Webcam proposed to view sandspit shorebirds

July 2nd, 2014
[by David Armstrong]

The lamp post at the end of Motueka Quay that would hold the proposed webcam

A proposal is being put together to install a webcam at the end of Harbour Road to view Motueka Sandspit, allowing web users to view birds, the sea, tides, and recreational activities from anywhere in the world.

Tasman District Council resource scientist Trevor James, along with bird watchers who frequent the spit, are seeking the level of interest and support from the wider community for this idea.

The images would be shown on TDC's website, which already has four webcam images permanently running. The cost of the installations would be about $1200, plus $60/week for on-going costs, mostly for cellular communications.

Beth Bryant, who lives on Motueka Quay and has excellent views of the thousands of shorebirds that inhabit the sandspit, says she thinks a camera to look at the birds would be excellent and fun.

"There are godwits in the summer of course, and there are as many, or even more oystercatchers as well as some other birds which migrate from the south in the winter."

A webcam would not only allow views of shorebirds at Tasman's second most important site, but also allow council to determine the degree of disturbance such as by dogs, horses, jet skis.

The suggested webcam would be located on the TDC-owned street light on Motueka Quay, near the corner of Harbour Rd. The view bearing and field of view would be south-east down the sandspit towards Port Motueka and Richmond.

This angle means that the sun should not flare or blind the view at any time of day. The Nelson video camera specialist firm SnapIt would supply a 40 degree field of view lens. Batteries would be stored at the base of the pole in a tamper-proof case.

Local ornithologist Pauline Samways is very supportive of the idea. "I believe it would become a popular site for people to look at. Many people are interested in the birds and what is happening down there, and not everyone is able to walk there.

"It could be a talking point when the godwits come and leave, and broaden the public's knowledge of what happens there," she says.
Local Department of Conservation staff think a webcam could be useful, particularly to help in their compliance work.

"If we could use the webcam for compliance monitoring purposes, that would be very useful. Signs to this effect might help deter people from breaking the rules (such as walking dogs beyond the 'No Dogs' sign) in the first instance," said Al Check, DOC's community relations officer.

"I guess if the community were really keen they could monitor this live, then our response time could be better and more effective. And the level of compliance vs non-compliance could also be quantified."

Trevor James welcomes any feedback, by emailing .

The expected view of the sandspit from the proposed webcam location

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