat, dog or pet is doing while you are not around. They are a perfect gift for family and friends too.

More info
Handykam cat cam or pet camera
The one show on iplayer – click here

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Cat camera, cat cam, catcam, cat cameras, pet camera

BBC Springwatch 2012

Great to see BBC springwatch is back for another year. This year the team of wildlife experts return filming the delights of Ynys-hir nature reserve in Wales.


The live 3 weekly shows feature all the best from The Great British Wildlife including blue tit cameras, nest box cameras, owl cameras and lots more. If this is not enough, you can tune into the live webcams or the fun filled unsprung showing a few of the behind the scenes footage.

Fancy filming your own wildlife, then why not get your very own wildlife with birdbox camera, wildlife cameras, trail cameras.

More exciting links
Check out the Springwatch live webcams
Check out the Springwatch website
Buy bird box cameras and nest box cameras
Buy wildlife cameras

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Springwatch, BBC Springwatch, nestbox cams, nest cameras, owl cameras, wildlife cameras, outdoor cameras

Amazing pic wins British Wildlife Photography Award - 3rd year in a row!

We have just received news that a good friend of handykam, Doug Mackenzie Dodds has just had great success in the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2011 (BWPA). But wait, this is the third consecutive years of success in a row!

The shot of Malu catching a blackbird chick swept the competition away in the urban wildlife category.

We have long since said that Doug's photography is stunning and great to see him been commended in one of the most prestigious awards around.

Congratulations to Doug and Anna from all at Handykam.com.


Read more
Doug Mackenzie Dodds and his stunning Images - Click here
Daily telegraph article - click here

Words to help search
Photography award, Doug Mackenzie Dodds, BWPA, British Wildlife photography award.

Making your own camera trap or trail camera

Every fancied how to make your own camera trap or trail camera? Well no problem, wired have created a helpful video clip showing you how. All you need is a digital camera, components and a soldering iron and you are away. Check it out:

How to Make a Camera Trap

More trail cameras and camera traps at handykam.com

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Where has summer gone - Enjoy September

September is here. The sun seems disappearing faster and faster and there is a slight little nip in the evening air. Where has our summer gone?  Not to worry, September great time of the year to:

• Enjoy harvesting wild fruit like apples and blackberries
• Enjoy winter arrivals of birds as well as groups of birds swarming to leave
• Help stock up your feeders for the newborn birds that have come along. Don’t forget your bird feeder camera where you can get up an close to them.
• Start to look for signs of Autumn ie leaves changing
• Put a hedgehog box in your garden for hibernating hedgehogs. Don’t forget your hedgehog camera to see them come and go.
• Put up owl boxes to help roosting owls. Don’t forget your owl camera. They are one of the most amazing things to watch and worth every penny.
• Go beachcombing or rockpooling. With the lower tides and the bigger winter swells arriving, the coastline is a wonderful place to explore for various treasures.

These are some of many exciting things you can do in September....Go for it enjoy it.

More wildlife cameras and wildlife articles at handykam.com

Photo copyright - Thanks and check out Vlado's photos on Flickr

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September, signs of autumn, harvest, hibernating

Watch BBC wildlife film - Heligan: Secrets of the Lost Gardens

The Lost Gardens of Heligan are one of most delightful botanical gardens and wildlife in the UK. The wonder of the gardens are captured in a BBC program, produced by Philippa Forrester and filmed by her husband Charlie Hamilton-James.

Heligan, situated in the corner of Cornwall off the the cost of St Austell, was created by the Tremayne family between C18th and C20th. The gardens were later found and restored and now boast a huge range of plants and wildlife.

The program explores a year in the life of Heligan, capturing the magic of its location and features many of the wildlife characters around the 6 miles of gardens. This program is a much watch for 2011. Check it out - click here

Why not create your own wildlife film with mini wildlife cameras and bird box cameras. We have a range of cameras, giving you a magical view of your garden or property

More information
Watch on iplayer - click here
More about Heligan - click here
Wikipedia about heligan - click here
Filmed by Charlie Hamilton-James and produced by Phillipa Forrester of Halcyon media - click here
Wildlife cameras at handykam.com
* © Wikipedia for photo above

Keywords to help search
Heilgan, Lost gardens of Heligan, Heligan gardens, Wildlife, charlie hamilton-james, Philippa Forrester

Rare mammals caught on trail cameras and camera traps

Nice footage of mammals caught on camera traps and trail cameras around the world from BBC Nature. Have a look, it is worth it.

Trail cameras are historically used to record and document animals around the world. Many research institutions are finding them an extremely valuable for monitoring specie numbers and migration patterns. Today, many trail cameras and camera traps are relatively inexpensive and perfect way of monitoring what is happening in your garden or acreage. We currently supply many organisations with these wonderful devices. Check them out and what they can do.

More info
Article from the BBC Nature - click here
Buy a trail camera or camera trap
Compare trail cameras

Keywords to help search
Trail cameras, BBC nature, camera traps, camera trap, trail camera, camera trap research.

Buying the best trail camera or camera trap

There has been a huge change in remote camera technology over the years. In the early days, they were quite big items and bolted onto an old SLR camera. Today, they have a huge amount of features.

We, at handykam.com look at vast array of trail cameras and camera traps from around the world. To help you choose, we have created a FREE trail camera guide, comparing all features including file sizes and resolutions. This is a fast way to choosing the best trail camera or trail camera for your needs.

Read FREE trail camera comparison.


Keywords to help search
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An inspection camera can save your business money

Inspection cameras can inspect areas that have a fault, quickly and easily. This is a perfect device for inspections, plumbers, surveyors and more and can save your business a lot of time and money.

When faced with a technical problem, like a blocked drain or lost cable, this can cost many hours in fault-finding, digging and problem solving. With an inspection camera, you can drill a small hole, view or record the footage on a small screen and quickly diagnose the issue without incurring many hours of work or specials equipment hire.

Handykam.com can supply a range of inspection cameras that quickly allow you to inspect a problem and solve it quickly. Having an inspection camera can save you a considerable amount of money in time and resources. Just drill a hole, pop in camera record and then go. Have a look at how inspection cameras can save your business money. More on inspection cams >>

Read more
Inspection cameras and drain cameras
Inspection cameras on Wikipedia – click here

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inspection camera, inspection cam, pipe camera, sewer camera, pipe cam, pipeline inspection camera

 

Time-lapse video - London olympics 2012

Only a year to go to the Olympics. The size and rate of construction of the buildings is amazing. In order to show this, they installed several time-lapse cameras around Stratford area. These took shots every 5 - 10 mins for a few years. The results are amazing: See clips from the telegraph newspaper below:

London 2012 Olympics: Games architecture takes shape

Why not create your own time-lapse footage with a time lapse project cam. It may not be to the same resolution used on the Olympics cameras, however the camera is jam packed with features and very easy and economical to set up. All you do is take it out the box, pop batteries and a memory card in and set the recording timer to a variety of settings and you are away. Perfect for any development, construction project, exhibition setup etc.

More information
Get a time-lapse camera from handykam
More information about the Olympics time lapse cameras - click here
More information from the Telegraph newspaper - click here

Keywords to help search
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Bee cam, bee webcam inspires 9 year old to take up bee keeping

A nine year old bee enthusiast has been inspired to take up bee keeping, when father sets up a live bee cam. The howling family setup the bee cam and is now also inspiring many others around the world. This is what technology is about. Why not set up your own bee cam and get your friends and family involved.

More information
Create your own bee cam with a camera kit
More about Howling family on BBC - click here
See live Bee Cam - click here
More about bee cams on handykam website

Keywords to help search
Bee cam, beecam, streaming bee cam, bee web cam, bee webcam

When is a gull not a gull? When it is a robot.

From Leonardo da Vinci to modern day, they have been trying to recreate the motion of birds. After many years they may be nearly there. Check this footage out. It is stunning:

A robot that flies like a bird

More information
Great article on the Guardian - Flying bird.
More about Smartbird
More news at handykam.com

Keywords used to help search
flying bird, bird robot, bird technology

A birds eye view

Seagull stole camera and takes it on a shoot across the French Riviera skyline. Check this out....

The camera was placed in a garden only to be picked up by a seagull who then is seen flying to its roost. It is then see investigating the camera with a few pecks! The cameraman, was able to locate the camera only to find that it filmed the whole thing.

Read more:
Small bird cameras
Daily Mail article

Keywords to help search
bird camera, bird cam, seagull camera,

BBC invisible camera

The BBC film unit developed developed a specialist stealth like movable camera positioned behind specialist 2-way mirrors. The camera is operated remotely and is moveable on remote control caterpillar tracks. The mirrors give the illusion of being part of the scenery, therefore animals do not see the technology. They are able to get up and close without the animals spotting the cameras. Wonderful footage, check out the video below:

Rare black bear captured on Invisible camera.
Black Bear Mother and Cubs - Bears - Spy in the Woods - BBC

You can buy mini wildlife cameras and remote trail cameras at handykam.com

Words to help search
small wildlife camera, wild camera, invisible camera

Groups of animals or birds

Isn't the English language amazing? We have terms for groups of things depending on what they are. They call these collective nouns. Here are a few for various animals:

• Badgers - A cete of badgers
• Bats - A colony of bats
• Bears - A sloth of bears
• Bees - A grist, hive, swarm, drift of bees
• Birds - A flock, flight, parcel of birds
• Bitterns - A sedge of bitterns
• Budgerigars - A chatter of budgerigars
• Butterflies - A swarm, rabble of butterflies
• Buzzards - A wake of buzzards
• Caterpillars - An army of caterpillers
• Cubs - A litter of cubs
• Dear - A herd of dear
• Dogs - A pack of dogs
• Doves - A flight of doves
• Eagles - A convocation
• Elk - A herd of elk
• Finches - A charm of finches
• Fish - A shoal, school of fish
• Flies - A cloud
• Geese - A gaggle, flock of geese
• Grasshoppers - A cloud of grasshoppers
• Hares - A husk of hares
• Hedgehogs - An array of hedgehogs
• Horses - A stud, string of horses
• Hounds - A pack of hounds
• Rabbits - A husk of jackrabbits
• Jellyfish - A brood of jellyfish
• Larks - A bevy of larks
• Moose - A herd of moose
• Mosquitoes - A herd of mosquitoes
  
• Nightingales - A watch of nightingales
• Partridges - A covey of partridges
• Pelicans - A pod of pelicans
• Ponies - A drove of ponies
• Rats - A colony, pack, swarm of rats
• Seagulls - A flock of seagulls
• Snakes - A den, bed of snakes
• Tortoises - A creep of tortoises
• Walruses - A herd of walruses
• Whale - A school, pod or whales
• Worms - A clew of worms
• Wrens - A herd of wrens
• Zebras - A herd of zebras

As you can see there is a load of them. All brought to you by handykam.com. The home of wildlife cameras.

Words to help search
Groups of animals, groups of birds, collective nouns of birds, collective nouns of animals.

Bird camera - Radio controlled hummingbird with camera

Imagine flying a hummingbird with a built in camera? Well now you can. This new device created by AeroVironment. The 19 grams, 16cm flying device was designed to fly easily inside and outside a building with the need for wires. Simply amazing. Check out the video:

Wildlife cameras and technology for school national curriculum

Schools have changed since my day. (Showing my age now :) ) Bang goes the blackboard and books. Now, technology is revolutionising the classroom with interactive whiteboards and laptops. One aspect of modern learning is the growing need to interact with the outdoors. Today's curriculum encourages our kids to getting out and learning about wildlife around us. However, with technology, they can see, learn and enjoy about wildlife around us, indoors too.

We have many schools using our bird box cameras, wildlife cameras and more. The nice thing is that our systems are easy to use and fit straight into most school IT structures. Most schools like to opt for a bird box camera (Either wired or wireless) and connect them to their computers with a USB or network via a IP converter. The experience is enhanced with advanced motion capture and we streaming software, where they can glue a live feed into their website as well as back it up on a computer too. Some schools are using advanced wildlife inspection cameras like the Meerkam gadget to find wildlife everywhere and record it for later lessons too.

It is so good that schools and colleges are get using technology to learn and enjoy the natural world around us. Hopefully, helping educate and create a thirst for more budding Chris Packham's and Bill Oddies of the future. Great!

More information
National Curriculum information.
Bird box cameras from handykam
ICT network connection ideas

Thanks to
Thanks to all the schools have bought our systems and all the children we have help.
Thanks to South Wales Argus for good article and image on High tech pupils in Newport using our camera nest boxes.

Keyword to help search
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How to make a bird box

Making a bird box or nest box can be great fun. We should know as we make many thousands every year sending them to all corners of the globe from our unit in Cornwall.

The biggest consideration when making a bird box is deciding what birds you would like to use the box. Most of our domestic songbirds are happy in a box around 15cm-20cm cubed made out of 15cm-19cm of good wood. Birds will certainly nest in most boxes made out of many materials, but a well built box will ensure a new family to use it for many years to come.

First start with a single plank around 150mm x 1170mm. Mark the base, sides, front and roof out off it like the diagram provided. See diagram above.

Fit the box together with nails and screws so they are secure. Also include a couple of holes in the base to allow for drainage and don't include a perch for predators. Include a hinged lid if you want to inspect the camera easily.

Don't forget your bird box camera
Add that little something extra by including a bird box camera. These can be easily fitted by drilling a 5mm hole into the side of the box and fitting one of our wired or wireless cameras to it. The camera are plug in and play, allowing you to monitor and enjoy your birds too. You can also fit windows to your box to allow light into the box, not enough to disturb the birds, but enough for the cameras to see in colour. Perfect....

Go for it, make a bird box today
Making bird boxes are great fun especially with all the family. They are often one of the best, small wooden projects to do as they don't cost a lot and take no time at all. However, you can always buy a complete camera bird box if you pushed for time or it is late in the nesting season. Perfect for you birds and you too.

More info
Please support the BTO - click here
Article on building bird box at BTO - click here
More info on building bird boxes - click here
Handykam bird boxes, nest boxes and camera bird boxes

Credits
Thank you for the BTO for all your good work and picture above.

Keywords to help search
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Choosing a particular bird for your camera bird box.

We are often asked how we can attract certain birds to our camera bird boxes. It really depends on what birds are in your garden, what birds are dominant and the type of bird box you have. A great way is place a multispecies camera bird box in your garden. A handykam.com bird box is perfect as it can be used for most types of our native birds. It has been specifically designed with bird comfort in mind and to all the recommended specifications by the RSPB and BTO.

The key points are to place the box a little bit away from a feeder or feeding station, but with a bit of cover from foliage.  The next key point is to choose whether to have a round entrance hole or open front. Most boxes have a 35mm entrance hole and some camera bird boxes have the ability to remove the middle panel to allow open fronted nesting birds like Wren, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Blackbird, Spotted flycatcher.

With an entrance hole, you have the choice of using a hole sizer or hole protector to help discriminate between certain types of birds. These are metal plates with hole, which can be easily pinned to the entrance hole of the box.  The plates have different sizes that can allow certain bird types to enter the boxes. Here is a guide: Blue tit, Marsh tit, Coal tit – 25mm (1in) Great tit, Tree sparrow, - 28mm (1 1/4in) Nuthatch, House sparrow, Nuthatch – 32mm (1 1/2in)

Choose a hole sizer to match birds you have in your garden and ones you would like to see nesting.

Once sited, leave you camera nest box and keep an eye on it on your TV. Don’t despair if it is not occupied quickly. Most birds take a while to get used to boxes in their territory.

Have fun and enjoy your camera bird box.

More info
Buy a camera bird box
More info about bird boxes from the RSPB – Click here
Build a camera bird box from the BTO – Click here
Keywords to help search
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Winter freeze drives birds to the UK.

Ever wondered why we have many exotic birds on our shores this winter. It turns out that we are awash with fieldfare, redwings, waxwings and more. This may be due to the severe winters in Northern Europe and Russia. Why not replenish your camera feeder or install a camera bird box and enjoy our new winter visitors.

Read more
Interesting guardian article - click here
Picture acknowledgement - © Flickr
Handykam.com - bird box camera
Keywords to help search
Migrating birds, winter birds, bird watching, bird migration, weather effecting birds.

Give a camera bird box on National Nest Box Week 2011

Birds need our help. During the past few years, many of our native birds have seen a decline in numbers. Sadly this is due to changing habitats and feeding patterns and conditions. One major factor has been our unseasonably strange weather patterns over the past few months. Having a nest box, will not only keep them warm, but will help them raise a brood too. Valentines day gift One major way to help reverse the declining numbers is to put up a nest box. As part of  a national campaign, the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) holds National Nest Box Week. This is where they are encouraged to put up a bird box. The campaign starts on valentines day – February 14th 2011 and runs for a week.

Why not get involved.
Read more about bird box week and grab yourself a box. If you want something a little more, why not invest in a wonderful camera bird box. This way you can help your birds and enjoy them too.

Handykam – Supports National Nest Box week. Broods need our help. Adopt a brood today!
More information

Nest box week website – http://www.bto.org/nnbw/index.htm
BTO website – http://www.bto.org
Buy a camera bird box from Handykam.com


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Article based on national bird box week, NBBW, using camera bird boxes and camera nest boxes to help bird numbers this valentines day.

Bird box camera - Connect scart or phono?

We have many customers asking, should we use the scart connector or phono plugs on our nest box camera cable. Good question. This is purely a personal choice.

Scarts are strange shaped plugs with 21 pins. They have become the most common form of connecting av equipment (Like bird box camera cables) to TV's. Most AV equip still has a scart connector, but it will become obsolete when HDMI plugs get popular.

Phono or RCA connectors have been around since 1950's and stood the test of time. They are used for all type of AV equipment and still very popular. Normally the only colours you would use is yellow - video and white - audio.

Both connectors are very good and choice is purely on which one you prefer to use. The ports are often limited on a TV, so a good choice will allow you to connect more AV equipment.

More info
Buy a scart connector - click here
More info about scart connectors - click here
More info about phono connectors - click here

Camera traps find more animals in urban forests

Interestingly, a study into animals in urban areas found that animals seemed to concentrate in mainly urban environments. Could it be the weather, feeding patterns or something else?

When the curator of New York Museum and author with a technology student used camera traps and GPS to document a wide range of wildlife. Camera traps or trail cameras are a perfect way of monitoring animals with disturbing them. They work remotely, triggering a camera through motion sensitive sensor. The footage can then be studied at a later day.

The research shows that through technology there is a lot we can learn and understand about our wildlife and the environment.

Handykam.com is a leading supplier of trail cameras and remote cameras for watching wildlife.

More information
Thanks for the New York Times for the great article and pictures.
More about trail cameras.

Future of wildlife cameras and bird box cameras.

The future is bright, the future is QuantumFilm. This is the new technology that may revolutionise the convention ways of camera sensors. At the moment you get CCD cameras and CMOS cameras. QuantumFilm developed in Toronto.

The technology boasts 4 x the sensitivity with 100% light recorded. The biggest plus is that the cost will be a lot less than conventional light chips.

Can't wait for the release of these. Who knows, we may have a bird box camera with hyper reality, making you feel you are in there with them.
Read more
The article was based on this - click here
Thanks CNET/InVisage technologies for pic. 

About Handykam.com
Leading company in bird box cameras, wildlife cameras and inspection cameras.

Bear bashes £130,000 bear cam

Bear smashes 130,000 remote bear camera while filming a documentary for the BBC.

Wildlife documentaries like 'Polar Bear: Spy On The Ice' are increasingly looking at ways to use camera technology to learn more about the wildlife around us. With a camera you are able to get up close especially if it is disguised as a iceberg or snowball. Sometimes, animals outwit man, however, cameras are getting smaller and more discreet and becoming impossible to spot.

Make your own covert camera for filming
Why not make a wildlife covert cameras to monitor your wildlife or use a trail camera for remote recording.

Keywords to help search
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Bird box camera - Streaming cams...you gotta see these

There are many good quality bird box camera websites out there. We often dip into their live streams to see how well they are doing and if there is any live action. Bird box cameras are a great way to watch a hidden world of birds. Often not seen or heard, a bird box camera can pick up the most hidden secrets of birds from communicating, mating, building nests, laying eggs and fledging. Check out these sites and bookmark them for future.

• My forest home bird box cameras
• Molly live owl camera
• Live eagle nest camera
• Pot plant owl nest cam
• Kestrel bird cam
• More to follow
  

Would like a bird box camera?
If you want a bird box camera then check out our wired bird box cameras, wireless nest box cameras.

Keywords to help search
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Oldest bird found

Spanish palaeontologists may have uncoverered a dinosaur with the earliest evidence of feather follicles. The animal named 'Concavenator corcovatus' is a type of theropod and found around 100-146 million years ago. If only they had bird camera to see what they looked like.

Read more
Oldest bird - BBC website

*Image copyright - BBC

Keywords to help search
Oldest bird, old birds, first birds

Make a bird out of paper: Paper crane

Make a paper crane in origami. Great fun making birds out of paper.

A perfect project for children too. Check out the paper cranes

Keywords to help search
Origami, paper cranes, paper birds,

Covert cameras used for caring

In the US over 90% of old people wanted to stay in their homes as they got older. There is a growing need to use cameras to monitor the elder generation. So called telecaregivers, people who help the elderly remotely by watching in-house cameras and offering advice. Its a great use of cameras and ultimately to help elderly relatives.

Why not use one of our covert cameras to monitor your home.

More about cameras used for caring.

Keywords to help search
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Bird box camera images, nest box camera images

Over the years, we have taken a few photos of bird box cameras and nest box cameras. Here are a few of them:

Bird box camera images

Bird box camera with black and white camera	Camera bird box and colour camera	Bird box camera and high resolution colour camera
Cedar bird box camera and camera feeder	Cedar bird box camera and colour camera	Wireless bird box camera

Keywords to help search
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Inspection camera as used on Help my house is falling down

Inspection cameras are a great way to survey old properties. Often a property is very hard to fully survey without the use of inspection cameras.

With an inspection camera you can do:
pipe inspections and surveys
drain inspections and surveys
structural and building inspections
chimney inspections and surveys

With a inspection camera system Sarah Beeny would be proud of you. The kit is perfect for professionals from builders, plumbers, surveyors, architects, chimney inspectors, maintenance men and more. Once bought it will save you hundreds of hours and 1000's of pounds too.

Check out the inspection cameras on the Handykam website.

Keywords for search
Inspection camera, drain cameras, pipe cameras, drain inspections, chimney inspections, camera inspections, structural survey equipment, building inspections, help my house is falling down, camera surveys, sewer cams, sewer cameras

Waterproof your bird box and wildlife camera connectors

Having cables exposed to the elements could cause corrosion and loss of quality. Worry no more as we are now selling special waterproofing amalgamation tape to stop this from happening. This is a must for outdoor wildlife cameras.

Keywords to help search
waterproof connectors, waterproof tape, connector tape, bird box connectors

Brand new wildlife camera shelter launched from Handykam.com

Yet another innovative product by Handykam. This is a camera shelter allowing you to use your small bird box camera outside to film wildlife in all weathers. The hand made Cornish cedar is perfect for keeping the worst of the weather off your camera and connectors.

Now you can extend the use of your bird box camera or wildlife camera to be used outside. The shelter comes with a bracket and can be positioned in virtually any position.


This is perfect for:

• Open nesting birds
• Hard to reach wildlife
• Feeding stations
• Pointing at bird box entrances

This is a perfect gift for anyone of all ages.

Read more about the camera shelter

Keywords to help search
camera shelter, camera protection, weatherproof camera box, outdoor wildlife camera box, weatherproof wildlife camera box.

Perfect gardening birthday gift?

Sometimes buying gifts are really hard. Faced with isles of disposable gifts can really turn the fun part of buying a gift a chore. Not to worry as we have a great selection of garden gifts that are perfect for males to females, children to elderly, couples to singles.

Our ideal gifts are beautifully made and give lots of pleasure for years to come. Have a look at our products as they represent value for money and are wonderful to receive for the special day.

Bird box camera
Wildlife cameras
Feeder cameras
Other gardening gifts

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Old bird boxes and nest boxes

Have you seen an old bird box, nest box lately?
Most bird boxes don't tend to last very long. Often they are are well seasoned and weathered.

Handykam bird boxes are built to last for many years. Most of our boxes are made out of 19mm wood and designed out of long lasting Cornish cedar or treated (outside) tough pine. Why not update your box, give a  brood a home and maybe pop a camera in there too.

[Great shot by aiddy on Flickr © All Rights Reserved ]

Keywords to help search
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