In 2016 we fitted four cameras at the Little Owl site as a trial. These worked well, so this encouraged us to install cameras in the rest of the nest boxes.
After considering camera cost and quality of the footage required, we decided due to the sheer number of boxes, that a £7 mini 720p analogue camera was adequate, there described on amazon as "Mini Video Color CCTV SPY Security Surveillance Camera".
One thing to bear in mind is that without natural or artificial light the high resolution colour cameras drop down the video quality and revert to black and white in darkness. As most of the boxes are for Owls. we decided that using digital 4k/1080p colour cameras would be overkill, and considering that all the boxes are in remote locations, powering them via the mains supply would be a problem.
So how did we power all those cameras? we use a CCTV Tester, this great little gadget has a built in screen and its rechargeable built in battery can power your camera for approx 2 hours. Remember we didn't need to record the footage at all boxes so this was the ideal solution (although this is easy with a 12v Digital Video Recorder DVR). The tester is listed as " 4.3" 12V TFT LCD Audio Video Security Tester CCTV Camera AHD UTP Test Monitor" on the import side banggood dot com for approx £40 free post, or you can pay about £20 more and purchase it from Amazon.
Next was the wiring, because the cameras are analogue the cables pretty cheap. We carefully routed the cable to a location away from the nest box. This enabled us to build a foliage screen or to erect pop-up hide to hide well out of view. Make sure you protect the cable with old hose pipe etc so stop gnawing rodents.
Winters the best time of year to install the camera if the nest is used every year, if your installing in an existing box give it a good clean out and check the box for leaks and repair.
Fitting the Camera, you'll need to remove the two small screws first that hold the bracket to the camera and slot the bolt through, i use M6 roofing bolts keeping the head at the bracket (30mm long should do most boxes). Tighten the small screws up enough till you can hardly adjust the camera, pointing it down about 45degrees. Pick a central location on the widest side (usually the back) mounting the camera as high up as possible (make sure you can reach inside to adjust the angle and focus). Take into account the thickness of the roof, the hole wants to be approx 40mm further down. The label on the camera is the orientation if its upside down the camera will be. Push the bolt through the box hole and tighten.
Next you'll need to drill a hole for the audio/video/power cable to exit the box, use a 15mm "flat wood drill bit" and thread the cable out. At this point you could connect the cable up temporary and test to check the angle and focus, to focus just rotate the front of the lens until its sharp.
Finishing off, use "self amalgamating" tape to seal the cable joints, and silicone sealant for the hole. Sprinkle about 50mm of wood chippings on the floor, this will help the owls eggs, although they will shred there pellets to provide an insulated floor. Route the cable under any edges trying to keep it out the way of squirrels, use the correct "U" shaped staple gun, dont use any without the groove as some will crush the cable (i use the Arrow T25 Wiring Tacker Gun). Route the cable down to ground level and along to your viewing location, House etc.
You must remember not to disturb any nesting birds especially Schedule 1 Barn Owls etc.
Below is the connected setup we use.
Mini CCTV camera showing bracket
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