Popular Falmouth Osprey Cam Powered by Comcast Flies in for 2023 Season

The ospreys are returning! And so is the “Rachel and Carson Nest Cam,” this year with a new 4K, live-streaming camera at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Falmouth on Cape Cod. Powered by Comcast’s next-generation network, the free, 24×7 live feed of a nesting osprey pair, Rachel and Carson, provides wildlife enthusiasts an up-close look at these amazing birds via www.friendsofmashpeenationalwildliferefuge.org/osprey.

Updates for Season Two:

·       Audio Capabilities: We added a new microphone so viewers can also hear the birds, their chicks and other ambient nature sounds.

·       Higher Camera Placement: We moved the camera higher for an even better view.

·       Dedicated Highlights Page: The Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge created a standalone highlights page so viewers can revisit special moments, like hatchings and feedings. Last season, viewers were treated to Carson’s daily fishing trips, occasional sibling food fights, Rachel’s hatchling protection skills, memorable nest guests – such as flying squirrels – and the daily adventures of the three hatchlings.

This live nest cam is the result of an ongoing collaboration between Comcast, the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge and Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of the Refuge partners.

“The first season was such a delight – the chicks went from hatchlings to nearly full-grown birds of prey in the blink of an eye,” said Glenn Davis, President of the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge. “As they grew, so did our community of viewers, and we’re delighted for the return of Rachel and Carson so that we can begin season two. The Friends are grateful to Comcast for its efforts and support!”

“It’s always so fun and satisfying to provide our fast and reliable Internet service to power things that bring the community together like the osprey livestream,” said Barry Bader, Vice President of Comcast Business for the Greater Boston Region. “It’s fascinating to watch these majestic birds and we’re delighted by the awesome reactions of viewers.’’

Facts About Ospreys via the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge:

·       Ospreys are also known as “fish hawks” due to their 99% fish diet – making Cape Cod a popular home.

·       Appearance: Ospreys have brown and white coloring with intense yellow eyes.

·       Arrival time: The birds arrive in March from wintering in Central and South America and don’t vacate their nests until it is time to fly south again in September.

·       Fun fact: Mated osprey pairs typically remain together for life – often returning to their previous nest and adding to it.

The osprey cam has also been incorporated into an exhibit at the Waquoit Bay Reserve Visitor Center. It will facilitate research and monitoring of the ospreys’ arrival dates, when their eggs are laid along with their incubation period, how frequent the birds are feeding and other behavior.

Happy bird watching! Stay tuned for more updates.