HappyBirds.hu
Blue-and-Gold Macaw
Our experience with keeping and breeding Blue-and-Gold Macaws.
Read moreInstalling Cameras in Parrot Nest Boxes
We have been working with parrots for more than two decades, including rare species that require advanced care and attention. For us, it has always been essential not only to provide them with the right environment, but to truly understand how they live and behave in their own natural rhythm — especially during the breeding season. Modern camera monitoring technology helps us achieve this. With discreet nest-box cameras, we can observe the entire breeding process — from egg laying and chick development to pair bonding and daily behavior — without disturbance and without any direct human presence.
The installation of the system was preceded by careful planning. We ensured a stable internet connection throughout the entire aviary and birdhouse area, so the cameras are always accessible online. After extensive research, we selected cameras that perfectly meet the needs of the birds — compact, silent, without unnecessary lights, and designed not to disturb the nest occupants. Each camera is connected to a mobile application, allowing us to monitor the nest activity anytime and anywhere, even directly from a smartphone.
For experimental purposes, we tested several types of night vision technologies. Although no scientific consensus exists regarding how birds perceive infrared light, our observations showed that 850 nm IR illumination with a faint red glow did not disturb them. However, we ultimately achieved excellent image quality using normal daylight and minimal nighttime lighting, so we currently do not use separate night vision mode. In our outdoor aviaries, we use rotatable, motion-sensing cameras that automatically record when and how long each pair stays near the nest box. By reviewing this footage, we can better understand the early stages of breeding, the frequency of visits, and the pair’s attachment to the nest site.
Our goal has never been simply to “watch” the birds. We built this system to truly get closer to them — not just to care for them, but to understand them on a deeper level. Every observation and every recording helps us become more responsible and knowledgeable caretakers. With my wife’s background in biology and our continuously expanding dataset, we are gaining an increasingly complete understanding of the natural behavior and breeding patterns of different parrot species.
