Our bird feeder cam went online in November 2006 and is located in NE Columbus, Ohio.

We use a Panasonic MiniDV Camcorder to record the image. The Camcorder is connected to an old Sony desktop PC that we have. The software we are using is Willing Webcam. The software is setup to capture an image from the camcorder every 10 seconds and then upload it to our web server via FTP. We have found the software easy to use and reliable.

The camcorder is pointed out the back of our home at our deck, where there are several different types of bird feeders set up. There is a ravine and a small stream behind our home, which is very nice for attracting birds. The birds make use of the stream for fresh water and bathing, and the trees and shrubs provide cover for the birds from the occasional bird of prey.

The feeders were purchased at our local Wild Birds Unlimited store. You will see a large, squirrel-proof hopper feeder and two tube bird feeders. The hopper and the green tube feeder both hold sunflower chips. The yellow tube feeder is filled with nyger (thistle) seed for the finches. We chose sunflower chips to minimize the mess since the feeders are located on our deck.