We installed two camera traps in the Big Pond and one in the Water Lily Pond just to see what we would get. We also put one by the swimming pool, but unfortunately I forgot to turn it on!
We are using a very simple camera. We like that it works on AA batteries. Note: get the Energizer batteries! They really outlast the non-branded ones. This camera doesn’t connect to wifi. You just leave it in place, then go back and physically remove the cards and then go through all the photos! There were thousands of photos!
This is what we got:
Ducks feeding
There are two kinds of ducks when it comes to the way they get their food. The dabblers and the divers. Philippine Ducks are dabbling ducks. We have a lot of photos of Philippine Ducks feeding in the same exact spot!
Bayawak!
It was just swimming. I don’t know if they can eat ducks. We also saw it sunning itself on the spillway when we visited.
Two kinds of Kingfishers
The first picture is a Common Kingfisher, the second is a Buff Throated Kingfisher.
Close up of the brown hybrid duck
We saw this duck in September. I thought it was a black duck. It turns out to be brown with very nice markings!
Purple Heron close ups
We think this is is our one and only Purple Heron that has been around since the early days of the farm refuge.
Little Grebe!
Very nice to see a Little Grebe in the Big Pond. We didn’t see it when we visited and inspected the ponds, so it’s nice to know that it’s there!
Next time I will try to set up the camera at the Water Lily Pond closer to the water. The photos come out much better if the camera is nearer to the subject. Otherwise, even the colors of the birds don’t come out clearly.
