Xcel Energy Osprey Cam
Our osprey cam features a nest erected in 1993 by Bob Anderson of the Raptor Resource Project at the Allen S. King Plant in Oak Park Heights, Minn., on the St. Croix River. Since its installation, more than 37 young ospreys have been produced at this site. We're proud to say that this nest is the most productive osprey nest in the Twin Cities metro area.
The osprey cam is not turned on now, because ospreys are not nesting there this season. However, there's still plenty of excitement with the other birds, so we invite you to follow us on Twitter and we'll provide you with updates.
The ospreys will start to appear in April.
About
Our Osprey Cam features a nest erected in 1993 by Bob Anderson of the Raptor Resource Project at the Allen S. King Plant in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota, on the St. Croix River. Since it’s installation, more than 37 young ospreys have been produced at this site. Local, Central Standard Time (CST), is used for these images, which refresh every two minutes. Photos are archived for the day in the Daily Pix section.
Interested in corresponding with other Bird Cam viewers? Join the BirdCam Forum available through the Raptor Resource Project.
Osprey Facts
- Ospreys have long curved talons; their toes have sharp spines for catching and holding onto fish.
- Nicknamed the "fish hawk," the osprey catches prey by hovering to spot fish below the water's surface, swiftly diving and then seizing the fish with its talons.
- Osprey range from 21-24 inches tall with a wingspan of 4.5 to 5 feet. Females are slightly larger than males.
- Ospreys fly at speeds up to 40 mph.
- At a distance, this bird resembles a seagull. They have dark feathers on their backs and white feathers on their undersides. Their heads are white with a black eye stripe.
