Birds-eye view of nests

Jul 21 2005 Irvine Herald

A KEEN bird spotter has developed a CCTV system to keep nests safe.

Peter Laing had developed the Port@Cam for security use around homes and businesses but when he began using the camera in his own backdoor to keep an eye on birds and squirrels, he realised it would be of benefit to other nature lovers.

Peter, of Kilmarnock said: “As the Port@Cam is small and waterproof it is great as a wildlife camera, for example, you can have your very own Bird Watching channel on your own TV, or why not put the picture onto the internet and tell your friends to check in and watch your very own nature TV channel.

“It’s also a great way of keeping an eye on your animals and making sure they’re safe, it certainly opens up a new world for the housebound or bedridden.”

The flexible camera comes complete with a special stand which allows it to be easily clamped to a tree branch using a tree-friendly system, sits indoors looking out a window using the built-in, self-standing tripod, easily clamps on to a roof gutter or outdoor window ledge without drilling. Peter said: “It’s also a great way for beginners to get into bird watching. And I’ve had a lot of interest from farmers who want to keep an eye on livestock.”