A sure sign of spring is when ospreys return to nest at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, home of the osprey cam. Park manager Brian Heft reports that the camera is now up and running for spring 2015.
Pictured in the bucket lift are Smith Mountain Lake State Park rangers John Mitchell and Donavon Newman.
Dedicated park staff help keep the camera up and running
Osprey cam is up and running for the 2015 season
High above Smith Mountain Lake in central Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is home of the "osprey cam." Soon the ospreys are expected to begin their annual ritual of readying the nest, laying their eggs, and raising their young to fledge.
Back for its fourth season with fiber optic technology, the “osprey cam” offers an opportunity for people all over the world to watch up close as the daily drama unfolds.
Repairs completed just in time for ospreys' return to the nest
Park staff has recently completed the necessary repairs to get the camera functioning again. Park manager Brian Heft reports “As best can be determined, the converter box and camera were burned up last year after the young birds were all preyed upon.” The pole itself was not hit by lightning but near strikes and static in the atmosphere in stronger storm events are enough to damage the camera.
The osprey cam made its debut at Smith Mountain Lake State Park ten years ago. The feed has been much more reliable since the system was converted to fiber optic cable.
According to Heft “We should be seeing the parents show up to the nest any day now.” If you would like to learn more about these majestic birds, click here.
You can view the live feed via Ustream here: