Raspberry Pi Nature Camera
In 2021 we created our first Raspberry Pi Nature camera to capture images throughout the night using Raspberry Pi 3 with MotionEye OS and a night vision camera module. It worked great and it captured all sorts of creatures through the night in really impressive quality. You can see the best captures of 2021 here: Nature Camera 2021. If you’re interested in building your own camera, take a look at our guide here: Nature Camera Project.
This year I decided to make a second wildlife camera but this time I will be using the Raspberry Pi Zero with a standard Raspberry Pi 1080p HD camera module hidden inside a small bird box. This camera will be used to capture birds feeding during the day around our bird feeder.
Hardware and Software Used:
- Raspberry Pi Zero
- Raspberry Pi 1080p HD Camera Module
- EasyACC Battery Cell
- Wooden Bird Box
- Plastic Stand-off’s
The Box
I mounted the Raspberry Pi Zero on the inside of the box to the back wall using plastic stand-offs. The 1080p HD camera module was mounted in front of the round bird entrance hole. The battery cell was just dropped inside the box for quick access when I needed to swap it and charge it.
First Captures
After making adjustments to the sensitivity of MotionEye OS, and repositioning the box to a prime location, it really started to work perfectly. Here are just a few shots we captured in the first couple of days:
Conclusion
It was another great success, and it captured a lot more than just the birds it was intended for. Infact, Squirrels have actually become the highlight of the show. Stay tuned for the best shots this summer coming soon!
That’s All Folks!
