High-definition livestream camera will soon allow public to witness nesting season in real time.
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) announced today that staff observed two Bald Eagles together on their nest for the first time on February 14th through a newly installed live camera system, marking a major milestone in a year-long project to bring wildlife viewing to the public.
The moment came after months of preparation and technical challenges. VINS staff worked with partners to mount high-definition cameras 100 feet high in a white pine tree on VINS property. Installation took place over two cold January days while the Bald Eagles, known as Windsor and Dewey, were away from the nest. The team scaled two different pine trees to position the cameras.
“This was an exciting moment for VINS staff, a year in the making,” said Executive Director, Alden Smith. “Mounting high-definition cameras 100 feet high in a remote white pine tree, without electricity or a reliable cell signal, has been no easy feat.” The February 14th sighting showed both eagles exploring the nest together for approximately eight minutes.
While VINS staff have observed the eagles individually over recent weeks, this marked their first joint appearance of the season. Assuming the pair continues regular visits, VINS will release the livestream link to the public in the coming weeks, allowing viewers to watch the Bald Eagles up close in real time.
The eagles successfully raised young at this location last year, and VINS hopes they will nest again this season, though outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
The project was made possible through collaboration between VINS staff, HDonTap, NextGen Digital, ArborScape, and VINS members and supporters.
For more information and updates on the livestream launch, visit VINS or follow their announcements.
A Few FAQs
Where is the nest?
This nest is located in a white pine tree at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee, VT, on the edge of the Ottauquechee River.
What type of camera is being used?
There are two cameras on two different branches:
- Large Cam – Outdoor Rated Dahua PTZ Camera w/ Integrated Smart Infrared, 4MP Resolution (2560×1440), 25x Optical Zoom
- Small Cam – Outdoor Rated Dahua PTZ Camera w/ Integrated Smart Infrared, 4MP Resolution (2560×1440), Integrated Mic
- Both cameras have 4x Optical Zoom
Which eagle is the female/male?
In general, female bald eagles are larger than males, by wingspan, weight, and body length. Here the larger bird is likely the female, Windsor.
How did we choose names for the Bald Eagles?
The VINS staff debated whether to name the eagles at all. In the end, we decided to name the pair of mature Bald Eagles in the same way that we name ambassador birds of prey at our Nature Center: after the places where they came from. Since many of our ambassador birds have been found locally, and rehabilitated, they bear place-based names such as “Woodstock,” “Quechee,” and “Hartland.” In situations where a bird comes from the same town as another ambassador bird who already bears that name, we may name the new bird after its county or an important landmark nearby. Because the Bald Eagle nest overlooks Dewey’s Pond in Windsor County, we thought “Windsor” (female) and “Dewey” (male) would be appropriate, place-based names. For ambassador birds at the VINS Nature Center, we try to remember that these animals lived full, wild lives before crossing paths with us, and we wish likewise to accord Windsor and Dewey as much freedom as possible from human influence. There is always a danger that by naming wild creatures we endow them with human characteristics, and our focus on education, rehabilitation, and research requires that we steer clear of anthropomorphism, as much as possible.