Abstract: A bird station comprising a perching area, and a detachable electronic control module comprising: at least one of a camera unit and a microphone unit; a controller; and an object detection unit comprising a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). The VCSEL is operable to generate a source beam directed towards the perching area of the bird station. The object detection unit is arranged to detect a return beam formed by reflection of the source beam from an object when the object is located in the perching area of the bird station and, based on a detection of the return beam, determine that there is an object located in the perching area. The controller is operable to activate the one of the camera unit and the microphone unit in response to the object detection unit determining that there is an object located in the perching area of the bird station.

Abstract: A floating platform that has a flat low profile for use by swimmers, divers, boaters, and those engaged in other activities on water. The platform is used alone or as a module in combination with other such floating platform modules; attaching the modules to form a larger floating platform. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the platform is provided with several connection points enabling multi-point attachment to other vessels and stationary objects, anchor straps and towing straps, and apertures configured to accommodate beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. In another embodiment, a detachable cover is attached to the module, the cover forming the floating platform surface. A stable platform and low profile are achieved through use of stiffeners integrated within the platform surface.

Abstract: A floating platform that has a flat low profile for use by swimmers, divers, boaters, and those engaged in other activities on water. The platform is used alone or as a module in combination with other such floating platform modules; attaching the modules to form a larger floating platform. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the platform is provided with several connection points enabling multi-point attachment to other vessels and stationary objects, anchor straps and towing straps, and apertures configured to accommodate beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. In another embodiment, a detachable cover is attached to the module, the cover forming the floating platform surface. A stable platform and low profile are achieved through use of stiffeners integrated within the platform surface.