Time Lapse Helps Detect Nesters

I've been convinced that there has been nesting activity in my newest nest box since early April, but I've had no photographic proof. Rather than disturb the site, I took advantage of the time lapse mode on my BirdCam to sniff out activity at a distance (approx. 25 feet), beyond the reach of the infrared sensor. I had pictures taken at 2 minute intervals throughout Sunday. To be sure, the odds of getting conclusive photographs were on the low side, but I reasoned that repeated samplings should come up with some data and in fact I did walk away with six pictures out of 286 overall (a 2% success rate) that showed birds very close to or at the entrance of the bird box. The photo to the right identified the species. I was able to zoom in on the bird silhouted against the box at left center. I have nesting Tufted Titmice, it appears! This looks like our only nest activity for the early spring, as the other six boxes are apparently lifeless. So, I have another perfect application for Time Lapse, and the answer to a nagging question.