Live Boulder Osprey Cam
2020 Nesting attempt:
Osprey camera citizen science project:
Nest Updates:
2019 Nesting attempt:
2018 Nesting attempt:
Viewing Tips:
The camera is solar powered and completely “off the grid”. Prolonged periods of inclement weather may cause temporary outages. If an outage occurs, please be patient and we will restore the live stream as quickly as possible.
Background Information:
This video system was initially set up by Parks and Recreation staff at the Boulder reservoir for monitoring osprey. However, for the past several years Canada Geese have successfully defended that nest from osprey. In spring 2016, OSMP partnered with Parks and Recreation to upgrade some of the camera components and move the system to a more dependable Osprey nest near Valmont Reservoir. In 2017 OSMP staff installed a new HD camera for a clearer picture. With the help of other city departments, including Information Technology and Utilities, we now have the camera streaming live!
OSMP wildlife staff have been monitoring the Osprey nest since 2011. Since then the nest has been successful every year, fledging a total of 14 young!
When viewing the osprey, the male and female can be identified by their different markings. The female osprey has a “bib” of dark feathers on her chest, whereas the male has an almost completely white chest.
Timeline:
Monitoring of this osprey nest in past years has indicated:
- March 20 - April 10: Adult osprey return to the nest
- April 21 - May 9: Eggs laid and incubation begins
- June 9 - June 24: Eggs hatch
- Osprey eggs hatch in 36-42 days after being laid
- Aug. 5 - Aug. 23: Young fledge
- Fledging occurs 50-55 days after hatching
Video Highlights:
Highlights from 2018 season.
Highlights from 2017 season.