Comcast announced the installation of a new 4K, live-streaming ‘nest cam’ featuring an active pair of ospreys in their nest at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on Cape Cod. Powered by Comcast’s fiber-rich network, the free, 24×7 live feed provides wildlife enthusiasts an up-close and personal look at these amazing birds via a live video feed that is available for viewing at www.friendsofmashpeenationalwildliferefuge.org/osprey.
This live nest cam of an osprey pair and, eventually, their offspring, is the result of a collaboration between Comcast, the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge and Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of the Refuge partners.
“One of our goals as a community-based nonprofit is to give the public opportunities to enjoy and interact with nature and wildlife,” said Glenn Davis, President of the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge. “Thanks to Comcast, this osprey nest livestream will broaden our reach to all of Cape Cod and beyond. Without Comcast’s support, none of this would have been possible and we are grateful for the opportunity to use the live nest cam for observation, research and education purposes.”
According to the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, ospreys, are also known as “fish hawks” due to their 99% fish diet – making Cape Cod a popular home. Easily recognizable by their brown and white coloring and intense yellow eyes, the birds arrive in March from wintering in Central and South America and don’t vacate their nests until it is time to fly south again in September. Mated Osprey pairs typically remain together for life – often returning to their previous nest and adding to it. They prefer to build their nests as high as possible to protect their eggs and offspring – typically one to four each season – and to gain a great vantage point for hunting.
Livestream viewers can expect to see the birds soar overhead and return to the nest with fish to feed their family.
“We’re delighted to partner with the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge and Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve to provide our fast and reliable Internet service to power the osprey live-stream,” said Barry Bader, Vice President of Comcast Business for the Greater Boston Region. “As a Cape resident myself who loves fishing and bird-watching, I’m really looking forward to this front row seat to the daily lives of these special and majestic birds.’’
The live nest cam will also be incorporated into an exhibit at the Waquoit Bay Reserve Visitor Center. It will facilitate research and monitoring of the ospreys’ arrival dates, when their eggs are laid along with their incubation period, how frequent the birds are feeding and other behavior.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Director Tonna-Marie Rogers remarked, “Reserve volunteers have monitored many nests over the years, however, this will be the first time we will be able to get an up-close look to learn more about the behavior of the birds. This is a great opportunity to educate people about these raptors with such strong ties to the estuary.”
