Get Ready: Spring Nesting Season Is Here!

Spring is in the air, and with it comes some exciting news from the skies! Our much-anticipated Osprey Cam is now live, offering a front-row seat to the return of these magnificent raptors as they prepare for another nesting season. Even more thrilling, the Ott Bald Eagle Nest has welcomed its first hatch of the year—a tiny eaglet that’s already capturing hearts as it begins its journey under the watchful eyes of its proud parents. From ospreys soaring over the water to eagles nurturing new life, nature is on full display—and you won’t want to miss a moment.

Osprey on the Rise: A Pennsylvania Conservation Success Story

Once on the brink of disappearing from Pennsylvania’s skies, the osprey has made a remarkable comeback over the past few decades. Known for their striking appearance—with brown wings, white underparts, and piercing yellow eyes—these fish-loving raptors are a sure sign that spring has returned to the region. Ospreys were once widespread throughout Pennsylvania, especially around rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. However, by the mid-20th century, their populations had plummeted due to habitat loss, persecution, and most notably, the widespread use of pesticides like DDT, which caused eggshell thinning and drastically reduced reproductive success.

By the early 1980s, ospreys were nearly extirpated from the state, and they were listed as an endangered species in Pennsylvania. But thanks to coordinated recovery efforts—including the banning of DDT, nesting platform installations, and hacking programs (where young birds were raised in artificial nests and released into the wild)—osprey numbers began to rebound. Conservationists, biologists, and volunteers worked tirelessly to re-establish breeding pairs, often placing platforms in ideal fishing locations to encourage nesting. These efforts paid off, and in 1997, the osprey was upgraded to threatened status, and by 2017, it was removed from Pennsylvania’s endangered and threatened species list altogether.

Today, ospreys are thriving once again in Pennsylvania. They return from their wintering grounds in Central and South America each spring, often to the same nesting sites year after year. You’ll find them nesting near bodies of water, using tall trees, utility poles, or man-made platforms to raise their young. Their haunting cries and impressive dives into the water to catch fish make them a favorite among birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The recovery of the osprey is a true conservation success story, showcasing what’s possible when people come together to protect and restore wildlife.

With our Osprey Cam now live, viewers can witness this success firsthand. From nest building and egg laying to chick rearing and those first flight attempts, the osprey’s life cycle is as captivating as it is inspiring. This spring, tune in and celebrate the return of one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic raptors—proof that nature, when given a chance, can soar again.

Live from Moraine: Osprey Cam Brings Wildlife Conservation to Life

One shining example of the osprey’s resurgence in Pennsylvania is the well-established osprey nest at Moraine State Park in Butler County. Located near the scenic Lake Arthur, this nest has become a beloved fixture for park visitors and wildlife watchers alike. Lake Arthur provides an ideal hunting ground for ospreys, with its abundant fish and expansive open waters, making it a prime location for nesting. Over the years, generations of ospreys have returned to this site, raising young and contributing to the broader recovery of the species across the state. Thanks to conservation efforts and ongoing habitat protection, places like Moraine State Park are not only beautiful recreational destinations but also critical sanctuaries for birds like the osprey to thrive.

The Moraine State Park Osprey Cam, a collaborative project between PixCams, Inc. and the Moraine Preservation Fund, offers wildlife enthusiasts a unique window into the lives of ospreys nesting in Butler County, Pennsylvania. This live-streaming initiative began in late 2018, marking a significant milestone in the park’s ongoing osprey reintroduction efforts that started in 1993. trategically positioned near the McDanel’s Launch on the park’s North Shore, the camera provides continuous, real-time footage of the osprey nest, allowing viewers worldwide to observe these raptors up close without disturbing their natural behaviors.

Since its inception, the osprey cam has documented numerous pivotal events. In April 2022, viewers witnessed the laying of three eggs, with the first appearing on April 12. The 2024 season brought both triumph and tragedy; while the return of the ospreys was eagerly anticipated, the nest suffered a predatory attack by a great horned owl, resulting in the loss of three chicks. These raw, unfiltered moments have deepened public understanding of the challenges ospreys face in the wild.

The importance of this live-streaming camera extends beyond mere observation. It serves as an educational platform, raising awareness about osprey behavior, breeding patterns, and the broader ecosystem of Moraine State Park. By bringing real-time wildlife interactions into homes and classrooms, the project fosters a connection between the public and conservation efforts, highlighting the successes and ongoing challenges in wildlife preservation. Moreover, the camera stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of organizations like PixCams and the Moraine Preservation Fund in promoting environmental stewardship and engaging the community in local wildlife initiatives.

For a live view of the ospreys at Moraine State Park, you can watch the stream here: https://pixcams.com/moraine-osprey-cam/

New for 2025: Ott Family Eagle Cam Brings Bald Eagle Nesting to Your Screen

This camera is part of an exciting expansion for PixCams, as the Ott Family Bald Eagle Camera is one of the newest bald eagle live streams added for the 2025 nesting season. Installed in December 2024 in partnership with the Ott family, this camera was strategically placed to capture every moment of the nesting cycle—from courtship and egg-laying to the thrilling emergence of eaglets in the spring. For PixCams, this installation not only showcases the beauty of wildlife in Warsaw, NY, but also continues their mission to bring nature into the homes of viewers around the world.

Bald eagle live streaming cameras are immensely popular for a reason—people are captivated by these iconic birds of prey, symbolizing strength, freedom, and the success of wildlife conservation efforts. There’s something magical about watching an eagle pair work together to raise their young, from carefully incubating eggs to feeding hungry chicks in the nest. These cams provide a front-row seat to moments few people ever witness in the wild, fostering a deep connection with nature. PixCams’ eagle streams, like the one hosted by the Ott family, allow viewers to not only learn about eagle behavior but also become emotionally invested in the fate of these individual birds and their families—turning casual observers into passionate wildlife advocates.

The Ott Family Bald Eagle Camera, streaming live from Warsaw, New York, offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of a resident bald eagle pair, affectionately named Oreo and York. This initiative, facilitated by PixCams, provides 24/7 access to the nest, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to observe these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

In February 2025, Oreo and York laid three eggs, with hatching anticipated around March, following the typical 35-day incubation period. This marks their fourth consecutive year utilizing this nest, successfully raising eaglets in all but one season.

Exciting news from the Ott Family Bald Eagle Cam—the first eaglet of the season hatched on March 18th, delighting viewers who have been eagerly following Oreo and York’s nesting journey. The tiny eaglet emerged from its shell under the watchful eyes of its devoted parents, marking the beginning of what promises to be an incredible season at the Warsaw, NY nest.

The live stream not only captivates viewers but also serves as an educational tool, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. Despite a significant resurgence, bald eagles remain listed as a threatened species in New York, primarily due to habitat loss and human disturbances. Initiatives like the Ott Family Bald Eagle Camera play a crucial role in fostering public awareness and support for ongoing preservation endeavors.

For a direct view into the nest and to follow Oreo and York’s journey, you can watch the live stream here: https://pixcams.com/ott-family-bald-eagle-nest/