Boulder's 'Osprey Cam' Reveals Live Nest Raptor Love

BOULDER, CO -- Live raptor rapture was captured on video at Boulder's live Osprey Cam Thursday afternoon. Around 2:30 p.m. the male and female birds were visiting the nest, engaging in romantic behavior. A love offering of a ripped up piece of black trash bag was brought to the nest by the male bird, which then blew away.

Raptor lovers rejoice! Osprey Cam is back for the 2018 nesting season.

According to the city's website, OSMP wildlife staff have been monitoring the Osprey nests since 2011. Since then the nest has been successful every year, fledging a total of 14 chicks.

After Canada Geese took over an osprey nest monitored by Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks, raptor lovers were delighted in 2016 when Boulder Parks and Recreation pitched in and helped establish a new HD camera at a more reliable nest.

Ospreys are fish-eating birds of prey that nest near bodies of water. They grow to 2 feet long, with a wingspan of up to 70 inches.

How to tell Mom from Dad? The female osprey has a “bib” of dark feathers on her chest, but the male has an almost completely white chest.

Check out the following timeline for osprey viewing (based on past seasons).

• 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
• August 5 - August 23: Young fledge
  • Fledging occurs 50-55 days after hatching

Video Highlights:

Here is a video from the 2017 nesting season.

Image via YouTube.