Peregrine Falcon Monitoring Through Webcams Alan Williams Data Manager, Shenandoah National Park Data Manager, Shenandoah National Park 2008 GIS / Data Management Conference March 31 – April 3, 2008 Fort Collins, CO

Background 1941 ~ 350 peregrine pairs in the Eastern U.S. (Hickey 1942). 80 historic aeries in the Central and Southern Appalachians 24 peregrine aeries in Appalachians of Virginia 1940s through 1960s, widespread use of DDT. 1950s and 1960s decline of peregrines caused by DDT and other factors there were no nesting peregrines east of the Mississippi.

Background (cont) DDT is banned in 1972 and peregrines are placed on the Endangered Species List in Federal & State recovery efforts throughout the East from (Cornell Univ. initiated). From , 130 falcons were released in the mountains of Virginia. 37 peregrines successfully released from SHEN Wild peregrine nest success in 1994, 1996, 1997 Peregrine Falcons removed from the Endangered Species List 1999

Area Overview

Recent activities 59 peregrines successfully released from SHEN young fledged from a wild nest on stony man (only known nest in VA mountains)

Stony Man Mountain Peregrine Falcon Nest Remote monitoring camera system installed 2006 Solar Powered Web accessible ~$2500 set-up

Nest Site Layout & System Waterproof CMOS Bullet Cameras Nest Control Box Image Server Batteries etc Solar Panels Antennas (POE) Valley Access Point WWW

View from the Mountain

Network Links Stony Man Nest Site Valley Access Point Park HQ Skyland Lodge 7 miles

Wi-Fi Antennas

Wi-fi radios Engenius / Senao Wireless Client Bridge / Access Point (200mw)

Solar Panels

Control Box 12volt system 2 deep cycle marine batteries Rubbermaid Action Packer

Control Box Components Ethernet Switch Axis Image Server Solar Charge Controller Programmable Timer (12 v)

Cameras Waterproof CMOS Bullet Cameras Stuck to the rock with electricians putty

Image Server Interface

Image Server Features Scheduled and motion triggered images ed or sent via FTP WGet utility also used to ‘pull’ images from server for web site

Remote System Monitoring

Example Images

Public Web Site

Resources Pasadena Networks, LLC carries a wide selection of wireless networking equipment. Invictus Networks, LLC wireless systems and support. NORTHWEST POWER CO, LLC Solar equipment and supplies. SecurityCameraWorld.com Good selections of camers and cables etc.

Questions… Alan Williams Ecologist / Data Manager Natural Resources - NCR Shenandoah National Park 3655 USHWY 211 E Luray, VA Phone: Monitor Link Server Link

Thanks to the project supporters Project supporters: Shenandoah National Park Shenandoah National Park Association (SNPA) Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) ARAMARK (park concessioner) The Center for Conservation Biology Virginia Department of Transportation Web Support: Virginia Coast Reserve Long-Term Ecological Research Virginia Coast Reserve Long-Term Ecological Research