The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has launched an "eagle cam," a live online video feed of a pair of nesting American bald eagles in the Twin Cities.
The webcam started operating this week at www.eaglecam.dnr.state.mn.us .
The camera was installed above the nest late last year with the help of an Xcel Energy boom truck and Floyd Security. Located in the Twin Cities, the DNR is not disclosing the exact location of the nest to prevent crowds that might distract the eagles. The nest already contains three eggs that are expected to hatch by mid-February, the DNR said.
The American bald eagle was pushed to the brink of extinction but has made a comeback in the continental United States. Webcams like the DNR's have proven popular. An 'eagle cam" in Decorah, Iowa, went viral two years ago and generated more than 200 million views from around the world.
"Unlike a lot of major metropolitan areas, the Twin Cities still has some pretty spectacular natural areas where wildlife such as eagles can flourish," Keith Parker, the DNR's Central Region director, said in news release. "We're hoping that people will get excited watching this eagle family and get out to one of our state, county or city parks to experience nature first-hand."
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The camera was funded by the DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program, which is largely funded by donations, especially those made when Minnesotans file their state income and propertytaxes.
Minnesotans can help wildlife by donating to the so-called "chickadee check-off" their tax forms, or directly at www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/nongame/checkoff.html .
