Eagle Cam Installation
Installed in 2017 and upgraded in 2021, ND-LEEF’s live, in-nest camera is mounted directly above the bald eagle nest. With this bird's-eye view, individuals can follow the life of the eagles from the egg to the fledging stage!
How the in-nest cam was installed
Based upon observation and migration patterns of bald eagles, leadership at ND-LEEF knew they had approximately one month to work while both the adult and juvenile eagles left the nest. Once the logistics were set, the team patiently waited for the eagle family to depart.
2017
A high-reach bucket truck was used to place the installation team even with the nest, which spans 6 feet wide. From there, a professional arborist with raptor nest entry experience went the remaining few feet to get the camera positioned above the nest. In addition to mounting the actual camera, a fiber optic network cable and 120v power were extended to the base of the tree.
The original In–Nest Eagle Cam was made possible, in large part through a generous donation in memory of Jay Mayberry.
2021
Financed with donations from Notre Dame Day 2021, the new camera replaced the older one that stopped working. Davey Resource Group donated the labor for installation, which involved ascending the tree using ropes and mounting the new camera above the nest.
The new high-definition camera pans 360 degrees, as well as tilt from vertical to horizontal and zoom up to 32x. The in-nest camera allows live weather information to be displayed on the livestream and enhanced low-light capability means viewers can witness more activities in the overnight hour.
Additionally, during the installation, in-nest measurements were recorded which allowed the camera operators to develop an accurate scale bar so viewers and researchers can accurately estimate the size of the eagles and their prey.