Trail Cameras

Generally, I cover only nature subjects for TW Topics. This month, I’m doing it again. I will talk about the trail cameras I use, how I use them, and what the images I collect are used for. But with an additional request.

In addition to the cameras I operate to observe wildlife around here, I also operate several cameras to protect TW property. Sometimes they serve both purposes. My problem is that I am the only one doing this and can use some help. I’m looking for one or two residents with golf carts who want to volunteer as backup and help operate the cameras that protect TW property when I am not able, maybe more if you’d like. After some short training, it would involve, at most, about 2 hours over a fortnight (2 weeks). All that is involved is checking the cameras to be sure they are working, and the batteries are charged. The only time I check what the camera has recorded is if something happened that we want to check. Please contact me at the email address below if you want to learn more or have questions.

Now, the trailcams I operate for my pleasure are generally placed in wooded areas that residents don’t usually walk. The human trails in the woods are used by the wildlife, so sometimes adventurous folks do get their pictures taken. I try to on feral pig activity just so we know what destroyed our yard. Since Ian, I have not seen one (fingers crossed). Feel free to wave at the camera if you see one. Usually, I place the cameras low because most of our animals are short. They may be a bit hidden to minimize theft should a non-resident notice one. Be reassured that I hope to never post pictures of residents without their prior approval. Non-residents are fare game. Interesting use of that word, game, as these are also called game cameras.

A couple years ago, when I first began using these cameras, by accident, I did catch non-residents doing unappreciated things on TW property. This included the bench theft, teens catching allegators and one fellow on the FLAG property wielding a knife and stealing my camera. These images got posted on Facebook to let us all know that we have to keep our eyes open to what goes on in our community. TW feels like utopia most of the time, and we try to make it that way, despite what nature throws at us.

Another request; if you have subjects you would like me to write about, please submit them to my TangerineWoodsman@gmail.com address.

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