December 12, 1997
U.S. Forest Service Purchase announcement

Forest Service selects TreeTop Peeper Video Probe to monitor endangered woodpeckers

The U.S. Forest Service purchased over 25 TreeTop Peepers_ in 1997 to monitor red-cockaded
woodpeckers (RCW) cavity nests in the southeastern U.S.   

"It's improved our efficiency immensely," commented Doug Wood, a researcher in the Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries at Mississippi State University. "Some of the nests we're looking at are 15 feet
to 70 feet off the ground. The TreeTop Peeper gives us much more accuracy than using a small
penlight and mirrors," he said. Researchers note that they now can check 12 nests per hour, instead of
five or six per day. 

With the low weight and manageable system design, it is now feasible for one researcher to conduct
surveys that were previously considered two-person jobs.  The 16 lb. total carry weight includes the
battery and 50-foot pole.  The maximum erection weight, or weight of all liftable pole sections and
camera, is 9.3 lbs. The camera head weighs less than 6 oz.

The TreeTop Peeper II_ is designed to survey a variety of habitats, including cavity and open cup
nests, nest boxes and bat dwellings.  The assortment of camera options, from near-infrared sensitive
black and white to full color, can explore the smallest openings, revealing previously undocumented
nesting behavior with less disturbance to the occupants.  Mounted on a 50-foot telescoping fiberglass
pole, the system provides high-resolution images during day or night-time viewing.  Images are
displayed on a 3.8 inch diagonal ground level LCD monitor.  The rotary electronic feedthrough
manages the 50 feet of tangle-free camera cable.  

Located 80 miles east of San Francisco, Christensen Designs specializes in custom video inspection
tools, electronics and robotics for wildlife researchers.  In addition to producing the TreeTop Peeper,
the "mom and pop" sized company has provided the Fish and Widllife Service with two nestbox
cameras for insitu behavioral studies on RCWs.  

"The TreeTop revealed some behaviors that researchers had never seen before," noted John
Christensen, design engineer.  "Biologists expect the nestbox cameras to answer many questions about
these rare woodpeckers.  

"We work closely with researchers to make sure the technology fits their needs," commented the
52-year-old Californian with over 35 years' engineering experience.  "Sometimes a callaborative
development project like the nestbox camera improves the design before introducing the equipment to
the general market.  It also provides valuable data which can be used when applying for wildlife
research grants."

Other Christensen development projects have included a 50-foot tethered robotic used to explore
tortoise dens, a solar-powered audio device designed to assist Farallon Island researchers to reestablish
the Ashy Storm Petral, and several gooseneck video probes for exploring the dens of such critters as
burrowing owls, black-footed ferrets, badgers and kangaroo rats.

The TreeTop Peeper II is also used to study bats and other wildlife nesting in high, low-light
environments.  Subtropical birds are being studied by the color TreeTop Peeper.  

"We anticipate the TreeTop will be used to study non-avian species, such as Martins and Fishers,"
added Christensen.

A complete TreeTop Peeper II_ system costs $3,950 and includes a 50-foot telescoping pole, 3.8 inch
color monitor, near-infrared sensitive video camera, battery with charger and spool mounted
featherweight camera cable with rotary electronic feedthrough.  Color cameras and Sony VCR are
optional.  

For sales information contact Ann Christensen at (800) 928-9111, or download the catalog at:
www.PeeperPeople.com.  For technical questions and requests for custom designs call John
Christensen at (209) 239-5414.  Christensen Designs, 349 Scenic Place, Manteca CA  95337.