The Osprey Camera Project
Osprey, who reside in Cape Henlopen State Park, migrate each year to South America, they usually return in March to their previous nests, eggs hatch in June, fledge and leave the nest in September. The Friends have lead the way in recognizing these unique creatures.
In 2003 the Park and the Friends started planning for the Osprey Camera – a continuous, real-time feed monitoring the nest of two local ospreys and their offspring. In 2007, with funds from the state, and from fundraising efforts by the Friends this joint project came to fruition with the installation of the camera focused on the Osprey nest, located on the SPI Pharma tower adjacent to the Park entrance. The feed went live in April 2007. Visitors to the Park may view the nest at the Nature center, on YouTube, or from this page.
Scroll down to access the live feed , but please read the sad news below Issued Saturday ,June 12th. by Cape Henlopen State Park
"Many of us have been watching the osprey cam at Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, and recently the male osprey from the nest has not returned. He had been at the nest since before 2006, making him at least 20 years old. Ospreys rarely live over 20. Unfortunately, the survival strategy for osprey nesting depends heavily on the male. He brings back the bulk of the fish for the chicks, while the female feeds and protects them. If the male can't bring back enough food for all chicks, the older chicks will get food first and the younger ones will die. This ensures that at least some of the chicks will survive until they fledge (learn to fly).
Ospreys as a species are survivors. The population in the U.S. has been increasing over the years since a low in the 1970's. Ospreys do not do well in captivity, whether rehabbing from an injury or being raised by humans. Their best chance of survival is in the wild. As with many species, ospreys must overcome many obstacles, and mortality is highest among young birds. Once they learn to fly, each osprey is on its own to learn how to fish, mate and migrate south.
We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate with Fish & Wildlife on the best course of action. Sadly, this reflects what happens sometimes in nature. This specific breeding pair has been very productive in the past, contributing 2 to 3 new osprey to the population each year. Next year a new male will most likely claim this nest and mate with the current female, hopefully continuing the breeding success."
To view, click on the red button, and instantly see real time beautiful high-resolution video and sound from the nest . For the best experience, try viewing in full screen by clicking on the screen icon at the bottom right, just below the Friends Logo.. To exit full screen just push the [Back] or [ESC] button on your device.
Note there also is a red scroll bar below the video screen which allows you to search for activity over the last twelve hours.
Click here to learn much more about the Spring Migration of Adult and Juvenile Ospreys
In 2003 the Park and the Friends started planning for the Osprey Camera – a continuous, real-time feed monitoring the nest of two local ospreys and their offspring. In 2007, with funds from the state, and from fundraising efforts by the Friends this joint project came to fruition with the installation of the camera focused on the Osprey nest, located on the SPI Pharma tower adjacent to the Park entrance. The feed went live in April 2007. Visitors to the Park may view the nest at the Nature center, on YouTube, or from this page.
Scroll down to access the live feed , but please read the sad news below Issued Saturday ,June 12th. by Cape Henlopen State Park
"Many of us have been watching the osprey cam at Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, and recently the male osprey from the nest has not returned. He had been at the nest since before 2006, making him at least 20 years old. Ospreys rarely live over 20. Unfortunately, the survival strategy for osprey nesting depends heavily on the male. He brings back the bulk of the fish for the chicks, while the female feeds and protects them. If the male can't bring back enough food for all chicks, the older chicks will get food first and the younger ones will die. This ensures that at least some of the chicks will survive until they fledge (learn to fly).
Ospreys as a species are survivors. The population in the U.S. has been increasing over the years since a low in the 1970's. Ospreys do not do well in captivity, whether rehabbing from an injury or being raised by humans. Their best chance of survival is in the wild. As with many species, ospreys must overcome many obstacles, and mortality is highest among young birds. Once they learn to fly, each osprey is on its own to learn how to fish, mate and migrate south.
We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate with Fish & Wildlife on the best course of action. Sadly, this reflects what happens sometimes in nature. This specific breeding pair has been very productive in the past, contributing 2 to 3 new osprey to the population each year. Next year a new male will most likely claim this nest and mate with the current female, hopefully continuing the breeding success."
To view, click on the red button, and instantly see real time beautiful high-resolution video and sound from the nest . For the best experience, try viewing in full screen by clicking on the screen icon at the bottom right, just below the Friends Logo.. To exit full screen just push the [Back] or [ESC] button on your device.
Note there also is a red scroll bar below the video screen which allows you to search for activity over the last twelve hours.
Click here to learn much more about the Spring Migration of Adult and Juvenile Ospreys
