Pittsburgh's Bald Eagle Cameras Return
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Pittsburgh's famous bald eagles are returning to their nests as they get ready to lay new eggs.
That means that both Hays and Harmar bald eagle web cameras are back operating.
Millions of people every year tune into the bald eagle webcams.
WATCH LIVE:
The webcam at the Hays nest are a collaborative project between PixController and the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania.
"We are excited to be involved with another eagle season in Pittsburgh. The new camera upgrades should enhance the viewing and education experience for all watching the broadcast. Above all we hope for a successful nesting season for both the Harmar and Hays nests," says Bill Powers, the president of PixController.
The webcam at the Harmar nest is owned by ASWP and made possible with support from Comcast Business Industries, PixController, and Arborel Tree Service.
"We've replaced both cameras at Harmar and Hays, and we look forward to giving people even better views this year than we did last," says Audubon Society Operations Director Brian Shema.
He says new high def cameras have now been installed at both locations. We can follow two eagle families at once.
"At the Hays site, down on the Monongahela, we've upgraded to high-definition cameras, so viewers can see a much clearer, more vivid picture than they've done in previous years," Shema said. "At the Harmar nest, because the camera's located so far away from the body of the nest, we've upgraded to a higher zoom camera, so we can zoom a bit closer to the nest."
The live video feed has been granted a special permit by the Pennsylvania Game Commission for educational purposes.
The nests in Hays and Harmar have produced 10 eaglets in three years, doing their part to remove the American symbol from the endangered list.
In 2016, three eggs were laid in the Hays nest and two in the Harmar nest. The eggs hatched in March and April.
"The ability to watch their babies grow in the nest is something that we don't usually see on a regular basis," Shema says. "So, I think that's very exciting to people."
While they may seem to be putting on a show, he adds, "The eagles have no idea the cameras are there."
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
