This is really interesting. This guy set up a webcam on an eagle's nest up in Vancouver area (Hornby Island) and I can sit here in AZ and watch and HEAR it live. The first link below is to the viewer (IE needed it appears) and the next link to the background, the current text of which is also posted below.
Birdwatching from your easychair!
http://www.infotecbusinesssystems.com/inde...any.videoUpdate
http://forum.hancockhouse.com/articl...60321210558763
Hornby Island Bald Eagles laid their first egg of this season at about 1745 (5:45PM) on March 21, 2006!!
Second egg was laid March 24. (Incubation takes about 36 days)
PROJECTED HATCHING DATES: April 26 and 30.
Background on the Hornby Island Bald Eagle nest:
This nest is located on Hornby Island in the Gulf Islands area of British Columbia.
This pair has been nesting in this nest for about 19 years -- usually producing 2 young per year.
GETTING THE LIVE CAM:
In September of 2004 Doug Carrick organized that a video camera be placed in the nest. This was the one month period when the eagles were absent and the climber's presence would not deterr future breeding.
He then had the live feed brought to his house across the road so he could see the live action in his living room -- and record the action on his vhs.. That is only the beginning of what is incredible. He got to witness the details of how the eagles bring in and place the branches and mosses. He had an incredible view into the nesting behavior of these eagles.
EGG LAYING: Doug was present when the first egg was laid and had his recorder going. What he got on tape is I am sure recorded here for the first time. The female's head is less than a foot from the camera and she goes into labor -- straining and grunting (yes captured on the sound tape) and ending with her standing up to proudly look down at a beautiful white egg. I was when I saw that tape that I asked Doug if we could bring this live action the next year to the world through Streaming Video.
Doug immediately said yes. The last six weeks of trying to get the bugs worked out of the transmission has not gone so easily. At first we suspected the computer we use to compress and digitize the video, however it now appears that inconsistent network connect (via the Telus ADSL) is the problem. On the other hand, the fact that any high speed Inernet is available on this relatively remote island (2 ferry rides from Vancouver Island!) is a wonder of itself. We looked at putting in a radio link but even that would be next to impossible due to limited lines of site to this particular part of Hornby (East side with no direct view of either Vancouver to the Southeast or Comox to the Northeast) and Texada Island in the way of a view to Powel River.
We're still open to suggestions if any technical reader has them. Please contact Richard Pitt,
richard@pacdat.net
WHO IS DOUG CARRICK: And that is what I asked? First, he's the lucky husband of Shiela. He is also a considerably dedicated conservationist, a retired school teacher and still an educator and very fine person. They are blessed with having a pair of bald eagles nest just behind their house. The eagles' favorite hunting perch tree is in their front yard. The very productive waters, the herring spawn is just finishing this month, seals, sealions, myriads of seabirds, orcas etc etc. are their constant front window view. Other pairs of bald eagles nest on the next points -- also viewable from their living room window.
Doug's spare time, when not attending their large and fine garden, is watching eagles, lecturing on eagles and showing the video of these nesting birds.