Osprey Nest at Trent University Athletics Field

About this webcam

Most ideas start with a lightbulb moment. This was no different. A lightbulb high on the pole where the Osprey nest is located needed to be changed. The Facilities Manager at the time was Mr. Martin Kennaley. Martin was ordering a crane to perform the work. He thought this may be an ideal time to install a camera to benefit the Trent Community. Several departments made donations for this project in funding and in kind contributions (Facilities, Information Technology, the Trent School of Environment, Biology, and Animal Care). The Biology Undergraduate Society (BUGS) did significant fundraising for more than a year. There was also a private donation made from the public to Trent for this effort specifically. Thank you to all contributors!

This camera installation was an opportunity taken advantage of due to other work. Trent makes no promises concerning the quality of the image feed or availability on a go forward basis. It is for internal use at Trent only. Trent cannot support the amount of inquiries and expectations generated when “nest cams” are open for public use. We do hope the camera lasts for many years and brings education and enjoyment to as many people as possible.

Warning!

Nature is beautiful in many ways but is graphic. Viewers may see the birds eating prey items at any point and may find these images disturbing. They mainly eat fish, but also feed on small birds opportunistically. Furthermore, Ospreys usually have 2 to 4 young in the spring, and the eggs are laid a couple of days apart. Older offspring may push younger hatchings out of the nest in competition for food.

These are natural behaviours. Trent will not interfere with life in the nest. It is illegal for us to do so according to the Migratory Bird Act originally passed in 1917. For more information on this act, please go to https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/migratory-birds-legal-protection/convention-act.html The camera will display raw, unfiltered nature that might include wildlife interactions and weather calamities that we cannot control. We are just observers.

Facts about Osprey

• Osprey breed in Canada between April and September. Incubation lasts approximately 40 days and the chicks typically fledge in July.
• The female is often larger than the male. Her chest will also often have a “necklace” of brown feathers mixed in with the white. The male chest is typically just white.
• Research seems to indicate two distinct populations of Osprey are forming. Rural Osprey will migrate for winter. Osprey with nests in urban environments will remain and feed on other birds (e.g. pigeons) found in a large city through all four seasons.
• An area without sufficient food sources will not support these animals. Furthermore, an increase of organic chemicals such as the PCBs and DDTs can lead to decline of Osprey population through eggshell thinning. Their presence in the environment is an indicator of the health of that area in general.