As avid birders, we all love to take steps to transform our backyards into a birding paradise, learning about the different species that visit our feeders and getting out in the field in an attempt at spotting something new. In addition to doing all of your birding in person, there are a number of virtual webcams that also allow us to monitor and get a glimpse of species we might never have an up-close and personal encounter with.
Advancements in technology have made online video streaming one of the most popular activities on the internet and all the fun is not only restricted to silly cat videos. A number of respectable publishers and organizations have set up high definition cameras to broadcast views from feeders, reserves, and nests for our viewing pleasure.
Of all the cameras available on the internet, here are a few of our favourites that we think are worth checking out:
Texas Barn Owl Cam
A great opportunity for many of us in Canada, who rarely will ever have an opportunity to spot one of these owls in the wild, this camera managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This camera features a pair of Barn Owls who have taken up residence in a large barn owl box nestled in the rafters of a large open-air pavilion on a Texas ranch.
Penguin Habitat
Hosting at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, this webcam gives viewers an underwater view of Magellanic penguins. These penguins were rescued from Brazil when they were stranded from their natural habitat and put on acrobatic aquatic displays, live on camera.
Ontario FeederWatch
Located in a residential neighborhood in Manitouwadge, Ontario and often boasts sightings of redpolls, grosbeaks, jays and ruffed grouse during the winter months. This camera is hosted by Tammie and Ben Hache who have been proud members of FeederWatch since 2002 and hope their camera aids in providing a better understanding as to what birds are doing during the winter months.
Ontario FeederWatch Camera Link
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