Supports the Osprey Cam in the UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.

The idea for the Osprey Cam came from Professor Mark Hostetler who is an urban wildlife ecologist in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida. He thought of the project from initially seeing these majestic birds bringing fish to their nests during the UF baseball games. In addition, Professor Hostetler teaches a study abroad class in New Zealand, and there was a national event where people were able to see a Royal Albatross raise a rather large chick. It was quite a success, and this generated the idea to have an Osprey Cam on UF’s campus.

After scouting areas throughout University of Florida, the camera was placed on the light pole near the intramural softball fields on campus, where a nesting pair was seen years before. The camera is about 80 feet in the air! Initial funding came from WEC as a way to educate people about ospreys and wildlife in general. However, there are monthly charges to host the camera and funds are needed to go up the high pole to maintain it and fix problems. Also, several people helped work through the challenges to get this camera operational.

Your support to help fund this project is greatly appreciated.