Hatching Is Underway On The Cahow Cam

Don’t miss your chance to watch an endangered Bermuda Petrel hatch from its egg, live on the Bermuda Cahow Cam!

We’re excited to share that the first signs of pipping have surfaced on the Bermuda Petrel egg. Early this morning on the Cahow Cam, a small hole, or pip, was seen forming on one end of the egg – which means the chick has begun working its way out. Viewers were even greeted by a few audible peeps from the chick when the adult exited the burrow for a short while, which will continue to be heard through the hatching process. Assuming everything goes well, the chick should fully hatch within the next 24-48 hours.

Once the chick hatches, its parents will spend the next three to four months traveling thousands of miles over the Atlantic foraging for squid and small fish to feed to the hungry youngster. If all goes well, the chick will leave for the open ocean sometime around the start of June. Thanks to our partners at Nonsuch Expeditions and the Bermuda Department of Environment and Natural Resources for working with us to provide a window into this rare and special experience!

Ospreys Set Up Shop In Savannah

First came Bald Eagles, then Great Horned Owls, now is it the Ospreys’ turn on the Savannah nest? While nothing is for certain until the first egg is laid, the outlook is positive. Over the last week, this male and female have been strengthening their pair-bond by refurbishing the nest and frequently copulating. It may be too early to tell (April marks peak Osprey breeding season in Georgia), but we’re hoping these behaviors suggest that Osprey eggs are in the nest’s future. Watch the Savannah Cam to find out!

The weeks leading up to the breeding season are a busy time. Since this male took control of the nest site, he has been working hard to secure a mate and defend the nest from competitors. Single males generally seek to secure prospective nesting sites before females arrive in the area. Once a territory is established, males begin courting prospective mates by bringing in nest material and delivering fish. So far, this female seems to be receptive to the site and his offerings.

It can be hard to tell male (right) and female (left) Ospreys apart, but there are a few things you can look for to help you distinguish these love birds. Females are about 15-20% larger than males on average, and they tend to have darker, fuller breast-bands or necklaces. Use these clues when the bird’s sex can’t be determined by behavior.

Cornell Hawks Refurbish Their 2015 Nest

Big Red and Ezra have been working industriously to refurbish the nest across from Fernow Hall (used in 2012 and 2015) on the Cornell University campus. Watch them collect and rearrange sticks, blending them into the remains of their past nests. Once underway, Red-tailed Hawks can complete a full nest reconstruction within 4-7 days, with most of the heavy lifting occurring in the mornings. Watch the action live on the Red-tailed Hawks Cam to see what they are up to today.

After nest construction is completed, it probably won’t be long until we see the first egg. In 2016, Big Red laid the pair’s first egg on March 13 – the earliest lay date since the Red-tailed Hawks Cam began streaming back in 2012!