Live bird cams offer a rare, up close and personal window into a bird’s life. They provide hours of nature-watching fun that’s all at once entertaining, awe-inspiring, and educational for all ages. We at Chirp love them, which is why we’ve decided to narrow down some of our top live bird cam picks for our blog readers. (It was so hard to pick just a few, but here are some of our favorites—we think you’ll love them too!)
Friends of Big Bear Valley’s Live Eagle Nest Cam
How can we talk about live bird cams without giving a special shout out to our local eagle nest cam? The Friends of Big Bear Valley set this nest cam up in 2013, and it’s located 120 feet up a tree in the San Bernardino Forest. The nest cam currently follows mated eagles Jackie and Shadow, and is especially exciting to watch during the egg-laying season (from January to March). Check out Chirp’s Big Bear Lake Bald Eagle Updates for a timeline of the cam’s highlights.
Cornell Lab’s FeederWatch Live Bird Cam at Sapsucker Woods in New York
On the edge of the Sapsucker Woods in Ithaca, New York, there’s a cluster of bird feeders teeming with birds of all shapes, colors, and sizes. This live bird cam is part of Cornell Lab’s FeederWatch Program, and it captures all kinds of birds, from Chickadees to Red-Winged Blackbirds to the woods’ namesake, Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers. In fact, there are more than 200 species of birds that can be seen in the area, which is known as the home of Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It’s not unusual to spot rare birds like American Bitterns and Scarlet Tanagers on their live feed.
Cornell Lab’s Boreal Birds FeederWatch Live Bird Cam in Ontario
Can’t make it to Canada but love watching their local wildlife? Then you’ll love Cornell Lab’s FeederWatch Cam in Ontario. Situated in a quaint backyard owned by Project FeederWatch members Tammie and Ben Haché, you get to watch dozens of colorful birds flock to the six feeders provided. This live cam gives you a close-up view of Evening Grosbeaks, Hoary Redpolls, White-Winged Doves, and many more species. You’ll love the variety of birds, and the beautiful scenery in the background that changes with the seasons.
Cornell Lab’s Panama Fruit Feeder Live Bird Cam at Canopy Lodge in Panama
We’re going all the way to El Valle de Antón, Panama, for this next live cam, hosted by Cornell Lab. What makes it a favorite of ours? The lush tropical landscape alone is worth watching, and then you get to enjoy a spectacular view of the colorful birds native to the area. It’s not uncommon to see Keel-Billed Toucans, Red-Crowned Woodpeckers, and Rufous Motmots feeding on the plentiful orange pieces provided.
EXPLORE.org’s Seal Island Puffin Cam in Maine
If you’ve never had the chance to watch puffins interact with one another, then this live cam is for you. The puffin cam at Seal Island, Maine, is hosted by EXPLORE.org and set up on what’s dubbed a “loafing ledge,” where Atlantic Puffins congregate. Watch these social birds fly, forage for fish, dive, and communicate with one another. It’s a sight to see—and there’s never a dull moment on this avian thoroughfare.
Hummingbird Spot’s Live Bird Feeder Cam in California
Do you love hummingbirds? Then you’ll love this live bird cam. Located in a fellow bird lover’s yard in Studio City, California, this live cam captures more than 350 types of hummingbirds year-round, from Allen’s and Anna’s to Rufous and Calliope. With six hummingbird feeders in view, expect to see a dozen or more hummingbirds feeding at any given time. The bird feeders are filled two to three times a day, so this is a live cam with non-stop action.
Stay Tuned for More from Chirp
Can’t get enough of live bird feeds? We feel the same, and so we’ve decided to create one of our own. Be on the lookout for Chirp’s own wild bird livestream, coming soon. Happy birdwatching!
