Not often does anyone get to see an American Bald Eagle nesting in real time. After all, the nest is situated in a tree 80’ in the air. But thanks to sharp, clear cameras and the live streaming service UStream.com, you can watch a nesting pair of Bald Eagles take turns sitting on the eggs, bring food back to the nest, and ultimately, watch the eggs hatch … and the eaglets grow.
The Raptor Resource Project in Decorah, IA, has cameras operating 24/7, and you can watch the nest online here. The UStream page includes location information, weather, and a moderated chat room for those who log in. While there isn’t a lot of action, you may catch sight of the eggs when mom or dad move around the nest to “air them out” or trade places. If you are lucky…or not so lucky … you may see one of the eagles bring back lunch. Which isn’t always great video for the squeamish, given the eagles are carnivores.
You can also link back to the Raptor Resource Project Facebook page for updates. The Project hosts a variety of nest cams, spying on falcons, owls, kestrals, and other such birds. Just take your pick here.
The Raptor Resource Project, which specializes in the preservation of falcons, eagles, ospreys, hawks, and owls, is just one of the many organizations who are providing a window on wildlife outside of zoos, deepening the “connection between people and the natural world, bringing benefits to both.”
You can find more Bald Eagles through the cameras of the Hancock Wildlife Foundation in California. The Foundation was established by conservationist David Hancock, who said “Our first live cameras reached and taught more people in a four-month period than I had in all my years of lectures combined. This is the way of the future.” You can also find owls —such as the Plant Pot Eagle Owl—on Hancock’s cams here.
Thanks to Wildwatchcams placed by the State of Washington Department of Wildlife, you can keep an eye on bats, salmon, seals, and a variety of birds in action. There are live streaming videos, 10-second image updates, and recorded video … in case not much is happening when you log in.
You can choose to watch Jewel or Lilly, both black bears in their dens in northern Minnesota, via the North American Bear Center. Jewel has her cubs close by!
Africam, a South African company that was one of the first to broadcast live images from the African bush, hosts a family-oriented Web site with live safari cams, including the Elephant Plains, Nkorho Pan, and Tembe. The site also supplies videos. Check it out at Africam.com.
Looking for something more domestic? Check out Schnauzer Puppy Cam!
You many also view a “circle of life” teaching moment. The Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge reported that two eaglets were lost when both fell over the edge of the nest. Read it on Facebook.
Additional ISM resources of interest
ISM Monthly Update for Division Heads Vol. 7 No. 5 21st Century Teaching: Lessons That Are Challenging, Relevant, and Reflective
U See Wildlife Website
Additional ISM resources for Consortium Gold Members
Ideas & Perspectives Vol. 28 No 3 Planning School Grounds for Outdoor Learning
To The Point Vol. 16 No 6 Engaging Students Works in Upper School, Too
