Bird box with webcam - opinions?

[lizo85]

My parents have a garden which has some regular blackbirds, robins and lots of others too.  Most years they have nests in the garden - usually blackbirds and robins.  Usually they nest in silly places and so we were thinking of buying them a bird box with a webcam so that they can see what goes on (if they can get them to nest in there!) as they get so excited once a nest appears!

This year they had some tragedy with the robins as they decided to nest in the mini greenhouse and something got the fledglings which was very sad (but life I suppose).  This has made us think even more that we should get them a bird box as a present for next year...

My question is does anyone have any experience of these bird boxes with the camera?

Are they just a gimmick or are they worth it?

Can anyone recommend a particular one?

How do you get the birds to nest in them or will they choose it if it is there?

Thanks!

Liz

[lizo85]

[schmelda]

My Dad bought one for my Mum two seasons ago.  Dad always puts a lot of thought and research into his gifts, and in the end I believe he bought a spy camera and then fitted it to a box, rather than a box with a camera already there.  The image is very good, I'm impressed every time we put the TV channel on!

Unfortunately although plenty of birds have had an explore, nobody has nested there since the camera was installed.  But it always has been a hit or miss location, I don't suspect that this is anything to do with the camera. 

It is a wired system, so you'd have to think about how you'd get it hooked up to a TV indoors.

I'll find out what my Dad bought and let you know.

[lizo85]

Thank you, that is useful to consider.  I would appreciate knowing what he got if it produces good pictures etc.

I know how much pleasure my parents get from seeing the birds and I know my mum would just love to see a box with some little chicks in it!

Liz