CT Audubon Launches State’s Only Osprey Cam

FAIRFIELD — The summer season is a great time to view ospreys as they soar and swoop along coastal and river waters on the constant lookout for surface-swimming fish. To get an even closer look at these remarkable birds of prey, people can enjoy a special bird’s-eye view of a pair of nesting ospreys through Connecticut’s only Osprey Cam, now set up at Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point.

Through a generous donation from conservationist and business leader Leon Hirsch of Westport, Connecticut Audubon has mounted a camera above a nest situated on a platform above the Charles E. Wheeler Salt Marsh in Milford. Osprey Cam provides a rare opportunity to monitor the ospreys throughout the breeding and nesting season.

“The television monitor is next to our large window overlooking the salt marsh so you can see the birds from the window and then see what’s going on inside the nest on the monitor,” said Milan Bull, senior director of science and conservation for Connecticut Audubon. “It’s been a fascinating process. We can’t wait to see the parents care for the nestlings.”

Viewers can watch the close-up action on a monitor at the Coastal Center or from Connecticut Audubon’s website at www.CTAudubon.org. Coastal Center hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm; and Sunday, noon to 4 pm. For more information and directions, call 203-878-7440.