Cornell University’s bird cams allow people across the world to get a glimpse into the lives of various bird species by streaming live video footage from cameras positioned near nests and feeding areas. One of Cornell’s most popular bird cams is focused on a red-tailed hawk nest located on Cornell’s campus in Ithaca, New York. This article will provide an overview of the Cornell red-tailed hawk cam, detailing its location, history, and what viewers can expect to see.
Overview of the Cornell Red-Tailed Hawk Cam
The Cornell red-tailed hawk cam provides a live look at a red-tailed hawk nest located on Cornell University’s campus in Ithaca, New York. The nest box is positioned around 90 feet above the ground on a light tower near Cornell’s athletic fields. The live stream allows viewers to observe the daily lives of a red-tailed hawk family including nesting behaviors, feeding of chicks, and all the drama that comes with raising a family of raptors.
The Cornell hawk cam has been streaming live footage since 2012. It was originally set up by Cornell Lab of Ornithology staff who wanted to provide an intimate look into the nesting habits of urban red-tailed hawks. The Cornell hawks quickly became internet celebrities with fans across the globe tuning in daily to watch hawk family life unfold on camera.
Each spring, viewers can watch a new red-tailed hawk pair arrive at the nest to lay eggs, incubate them, and raise a brood of chicks fledging in the summer. The cam provides an authentic look at the red-tailed hawk reproductive cycle and parenting behaviors live from the Cornell campus.
Exact Location of the Cornell Hawk Nest Camera
The Cornell red-tailed hawk cam is located on Cornell University’s central campus in Ithaca, New York. Ithaca is in upstate New York’s Tompkins County approximately 40 miles south of Syracuse and 65 miles southwest of Binghamton.
More specifically, the hawk nest box is positioned on a light tower adjacent to Schoellkopf Field, Cornell’s football stadium. Schoellkopf Field is located off Campus Road just east of Libe Slope and west of Beebe Lake.
The stadium light towers are visible from many spots on Cornell’s central campus. But the best views of the hawk nest location are from the Bartels Hall parking lot just northwest of the football stadium.
GPS Coordinates of the Nest Box
The exact GPS coordinates of the light tower holding the red-tailed hawk nest box are:
42°26’46.2″N 76°28’54.1″W
This places the hawk cam nest box at approximately 42.446194, -76.481703.
Viewers can input these GPS coordinates into Google Maps or other mapping apps to find the precise location of the Cornell hawk nest.
History of the Cornell Red-Tailed Hawk Camera
The Cornell hawk cam has been providing an intimate look at red-tailed hawk family life since 2012. Here is an overview of the history and highlights of this live streaming wildlife cam:
Origin of the Camera in 2012
The Cornell red-tailed hawk cam was first set up in 2012 by Charles Eldermire, former bird cams project leader with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He wanted to showcase an urban hawk nest site and partnered with Cornell Information Technologies to install a camera pointed at a hawk nest box on a stadium light tower.
The original motivation was to promote public interest in local wildlife. But soon the hawks became internet celebrities with fans tracking their every move!
Highlights from Past Years
Some memorable moments from past nesting seasons include:
- In 2013, fans watched Big Red hatch and raise three chicks including two albinos which was a rare genetic quirk.
- In 2015, Big Red’s mate Ezra was struck and killed by a vehicle leaving Big Red to raise three chicks alone.
- In 2017, Big Red raised four chicks, the most in one brood so far documented on the cam.
- In 2019, new male hawk Arthur bonded with Big Red and helped fledged two chicks.
Viewers have been able to witness hawk behaviors like feeding, hunting, egg incubation, defending the nest, and all the antics of growing hawk chicks before they fledge each summer.
Recent Years and Current Status
As of 2023, the Cornell hawk cam remains a popular live streaming cam accessible through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website. Big Red and Arthur are still the hawk pair appearing on the cam and preparing for another nesting season. Tens of thousands of fans tune in daily to watch this famous hawk family!
What You Can Expect to See on the Live Hawk Cam
The Cornell hawk cam provides an intimate, real-time view into nearly every aspect of red-tailed hawk family life. Here are some of the behaviors and activities viewers can expect to observe on the live cam stream:
Courtship and Mating
In late winter, viewers can watch Big Red and Arthur engage in aerial courtship displays over their territory. These dramatic flights help the pair cement their bond. Mating usually follows through March and early April.
Egg Laying and Incubation
Big Red typically lays 1-3 eggs in March or April. The eggs are whitish with brown speckles. The adults take turns incubating the eggs for about a month before they hatch.
Hatching of Chicks
After 30-35 days of incubation, the eggs start hatching in April or May! Recently hatched chicks are covered in white down. See them get brooded under mom, fed by parents, and grow quickly.
Growth and Development of Chicks
For 6-10 weeks, viewers get to watch the chicks grow from helpless fuzzballs to juvenile hawks ready to fledge. Key milestones are the chicks taking their first wobbly steps, wing flapping, and eating on their own.
Fledging of Juvenile Hawks
In June or July, the now fully feathered juveniles will take their first flights from the nest to nearby branches and roofs. Fledging marks a huge step in their independence, though the parents will continue to care for them.
Empty Nest and Territory Patrols
After fledging the young, activity at the nest slows down. The adults are often seen perched on the light tower or patrolling their territory. In late summer, they may begin refurbishing the nest for the next breeding season.
Unique Aspects of the Red-Tailed Hawk Nest
The urban setting of Cornell’s hawk nest provides a unique peek into red-tailed hawk family life. Here are some of the unique aspects of this nest location:
Urban Setting
Many hawk cams are set in remote wilderness areas. But Cornell’s is right on campus surrounded by human activity like varsity sports and college life. This provides insights into how hawks adapt to breed around people.
High Traffic Area
The nest overlooks very busy Cornell athletic fields. Thousands of students and fansattend events right near the nest every school year, yet the hawks seem unbothered!
Artificial Nest Box
Many nest cams feature natural hawk nests built in trees. But Cornell’s light tower only had a metal platform, so an artificial next box was installed to provide the hawks a nesting structure.
Exposure to Elements
Cornell’s hawks nest 90 feet up a metal light tower, fully exposed to the elements like wind, rain, and weather. Viewers get to see how dedicated the adult hawks are to warming and sheltering the eggs and chicks!
Cornell’s Commitment to Bird Conservation
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology manages the red-tailed hawk cam and has many other bird research initiatives that demonstrate Cornell’s commitment to bird studies and conservation:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a world leader in the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds. They conduct scientific research, educate people, and implement conservation programs related to birds.
Project NestWatch
NestWatch is a citizen science project engaging people to monitor and track breeding bird nests. The data helps scientists understand trends in bird populations.
Macaulay Library
This massive archive contains audio and video recordings documenting avian species worldwide. The collection advances understanding of bird distribution, behavior, and conservation.
eBird
eBird is a global online database where birdwatchers can log bird sightings generating real-time data about bird distribution and populations for scientists.
Visiting Ithaca to See the Hawk Nest Area
If you want to visit the Cornell campus and hawk nest area in person, here are some tips:
Best Times to Visit
Try visiting Ithaca during spring or early summer to potentially see parent hawks engaged in nesting behaviors and hear young hawks begging for food. April through June are busy times around the nest.
Popular Visitor Activities
Activities tourists enjoy in the area include exploring Cornell’s beautiful campus, sampling local cuisine in downtown Ithaca, hiking at stunning natural parks like Taughannock Falls and Buttermilk Falls, and enjoying the lively arts and music culture.
Where to Stay
Ithaca offers lots of lodging options including hotels like the Statler Hotel on campus, cozy bed & breakfasts inns, vacation rentals, and camping at state parks just outside the city.
Getting to Ithaca
Ithaca can be reached by flying into nearby airports at Syracuse, Binghamton, or Elmira. Or take a bus to the Ithaca Bus Terminal downtown. Having a car makes exploring the surrounding parks and waterfalls easier.
Conclusion
The Cornell red-tailed hawk cam offers an intimate view into the lives of these fascinating raptors as they raise the next generation. Since 2012, the live streaming cam has allowed viewers from all over the world to watch key milestones like egg laying, hatching, fledging, and more from this famous hawk family in upstate New York. The urban setting provides unique insights into how red-tailed hawks are able to thrive in human-dominated environments. So tune in to the Cornell hawk cam to watch wildlife drama unfold in real time!