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Welcome to “Season Five” of our osprey cam! Get ready for another exciting season of osprey viewing at the Waquoit Bay Reserve, brought to you by the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge
If you’d like to show your appreciation for the nest cam, please Support the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge! As a nonprofit volunteer organization, we support a wide variety of education, research and stewardship projects within the Mashpee Refuge to ensure the long-term protection and enhancement of native wildlife and habitats.
Thank you in advance!
We are thrilled to offer this live stream of an active pair of Osprey at their nest at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The pair are appropriately named Rachel and Carson, after the famed environmentalist.
This opportunity for a bird’s eye view of a beloved bird’s habitat is the result of a collaboration between The Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, which helped plan and locate the site for this unique “nest cam,” the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of the Refuge partners, and Comcast, which generously provided the equipment, installation and broadband connectivity to power this viewing experience.
One of our goals as a community-based nonprofit is to give the public opportunities to enjoy and interact with nature and wildlife. Thanks to Comcast, the live streaming of this osprey nest will broaden our reach to all of Cape Cod and beyond. We are grateful for the opportunity to use the live nest cam for observation, research and education purposes.
View highlights from 2026 (“Season Five”)
View highlights from 2025 (“Season Four”)
View highlights from 2024 (“Season Three”)
View highlights from 2023 (“Season Two”)
View highlights from 2022 (“Season One”) – mating, egg laying and hatching, feeding and more!
Please feel free to comment below with your observations or any questions you may have. We welcome your comments and questions! If you’d like to see a list of questions other viewers have asked, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ospreys and the Nest Cam. You may also want to read this article to learn more about ospreys on Cape Cod.
Please note that first-time posters must be approved before comments are displayed, and allow up to 24 hours before your initial post can be seen by others.
Osprey on the nest at5:10pm. Doesn’t seem like Charlie, very reserved and business like cleaning his/her feathers.
Nice to see one again.
5:12 pm. Charlie’s on the nest
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We’ll keep you updated on happenings with the osprey cam, upcoming events and other news.
Thanks again to everyone for contributing your comments, stories, questions and answers! It’s been a wonderful experience for me as well!
just did.
thanks
What a wonderful experience, thank you 😊 so until next year everyone have a safe winter ☃️ and chat with you all in the spring 🌷 Take good care, Marie
same to you marie, and everyone else in this “chatroom”. safe travels to all that will be heading to a warmer climate, stay well, enjoy your holidays and i also look forward to chatting with everyone for season 2 of the rachel & carson reality show.
joanne
Same here — best wishes to everyone in the “family” until we meet again next spring. And if any of you might be wintering in Florida, our ospreys don’t migrate and we have a LOT of them! Bring a pair of binoculars and you should be able to enjoy some great osprey and eagle watching before you head back up north. I also recommend our eagle cams all over the state which will be showing what life as a baby eagle is like, with eggs hatching as early as late November in south Florida and late December in north Florida where I live. 🙂
10:35pm Mon Aug 29
Camera working. No one home 😀 Charlie did it !
camera black saying error occured
Yes, our hosting provider seems to be having some issues. Stay tuned…
All was resolved a little while ago. Sorry for the interruption. Hopefully all we missed was an empty nest!
Is the camera having a problem? Black screen
I keep checking the nest and see nothing but I can see from others comments that some of you were lucky enough to see an osprey so I guess I won’t give up yet!
Does anyone know if the same mating pair return to the same nest next year?
IF Rachel and Carson both survive the two long migrations they have to make (6,000 miles in total!), they’ll meet up again in the Waquoit Bay area next March. And IF another pair hasn’t already laid claim to the nest platform R&C used for the first time this season, they should use it again. There are a lot of “IFs” involved, so we’ll just have to wait and see — and keep our fingers crossed that our special couple will return safe and sound to give us Season 2 of the Rachel and Carson Show!
Well stated, Claire. It really puts into perspective how wondrous it all is! One clarification, though – the nest platform has been there for several years, and we don’t know how long Rachel & Carson have claimed it as their own. So it probably wasn’t their first year at the nest. Hopefully many more to come!
Thanks for the clarification, Glenn. I misunderstood that “Season One” meant the first season with the nest cam and not the first season for the nest platform itself. I learn something new every day along with everyone else! 🙂
Good morning Glenn,
Is it possible for you to post under the highlights section Claire in Florida’s posting re: the facebook page with the osprey message to all of us? Thanks!
6:45. Bird on nest. Is it Charlie? His back is to the camera/
5:00 pm …Osprey In nest. Nice to see one there again !!
Charlie’s back! 4:55 pm Sunday
I’d love to think that was Charlie, but I’m not sure who it really was.
Hi Claire in Florida,
Thanks for posting the Facebook page for another osprey cam in Scotland. You cheered my husband & I.
Katherine & Sam, Mashpee, MA.
When I saw it this morning, it cheered me up, and I hoped posting it here would help others feel a little better about our beautiful ospreys leaving on their migrations to the south. I’m glad you both liked it! 🙂
This was posted today on the Facebook page for another osprey cam I’ve been watching this summer in Scotland (Loch Archaig). I loved it and thought it was worth a share here, since our ospreys will soon be gone as well.
👍🏼
Well, that’s what I needed!!!! A good cry.
I have been watching the osprey nests in Hyannisport, West Hyannisport and along Craigville Beach. All have been empty for a few a few days.
I was hoping to see one of “our ospreys” one more time before their journey started.
I’ll keep watching hoping for one final glimpse
Joanne
Me too
That was beautiful – thanks for posting!
Thanks for this Claire. Just beautiful!
Beautiful Claire. We’re sad when they go and worry when they stay too long. I’ve enjoyed this season very much, watching the osprey, and really enjoyed reading all the comments. Thanks all, especially Glenn.
We have to believe that they will be fine on their journey. It seemed to go by so quickly! It was an enjoyable part of my day to check my in on the nest and watching these amazing creatures doing what comes naturally and instinctively. Thanks to everyone for your and informative comments and I still watch the fish delivery clip with C doing the moon walk! 😅 makes me smile every time.
Originally from Long Island – been a resident here on the Cape for 5 yrs. Had a summer house for over 30 years in Megansett . Absolutely agree with you all, this has been such a pleasure to be a part of, I also am feeling the ‘empty nest syndrome’… while cheering on the Waquoit Ospreys as they head south. Thank you again Glenn and to all who make this live cam possible.🙌🏼
I’m curious where on LI you’re from. I grew up in Syosset/Woodbury.
Seaford 🙌🏼 I’m on Long Island now visiting family. Saw a few ospreys out near Orient when I arrived by ferry at Orient Point 🤗
It’s bittersweet to see an empty nest. Hopefully they’re all thriving out there now.
It was fabulous watching the Ospreys this season. Really enjoyed it. Maybe next year the webcam placement can help minimize the obstructed views that hid some of the magic. But appreciated it a lot!
It was great watching the whole family grow and move on hopefully next season will be able to see some of them Thank you for putting this webcam up I’ll miss stopping for a moment and watching them all and they’re nest
7:00pm There is an osprey on the perch…..just looking around. Maybe a adult as there are no white tipped feathers and seems very confident and stands very erect. A beautiful bird !!
I have loved every moment of this web cam and looking forward to next spring. Maybe a osprey or two will be spending the winter in Naples Fl……wish I could determine if one was our Falmouth CC family.💕
Fantastic observation Linda. Definitely an adult. Was hoping to get a view of the chest markings but the camera went down. Could be one that was born on this nest two years ago.
It was on the nest for about an hour. Mostly just side views, but at one point it turned slightly and there seem to be chest markings that don’t match Carson. Could be Rachel or another adult female.
Maybe it was that other female that visited Rachel and Carson before?
Someone is back now! Just flew in for a perfect landing! This has been so awesome to watch and I have shared it with all my friends and family. Things to everyone for the amazing comments and photos!!! I live in East Falmouth and have been on the Cape cod over 43 years now enjoying all the beauty and nature this beautiful area has.
8/26/22, 12:39 PM A juvenile osprey fledgling is back at the nest platform, preening itself.
Washed ashore to Mashpee 5/21/1992 where I lived for about 22-1/2 wonderful years, fulfilling my dream of living on Cape Cod. I left Mashpee reluctantly in November 2014 where I live with my daughter and son-in-law. We live on Childs River Road and I am hoping to some day be able to recognize ospreys flying above. So, summer of eyes to the skies.
I am so very appreciative of observing Rachel, Carson, Alpha, Bravo and Charlie during this first season. Thank you to Glenn and all his team. Thanks also to all the posters who contributed to a very active community of osprey lovers.
By the way, I have been meaning to post this for some time so will finally get it done. Some time ago a headless fish ended up on the edge of the road where we live. After learning of how ospreys fish, I have concluded that just maybe Carlson dropped it and decided it was too risky to retrieve it!
Beverly Kane
I see the nest, now empty, and am filled with awe at what we were fortunate to witness from beginning to end. So very beautiful.
And the Osprey lovers here have enriched the experience. ❤️
I have enjoyed this Osprey cam SOOO much. I am already looking forward to next year and the return of the birds. It’s going to be a long winter without watching their comings and goings. Rae
Oh, oh he’s been gone a long time. Is this farewell 💔😊
There was a juvenile on the nest for a couple of minutes about 45 mins agao
Missed it. We went out on a seal boat tour today (was excellent) and some of the nests out there still had one osprey in each. So Charlie is not alone in not wanting to leave so hastily.
I should add my story too… originally from NY, I was in the Natick area for over 40 years. During that time, I enjoyed occasional weekends, some summers and off-season stays on the Cape, until moving year-round to Mashpee in 2019. I’m on Jehu Pond, where I can see one osprey nest from my window and several others a short kayak ride away. I love to observe the ospreys soaring above and fishing in the pond. I’m retired now, but as busy as I’ve ever been, volunteering with the Friends of Mashpee NWR, the Waquoit Bay Reserve, Mashpee Conservation, AmeriCorps Seniors, and other organizations. I enjoy many outdoor activities, especially those that involve observing wildlife and protecting habitats. Watching Rachel and Carson, and A/B/C, and moderating the interactions among our newfound community has given me some much-needed hope for our future. We’ll save the planet, one bird at a time! Thank you all for this wonderful opportunity!
Glenn, since you kayak and have a little time on your hands (retirement), I could show you the pla on the Mashpee Riverce I mentioned where up to 6 or so osprey fish.It is slowing down ow.. more to bait-fish, smaller) and soon, if not now small snapper blues. If ouoy haven’t paddled the river, it is a must… real Mashpee history at every dip of your paddle. write me at my email private Have a great day, Bill McKay
Thanks so much for sharing your very interesting post, Glenn! It’s wonderful hearing from so many of our community members — sharing not only their locations but also their backgrounds and interests! 🙂
I’m from Cape Cod, born and bred. I live about 10 miles away from the hospital at which I was born, nearly 70 years ago. I have never once regretted staying here all my life. Things like this osprey cam adds to my joy!!
Holy crow, Patsy. I remember when the CCH was just that little hospital, I still work part time. Right now I am looking out my office window at the top of the old hospital and the new addition to the hospital. .
I don’t think it’s Charlie on the nest.
I have been in Mashpee for 50 years; even back to when we wud see them in real trees, dead pines.I have shared this with my kids: three off-Cape, one as far s San Diego. I am much more interested now in watching the general flights south for the winter. Thank you, Glenn and all, for this opportunity. Sincerely, Bill McKay
8/25 @ 17:30 Somebody’s back in the nest crying for a food delivery(?). It’s behaving like Charlie but the eye stripe doesn’t seem to match my photo of a few weeks ago. I’m just going to keep watching until they all disappear for points south and enjoy whatever or whoever I’m lucky enough to see at the nest. 🙂
I’m in Mashpee. I send Osprey info to friends in Burbank, California where we moved from 25 years ago.
i’m a wash ashore, came to the cape 35 plus years ago for a one week vacation. left after the vacation was over, went into work that monday and gave 2 weeks notice. packed my vw bug with what i could and my dog and here i am. have no desire to leave. this island has been good too me & my family and we all treat it with the respect it deserves.
my brother, from new jersey follows the carson and rachel family show also.
joanne
I love it! What a great story, Joanne! 🙂
Yup
I left the corporate world at 25
Knew it was not for me .
Gave up the pencil skirts, heals and 18 hr work days for flip flops, clam diggers and the beach
Not one day have I said “ boy did i
Mess up
I am blessed
I have a similar story — and just like you I’ve NEVER said “boy, did I mess up!”. My adventures after college took me to Connecticut for 14 years during which time I grew to love Cape Cod. I met a nice guy who was running the Essex Steam Train, and we were married on Nantucket. Do you remember Christmas Crossing in Hyannis back in the late 1980s? The little red, wooden caboose that was part of that collection of gift shops with a train theme was ours that we lived in on the railroad property. We sold it to one of the developers in Hyannis when we left the railroad in CT. I have a good friend who lives on the Cape now who told me about the Waquoit osprey nest when I was sad that our eagle and osprey season had ended in March. I’m a huge fan now of Rachel and Carson and will be looking forward to watching season #2 unfold next year!
Christmas Crossing—down by the RR tracks where Willow St, Rte 28, and Camp St intersect.? The Crossing sign is still there. I think the Christmas Tree Shop was there at one point, its gone, but there are 2 or 3 train cars still there, it’s a restaurant now.
You’re close — and the location you remember may have been a smaller satellite location for Christmas Crossing, which there were several of in the area. The “mother” CC property was about a mile and a half south west of that location just south of Rte 28 at the intersection of Camp St. and Yarmouth Rd. The “station” is still there, now a dance academy according to Google Maps. Our caboose was sold when the development closed and the last I knew it was in Somerset on Route 6 as part of the Railway Cafe.
That’s the same place I am talking about.
The restaurant is DJ’s Wings OMG best wings ever.
DJ’s is attached to the dance academy.
Isn’t it interesting that the “6 Degrees of Separation” are so often more like just 2 or 3? 🙂
Exactly.
I live in South Carolina. I have been coming to the Cape for a week or two every summer for over 60 years. I am fascinated by this web cam and only check in every few days so I really appreciate the comments of the avid watchers that keep me informed on what’s been going on.
I live in East Falmouth but have forwarded the Osprey cam information to my friends in
Germany.
Edith Ross
Hi Edith, I’m in East Falmouth too and should have sent the link to friends and family in Germany (we used to go to the North Sea with them)! I will remember next clutch!
I know we’ve got viewers from far & wide, from local residents to at least as far as Florida. Where else are people from? We’d love to know more about the geographic reach of our osprey cam! Please reply if you’d like to share your location.
I’m in Weymouth, but had a Time Share near Waquoit Bay for years and visited often. Mary Jeanne Hickey
Mashpee
Abington, MA
I live in Cataumet…just now 2 Ospreys flying over. First ones seen today. Behind my house down a dirt road there is an active osprey next on a high-tension tower & down the road near Somerset Ice Cream another on a cell tower. I have lived here for 6 yrs now and both nest have been active each year.
I am in Naples Fla. presently. Had lived in Mashpee part time for 17 yrs and plan to return next summer for several weeks. I know the area well and do miss being there all summer long . Loved the web cam, I felt right at home. Thanks so much.💕 Linda
hi all. i am in east sandwich and have sent updates to friends and family in Brooklyn, ny.
Originally from the Berkshires, I spend my summers in East Falmouth within walking distance to the Waquoit Bay National Research Reserve. The remainder of the year is spent in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was great to be able to watch the the beginnings of this Osprey family in March from the West Coast. 🦅
We now live in North Carolina but moved here from Plymouth so were over the moon excited to discover this live cam at the beginning of the season!
Glenn, this was such a nice idea as we near the end of the season to let us get to know a little bit about each other and continue to bond as a wonderful community of osprey lovers!
Woods Hole. Summers since 1966 and year round since 2017. My daughters love it here and come with their daughters when they can from New Zealand and Texas.
Bird flew off at 8:44
Charlie or not Charlie?
I agree, I do not believe this is Charlie
At this point, who knows. It’s almost impossible to tell. Arrgh! If Carson delivered the fish to a waiting osprey, then it’s probably Charlie, but a different osprey could have brought the fish to the nest as a nice spot to have breakfast. Maybe Glenn can look back an hour or so and see how the fish came to be in the nest.
Do you know if their head markings stay the same as they mature. This would be a way to determine who is who
It was a juvenile not Carson. Whichever bird it was brought it to the nest and settled down to eat after several minutes. I don’t think it’s Charlie, but hard to tell.
When you have a moment can you post in highlight of bird landing in nest, wondering if the fish was dropped off or if bird brought it to nest
thanks!
It was not a drop off. The bird that brought the fish to the nest was the same one who proceeded to eat it. The picture I posted shows the bird landing with the fish. Here’s another of the same bird starting to dine.
Thanks Glenn
That’s definitely not Charlie. The eye stripe is very different compared to a recent screen capture of the one that Carson was feeding in the nest (which I’m pretty sure is Charlie) a couple of weeks ago.
I’ve been told the eye stripe markings stay the same, but I don’t know for sure whether that’s true or not — and I haven’t been able to find any site (so far) that gives a definitive answer. Glenn, do you have a reference that will positively tell us if head markings, in particular an osprey’s eye stripe, stay the same or change over time?
I do wonder if every time I see an osprey in the nest it’s Charlie. The feathers on todays bird are not as black, more white. Different chicks visiting home?
I think you’re right — that it is a different fledgling, probably from another nest in the area. Or could it be Alpha or Bravo, who were so far ahead of Charlie they may already be catching their own fish? I’d have to go through old screen captures to see if their eye stripes match this one.
7:18 am, Charlie’s eating breakfast!
Yes, wonder where the fish came from?
Sorry, I did not see the delivery.
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