Nest Cams: A Window into the Family Life of Raptors

We are Obsessed with Bird Cams and You Will Be Too

For bird lovers, few things are more exciting than watching wildlife unfold in real time, in all its vivid, dramatic and occasionally funny detail. Thanks to modern technology, bird cams provide a front-row seat to some of the bird world's most breathtaking moments. More importantly, they allow birdwatchers and scientists to gather this information in a way that minimizes disruption for these birds. From majestic bald eagles to urban-dwelling peregrine falcons, the following live-streamed nests offer an up-close view of raptor life, from egg-laying to first flights. 

Here are some of the best, (in our humble opinion), bird cams to check out:

🦅 Friends of Big Bear Valley – Bald Eagles

📍 Big Bear Valley, California
🔗 Watch here

If you’ve ever wanted to watch a bald eagle family in action, this is the cam for you. Nestled high in the trees of Big Bear Valley, this famous eagle nest has been home to beloved resident eagles, Jackie and Shadow. From dramatic snowstorms to heartwarming parenting moments, this cam offers an incredible look at the resilience of these iconic raptors. Jackie and Shadow are a treat to watch, as they interact with each other, while shoring up their nest and having some low key arguments about incubation duties.

🏙️ Cal Falcons – Peregrine Falcons

📍 University of California, Berkeley
🔗 Watch here

High above the Berkeley campus, a pair of peregrine falcons have made their home on the Campanile bell tower. Peregrines, known for their mind-blowing speed (over 240 mph in a dive!), make for some interesting nest cam watching. There is nothing quite has entertaining as watching a Peregrine skulk along around the nest. And the chicks? Some of the most vocal you will observe. Each year, viewers eagerly follow along as the falcons raise their chicks in the heart of the city, demonstrating that wildlife and urban life can coexist.

🍂 Cornell Lab – Red-Tailed Hawks

📍 Cornell University, New York
🔗 Watch here

Cornell’s Red-tailed Hawk cam is a favorite, streaming the lives of Big Red and her mate, Arthur, as they raise their young on the university campus high up on a lighting fixture. With expert commentary from the renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this cam offers not only stunning footage but also educational insights into hawk behavior, nesting, and hunting techniques. This cam went offline in late 2024 for updates. We are eagerly awaiting its return for the 2025 breeding season.

Why Bird Cams Play an Important Role in Bird Conservation Efforts

Watching a bird cam can be an emotional rollercoaster. One moment, you’re witnessing the tender beauty of a newly hatched chick, and the next, you might be faced with a harsh reality—like a predator attack, sibling rivalry, or a chick that doesn’t make it. While it can be difficult to see, experiencing both the good and the tragic is an important part of truly understanding nature.

🌿 A True Reflection of Wildlife
Nature isn’t a perfectly curated highlight reel—it’s raw, unpredictable, and often unforgiving. Bird cams give us an unfiltered look at what birds go through every day, from the triumph of a successful hunt that feeds a nest full of hungry chicks. To the heartbreak of a lost chick. It’s a reminder that survival in the wild is never guaranteed, even for the most skilled and dedicated bird parents.

📚 A Learning Opportunity
Every joyful and painful moment on a bird cam teaches us something about the natural world. Watching how birds handle challenges—whether it’s defending their nest, enduring harsh weather, or coping with loss—deepens our appreciation for their resilience. It also helps scientists and conservationists gather valuable data on bird behavior, threats, and survival strategies.

💔 Building Empathy & Connection
It’s natural to feel emotionally invested in these birds, especially when you’ve been watching their journey from egg to fledgling. Seeing both the good and the tragic reminds us how precious life is and strengthens our connection to wildlife. It also highlights why conservation efforts matter—helping protect these species so that more of them can thrive.

⚖️ Respecting Nature’s Balance
It’s easy to want to intervene when things take a turn for the worse, but bird cams remind us that nature operates on its own terms. Predators play a role in the ecosystem, and not every egg will hatch, nor will every chick survive—but those that do will go on to continue their species. Accepting both sides of nature helps us respect its balance and resilience.

A Reminder of Life’s Fragility & Strength

Watching a bird cam is like watching a feathered version of life itself—filled with moments of triumph, struggle, loss, and renewal. The joy of a first flight is made even more meaningful by knowing the risks the chicks had to overcome. By embracing both the good and the tragic, we gain a deeper, more authentic appreciation for the natural world and our place within it.

If You Enjoy Bird Cams As Much As We Do, Consider Donating

Many of the bird cams that provide clear, high quality video of bird life in the nest and beyond are managed by birding and other non-profit environmental and conservation organizations. If you have the ability and you enjoy the content, please consider donating to those organizations.

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