DIY, No-Subscription Options

Don't want to pay a subscription to a cloud service and still capture local critter action around your home? There are options available, including the No-Plan option from Amazon for the Blink system but it is very limiting. You can compare the various Blink plans and decide for yourself.

If you'd rather investigate other options, I have done a little homework for you below. I have used most of the methods listed, and one of them was how I captured clips and images for my early "critter cam" videos on YouTube.

Wired cameras with live view and potential recording ability

These methods require that you run a cable (power and signal) from your nest box camera to your television or monitor video input, VCR or DVD recorder.

Wired with live view option #1: "spy camera" connected to a TV and/or video recording device such as a DVR or DVD recorder.

Equipment cost: under or around $100 to purchase a wired "spy camera" with basic IR illumination and a long (at least 50' depending on your needs). This also assumes you already have a TV/monitor with RCA video input connectors or DVR, or DVC recorder.

The connections for this method are usually a single RCA connector for video, an RCA connector for recording audio (if the camera has it) and power adapter plugged into a wall outlet.

This method does not have any automated method for motion detection and recording triggering. You have to observe the goings-on in real time and start recording manually when interesting things happen. This is the simplest most cost-effective way to capture nest box activities and it is how I obtained all the video footage from inside the nest box for the "Oak Titmice Raise A Family" video on my YouTube channel.

Wired with live view option #2: "spy camera" or web cam and PC security software such as Blue Iris, iSpy and ZoneMinder.

Equipment cost: Similar to method 1. This method may also involve using "video capture card" or "TV converter" which are not expensive, but can be tricky to set up. If your camera is USB, it may be easier. None of the applications listed above require a subscription service for essential functionality but you may need to purchase a one-time user license. This method is a more advanced version of method #1. It will allow you to set up motion detection and triggering of video recording but getting all the software settings right will take some trial and error.

Wireless methods without live view

Wireless without real-time or live view option #1: Wire-free security camera with local storage.

Equipment cost: around or under $100.

This method involves setting up battery-powered "wire-free" camera available with basic local storage of clips on SD or Micro SD cards. Make sure you obtain one that is designated as an "outdoor" camera, with some weather resistance. Alternatively, if you're handy, you can probably construct a protective enclosure for it, similar to my own BlinkMOD product that I sell from this website via Etsy.

Wireless without real-time or live view option #2: Use a trail camera to capture your clips. 

Equipment cost: likely over $150 for better features and video/photo quality.

This method allows much more flexibility regarding location. It doesn't require any additional equipment, software or hardware. It will be a bit more challenging to get  a view inside the nest box due to the trail camera bulk. You will also need to regularly check it and change batteries which may disturb nesting birds. Some trail cameras have an external power connector which helps immeasurably in such a situation. A bit of handy DIY may also result in a perfectly usable self-contained solution. Trail cameras are very useful and versatile.