Peering through the lens at a distant mark high in the canopy, draws bird-watchers to the field as they explore wooded groves and nearby forests – even suburban patches of vegetation can offer a place to observe.
The energy of being amongst nature whilst not to be usurped, can be side-stepped as technology brings a ‘bird’s eye view’ to us.
Thank’s to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology live streaming from the nest makes bird-watching a pastime for all, including those who prefer to explore the world through the web. The advantage of feeds that monitor real-life go beyond convenience, they entice new generations to take interest in nature and overcome practical obstacles such as location, equipment and conditions – allowing anyone to enjoy and learn from observing a variety of birds around the world.
BirdCams current feather in focus is a Red-tailed Hawk nesting on a light pole 80 feet above Cornell University’s athletic fields, where it has been for the past four years. The webcam installed in 2012 provides a window into the lives of these majestic birds as they raise their young amid the bustle of a busy campus.
Meet the Stars of this Reality Show: Big Red and Her Mate!
The female, nicknamed “Big Red” in honor of her alma mater, is slightly larger, with a darker head, nape and throat, and is banded on her right leg. From banding records we know she was banded in nearby Brooktondale, New York, during her first autumn in 2003, making her nearly nine years old.
The male, who does not yet have a nickname, is banded on his left leg. He’s a bit smaller and has golden-tawny feathers on his face and head, and a paler neck than the female. He is at least seven years old and was first banded in 2006 as an adult bird on Judd Falls Road near the Cornell campus.
Resources for the Bird Lover
Learn more about Red-tailed Hawks
Explore NestCams
Watch and learn about Breeding Behaviour
Become a “CamClickr”
Download ‘My Bird World’ App
