The OspreyCam was put out of service by a lightning strike. We are now in the process of building a new and better system for the 2013 breeding season. Please bear with us as we move forward.

Watch real-time images of an osprey family during their annual nesting and breeding season on the shores of Chesapeake Bay. The images—brought to you by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science—come from a nest that sits atop a 65’ water tower on the VIMS campus in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The nest site, which has been occupied every breeding season for several decades, gives the resident ospreys easy access to nearby fishing grounds on the York River, a major tributary of Chesapeake Bay.

May 24, 2012—We are sad to report that this year's nest has apparently failed. Alan Poole, a notable expert on ospreys and their breeding behavior, attributes failed nests to a lack of parental experience among young parents, inclement weather, and/or an insufficient food supply. Other observers note that breeding pairs often construct a “frustration eyrie” following an unsuccessful nesting attempt. We have observed this behaviror during the last few weeks, with both parents bringing in new nesting material; but they will not be laying any additional eggs. To follow this story as it developed, visit the OspreyCam blog. We trust that you will still enjoy watching the adult ospreys in the nest until next year's breeding season.

Help us name our ospreys!

You spoke, and we listened. Thanks for your interest and imaginative suggestions for naming the VIMS ospreys. Welcome Coleman and Bridgette!

Join our OspreyCam Blog

We also invite you to share your observations on our OspreyCam blog page!

If the image is dark, it is night-time on the VIMS campus in Gloucester Point, Virginia. We are in the U.S. Eastern time zone.