Osprey cam livestreams nesting seabirds at Queensland rainforest crane
9 reported
A web camera livestreaming the life cycle of ospreys nesting on a research crane in far-north Queensland has become an online attraction, according to James Cook University’s Daintree Rainforest Observatory station manager Johan Larson. The 47-metre tall canopy crane, which towers over the rainforest, has been used by the same breeding pair of ospreys for at least 15 years, researchers believe. The nest sits on the crane’s 55-metre long jib, which can move the nest up to 110 metres from its last position, but the birds have no problems finding it. The “Osprey cam” streams the birds’ movements 24/7 worldwide, showing them building a home, hunting and raising offspring. Larson said nature lovers find it fascinating to watch wild animals live, and the nest is unique to observe.
What’s reported
James Cook University’s 47-metre tall crane towers over the far-north Queensland rainforest canopy.
The crane’s jib is 55 metres long, allowing the nest to move 110 metres from its last position.
The nest is about one kilometre from the coast, close enough for the birds to catch fish and safe from ground-based predators.
Researchers believe the nest has been consistently inhabited by the same breeding pair for at least 15 years.
Ospreys live for up to 25 years.
The “Osprey cam” livestreams the birds’ life cycle worldwide.
Australian ospreys do not migrate, so the couple live near the crane all year.
Crane maintenance crews clear nest remnants each year, but the birds rebuild from scratch, taking a few weeks.
The female spends more time on eggs and chicks; the male brings in more fish.
Key figures
Johan Larson, station manager of James Cook University’s Daintree Rainforest Observatory.
Sources: The Guardian
