Bird Board
How to measure nest height
Posted by Donna Molfetto
almost 7 years ago
2 Comments
Hey birders,
Does anyone have suggestions for how to measure the heights of nests? I'm a PhD studying Red-shouldered Hawks and I'd like to easily measure how high my nests are from the ground. My Master Bander uses a range finder, but looking around online, those tend to run in the hundreds of dollars. I bought a cheapo laser distance meter from Amazon but it's impossible to see the little red light in the tree.
Thanks!
Comments
Donna, all you need is a measuring tape, protractor, a level and a straw. See https://science.wonderhowto.com/how-to/use-protractor-measure-height-any-object-287410/
Hi Donna. You could also go with a clinometer and a tape. We use that combination for estimating tree heights. If this is expected to be an important covariate in your analyses I'm hoping your adviser can assist with a more accurate digital clinometer or laser rangefinder. Good luck!
-Judd
Leave a Comment