Chesapeake Conservancy Launches Osprey Cam

Those wanting a closer look at the habits of an osprey can now watch a live webcam on the Chesapeake Conservancy website.

The organization dedicated to ensuring conservation, stewardship and access of the Chesapeake Bay launched an “Osprey Cam” on its website on Monday.

On March 13, Patch reader John Koontz snapped a photo of an osprey on the Riva Road Bridge. Koontz said the bird commonly returns to the bridge around St. Patrick’s Day.

While the “Osprey Cam” is focused on a nest at a private residence in Kent Island, Conservation Planner Jeff Allenby said they can be a common site around Anne Arundel.

“They are very common, which is great,” Allenby said. “Some birds are very territorial—like bald eagles—and they can be all over the place. But you can see an osprey anywhere near the water. They like to have high perches so they are visible in lampposts or even in sail boats if people don’t go sailing very often.”

Allenby said the Chesapeake Conservancy had been looking to do a wildlife webcam for a while. They first looked into filming a bald eagle, but couldn’t finalize the plans for various reasons.That’s when they came across ospreys Tom and Audrey on Kent Island.

“They are common, but you don’t get to see them up close very often—that’s what makes the live feed engaging,” Allenby said.

With help from Skyline Technology Solutions, Earth Security Electronics and Investigative Options, Inc., the Chesapeake Conservancy introduced the “Osprey Cam” on Monday and hope it continues to provide the public with an insight into local wildlife.

“We think that it’s a great way to connect people to the natural resources of the bay in a way that most people would never get,” Allenby said. “And it will hopefully engage them in our wildlife habitat conservation efforts.”

You can view the “Osprey Cam” on the Chesapeake Conservancy website or by clicking here.

For more photos of wildlife on Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch click here.