Three times I had tried to use the Wingscapes Birdcam to take motion-activated images of hummingbirds at my feeders. Each time, a whole day of shooting produced nothing. I had the sensitivity set HIGH, the camera up close and set on the appropriate distance, the number of pictures per event set at between 5 and 10, the aim was right, the rest in between event set at 2min. But no luck. Admittedly it was set up on the shaded side of the house, but I've taken Birdcam pictures in deep shade before.
I talked to Birdcam developer Bart Stephens and my friend Melissa Morgan of Wingscapes while they were at the Wild Birds Unlimited vendor mart; they were very interested in the problem I was having and suggested moving the camera back. They asked me to keep them posted.
Last week, I set up the Birdcam in a position slightly above the feeder (I had previously had it aimed upward toward the feeder). And I moved it back a little, just at about 2 feet. At the end of the day, I checked my memory card with much anticipation: SUCCESS!
I think the difference was the aim of the camera. Aiming at the feeder from below it may have caused the motion sensor to miss the action ABOVE the feeder. Aiming slightly downward from a camera position above the feeder may have helped catch these tremendously fast birds.
I'd be interested in hearing from other Birdcam users about your experiences taking images of hummingbirds.
The Wingscapes Birdcam is available at Wild Birds Unlimited - Saratoga Springs NY and at many other WBU stores across the country and in Canada. By purchasing the Birdcam at your local WBU store, you'll be able to talk to experienced folks, many of whom have tried the Birdcam and would love to share their experiences with you!
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