Three new additions to Calgary’s osprey population are bringing increased web traffic to the ever popular Osprey Live webcam on the ENMAX site.
For the past 17 years, osprey have built their summer home on a nesting platform on the east end of St. George’s Island in a restricted access section of the Calgary Zoo.
A high resolution camera provided by the Calgary Zoo and ENMAX corporation has allowed members of the general public to keep tabs on the development of osprey without disturbing the birds of prey.
“The number of people visiting our website to watch the osprey has increased dramatically over the years,” says Doris Kaufmann Woodcock, ENMAX. “In 2012 over 140,000 unique webcam views were logged and this season is attracting similar attention.”
The nesting platform was originally erected as a safe alternative for the osprey who had previously built nests atop of power poles. A total of sixteen nesting platforms have been built in the Calgary area.
Once designated as an endangered species, osprey populations have rebounded, prompting an improved status for the bird.
“Osprey were once headed for extinction and their recovery has been nothing short of inspiring,” says Kevin Strange, Head of Conservation Outreach at the Calgary Zoo. “ENMAX’s support for these birds has done much to facilitate their safe return to Calgary and the osprey camera has allowed thousands of people to come along for the ride.”
ENMAX’s livestream of the osprey is available through September, when the birds depart for the winter.
