Posted by
NewMexiKen on
URL: http://bald-eagles-of-broward-county-florida.17.s1.nabble.com/web-cam-tp7572958p7572962.html
Installation of a nest camera at this location involves problems of logistics. While the power distribution pole in front of the nest would provide a fairly good view, FP&L does not permit it to be used for such purpose. The tree sways and the image quality would often be poor. Putting it on a nearby tree would introduce even greater instability.
Putting in a tall pole would involve creation of a path for heavy equipment, which would cause unacceptable disruption of the habitat. It would need to be seated deeply, as guy wires would be a collision hazard for the eagles. The nest is very high, and the camera would best be placed on the nest tree, just above the nest, so that it would move with the nest when the tree sways. The Florida FWC does not favor using the nest tree for this purpose, out of concern that it might cause disturbance to the eagles and possible abandonment of the nest.
These barriers could probably be overcome. Any construction near the nest must take place outside the nesting season (October 1 through May 15), which is an increasingly wet time of year. Planning and all necessary funds and approvals must be obtained in advance of this short window of opportunity. Previous plans have been drawn up in hopes of obtaining electric power and broadband support from the utility providers. The most recent plan involved solar power and a camera with a transmitter that would send the signal to the nearby high school.
The nest is protected on City land and the project enjoys the continuing support of the Mayor, and also officials of West Broward High School. No one is opposed to it.
It simply comes down to funding. We always felt that if Comcast/NBC and/or FP&L (or any local or even national corporation or conservation-minded organization) recognized the positive exposure (and possibility of advertising profits from hosting a web site) that could be gained by sponsoring the nest, it would be a no-brainer for them to support the project. These entities so far have been approached and no funding has been generated.
The nest tree is an exotic Australian Pine, prone to toppling over in a wind storm. Native pines often are flat-topped, offering good platforms for construction of a large nest. Australian Pines tend to have one central leader and grow up to a narrow point with few large lateral branches. The nest tree is unusual in this respect-- perhaps the central leader was damaged when young, and this caused the heavier side branches to sprout and eventually form a sturdy crotch for the nest. Although eagles will often rebuild nearby when a nest is lost, there may not be suitable substitutes within this pair's territory. Eagles often construct secondary or alternate nests, but we are not aware of any in this case. This situation poses an added concern.