USE OF FIBERSCOPE FOR EXAMINING CAVITY NESTS

A system is described that uses a fiberscope to view nests in cavities to provide detailed information on eggs and nestlings. The flexible p robe can be inserted around bends, and the tip articulates to allow vi ewing of the entire cavity and nest A light guide bundle furnishes lig ht to enable viewing of dark cavities and optical fibers transmit the image from the lens to the eyepiece. Using the fiberscope, we were abl e to get accurate egg counts and to see details of the nestlings that indicated age and development, including feather growth and whether th e eyes were open. Nest checks were also quicker than using the standar d light and mirror apparatus. Drawbacks include cost and, possibly, du rabilty.