What is this stream’s main focus?

This live cam tracks Ospreys around the Richmond waterfront, showing perches on cranes and light posts with the San Francisco Bay as a backdrop.

Where exactly are these Ospreys?

They use the shoreline and harbor area of Richmond, California, within the greater San Francisco Bay.

When are Ospreys most active on camera?

Mornings often bring calmer air and busy fishing; evenings can light up the Bay and draw birds to favored perches.

What behaviors should I watch for?

Look for high circling, “sky-dancing,” feet-first dives, fish carries, and quick perch changes between cranes and light standards.

Why do Ospreys like cranes and light posts?

Tall structures give wide views of tidal channels and safe, open takeoff points for fishing trips.

What seasons matter for this stream?

Late winter through summer commonly covers courtship, nesting, and fledging in the Bay Area; fall often features migration and dispersal.

What do Ospreys eat here?

Almost exclusively fish from the Bay’s shallow channels and nearshore waters.

How do Ospreys catch fish?

They hover and dive feet-first, using barbed foot pads and a reversible outer toe to grip slippery prey.

Why do Ospreys shake midair after a dive?

They shed water to restore lift and dry feathers before heading to a perch.

What other birds might appear?

Terns, cormorants, pelicans, gulls, and seasonal waterfowl commonly work the harbor and shore.

What landmarks are in view?

Historic shipyard cranes and piers frame the harbor; on clear days you’ll see long Bay views and coastal hills.

What’s the story behind the cranes?

Richmond’s WWII shipyards built hundreds of vessels; surviving cranes are iconic industrial landmarks along today’s waterfront parks.

How does Bay weather affect viewing?

Morning fog and afternoon sea breezes are common; mid-day light is bright, while sunsets often paint the water and sky.

Any tips for spotting a fish delivery?

Watch favorite perches; a fast, direct flight with head-forward, tail-back posture often signals a fish carry.

Do Ospreys reuse nest sites in this area?

They commonly return to productive territories and sturdy platforms year to year when conditions are good.

How can I tell adults from juveniles?

Juveniles often show pale fringing on back feathers and may beg with rapid calls; adults look crisper with steadier flight.

Why do Ospreys sometimes face into the wind on a perch?

Facing the breeze keeps feathers sleek and makes takeoff easier.

Is there human support behind this project?

Yes—Golden Gate Bird Alliance partners on the cam to connect people with Bay Area birds and conservation.

What’s respectful etiquette if I visit the shoreline?

Enjoy from public paths, give wildlife space, follow posted rules, and never approach structures used by nesting birds.

Where nearby can I learn more in person?

The Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park visitor center and the SS Red Oak Victory museum ship offer local history context.

What time of day has the best light?

Golden hours around sunrise and sunset deliver warm color and long shadows over the Bay.

Do tides matter for Osprey viewing?

Lower tides can concentrate fish in channels, often improving hunting activity along edges and pilings.

What’s unique about Ospreys compared to other raptors here?

They are fish specialists with nearly worldwide coastal distribution and are comfortable nesting on human-made structures.

Can I save this stream to favorites?

If you have an account, you can mark streams as favorites so they’re easy to find later.

Is there a premium option?

A premium membership on HDOnTap offers an ad-free experience while you watch.

Golden Gate Ospreys Live Crane Cam

Birds California Nests Ospreys Outdoor Raptors Richmond San Francisco

LIVE

About the Golden Gate Ospreys Live Crane Cam

This PTZ 4K Ultra HD camera overlooks the Richmond waterfront in California. Volunteer camera operators manually follow Ospreys as they perch on light posts and other favorite spots. The backdrop includes the active shipyard, long views across the Bay, and the coastal hills beyond.

This project is presented with Golden Gate Bird Alliance. The organization inspires people to protect Bay Area birds and our shared natural environment, and engages the community through conservation, education, bird walks, and volunteer programs. Learn more at SFBayOspreys.org.

Weather

Richmond enjoys a mild maritime climate. Typical daily temperatures range from the low 40s in winter mornings to the high 70s on warm summer afternoons. Sea breezes and coastal clouds are common, bringing crisp mornings, bright midday light, and colorful sunsets. Rain falls mainly from late fall through early spring, while summer is usually dry with clear afternoons.

History

The camera looks over a shoreline shaped by shipbuilding. During World War II, the Richmond shipyards produced hundreds of vessels at remarkable speed. Historic cranes and piers still frame the waterfront, including the towering Whirley Crane near the SS Red Oak Victory. Today the area blends preserved industrial landmarks with shoreline parks and public access along the Bay.

Activities

Walk or cycle the San Francisco Bay Trail with broad views of the Bay and the hills
Visit the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park visitor center
Tour the SS Red Oak Victory museum ship on select days
Watch ships and tugboats move through the harbor and channels
Bird along the shoreline for terns, cormorants, pelicans, and wintering waterfowl
Explore nearby Point Richmond for cafes, galleries, and waterfront parks

Interesting Facts

Ospreys often perch on light posts, cranes, and pilings that give clear views of fishing grounds
The PTZ camera is manually driven by trained volunteers who track behavior and share close views
Industrial structures create excellent vantage points for raptors to scan for fish in tidal channels
Golden Gate Bird Alliance has connected people with Bay Area birds since 1917 through education and conservation
"The San Francisco Bay has seen a dramatic growth in Osprey nests in recent years", says the Golden Gate Bird Alliance.

Visiting Tips

For in person viewing, mornings bring soft light and calm water, afternoons can be breezy with strong sparkle on the Bay, and evenings offer warm color. Dress in layers, as coastal winds can make temperatures feel cooler near the water.

About San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Bay is a large, nearly landlocked bay indenting western California, U.S. It is a drowned river valley paralleling the coastline and is connected with the Pacific Ocean by a strait called the Golden Gate, which is spanned by the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco Bay is 60 miles (97 km) long and 3 to 12 miles (5 to 19 km) wide and is one of the world’s finest natural harbours. Treasure, Yerba Buena, Angel, and Alcatraz islands lie in it, and several bridges connect its eastern and western shores. Around the bay are San Francisco, Oakland, and a band of contiguous metropolitan subcenters linked by the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).

Last Updated: October 17, 2025

Partners

Golden Gate Bird Alliance

Founded in 1917 Golden Gate Bird Alliance (Formally: Golden Gate Audubon Society) engages people to experience the wonder of birds and translate that wonder into conservation action. They offer free birding walks, monthly guest speakers, volunteer opportunities and restorative habitat opportunities.

History Of the Crane Camera Nest

2021 Season
Season Summary: A successful season! Three eggs, Three Hatches and Three Fledges!
February 18, 2021 - Rosie Returns
February 25, 2021- Rose and Richmond reunite
March 24, 2021 - First Egg Laid
March 27, 2021 - Second Egg Laid
March 30, 2021 - Third Egg Laid
May 1, 2021 - First Hatch
May 3, 2021 - Second Hatch
May 5, 2021 - Third Hatch
June 19, 2021 - First Hover attempts
June 25, 2021 - Sage (WR) Fledges
July 1, 2021 - Poppy (ZP) Fledges
July 2, 2021 - Lupine (VZ) Fledges

2020 Season
Season Summary: 3 eggs, 3 hatches, 2 fledges

March 30, 2020 - First Egg Laid
April 2, 2020 - Second Egg Laid
April 5, 2020 - Third Egg Laid
May 6, 2020 - First Pip
May 7, 2020 - First Hatch
May 9, 2020 - Second Hatch
May 11, 2020 - Third Hatch
June 10, 2020 - Nestlings start to feed on their own at 33, 32 and 30 days old
June 17, 2020 - Nestlings are all banded and weighed, 2 males (ZD and XV) one female (WU)
June 22, 2020 - Oldest nestling at 45 days begins to hover followed by 44 day old female
June 29, 2020 - Oldest nestling at 52 days fledged from the nest to the crane cables
July 3, 2020 - Shasta (WU) female at 55 days old fledges from the nest to cables
July 5, 2020 - Tam fledged at 54 days
July 6, 2020 - Tam was injured flying up the crane boom, he was discovered the next morning and taken to WildCare of San Raphael for assessment, it was discovered that he had a broken leg, Surgery was performed and Tam was recovering. After the surgery, Tam's condition turned fatal. Since banding the nestling was the youngest and underweight.

2019 Season
Season Summary: 3 eggs laid, 3 eggs hatch, 2 fledges

March 31, 2019 - First egg laid
April 3, 2019 - Second egg laid
April 6, 2019 - Third egg laid
May 10, 2019 - First & second hatch
May 13, 2019 - Third hatch
May 15, 2019 - Third hatching dies due to cold weather
June 17, 2019- The two chicks are named by the Golden Gate Audubon Society. In hatch order:
"Peace-up" meansing Osprey in the Siuslaw native language

"Kiskasit" meaning Osprey in the Hanis Coos native langauge

June 30, 2019 - "Peace-up" fledges ( Watch Clip)
July 4, 2019 - "Kiskasit" fledges

2018 Season
Season Summary:
3 eggs laid, 3 hatches, 3 fledges

March 31, 2018 - First egg laid
April 3, 2018 - Second egg laid
April 6, 2018 - Third egg laid
May 9, 2018 - First hatch (watch clip)
May 11, 2018 - Second hatch
May 13, 2018 - Third hatch
June 1, 2018 - Chicks named by Golden Gate Audubon Society. In hatch order:
Roemer: In honor of Elsie Roemer, a GGAS conservationist who worked tirelessly to protect birds and their habitats
Victory: In honor of the shipyard workers of Richmond who built the Victory (and the Liberty) ships, including the Red Oak Victory, neighbor to the Whirley Crane nest site
Brisa: Meaning "breeze" in Spanish
June 21, 2018 - Chicks banded
July 1, 2018 - Roemer and Victory's fledge
July 6, 2018 - Brisa's fledge

2017 Season
Season Summary:
Clutch of three eggs, two hatches, two fledges

April 1, 2017 - First egg laid
April 4, 2017 - Second egg laid
April 7, 2017 - Third egg laid
May 1, 2017 - An egg was removed from the nest by the adult female
May 12, 2017 - First hatch
May 14, 2017 - Second hatch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this stream’s main focus?: This live cam tracks Ospreys around the Richmond waterfront, showing perches on cranes and light posts with the San Francisco Bay as a backdrop.
Where exactly are these Ospreys?: They use the shoreline and harbor area of Richmond, California, within the greater San Francisco Bay.
When are Ospreys most active on camera?: Mornings often bring calmer air and busy fishing; evenings can light up the Bay and draw birds to favored perches.
What behaviors should I watch for?: Look for high circling, “sky-dancing,” feet-first dives, fish carries, and quick perch changes between cranes and light standards.
Why do Ospreys like cranes and light posts?: Tall structures give wide views of tidal channels and safe, open takeoff points for fishing trips.
What seasons matter for this stream?: Late winter through summer commonly covers courtship, nesting, and fledging in the Bay Area; fall often features migration and dispersal.
What do Ospreys eat here?: Almost exclusively fish from the Bay’s shallow channels and nearshore waters.
How do Ospreys catch fish?: They hover and dive feet-first, using barbed foot pads and a reversible outer toe to grip slippery prey.
Why do Ospreys shake midair after a dive?: They shed water to restore lift and dry feathers before heading to a perch.
What other birds might appear?: Terns, cormorants, pelicans, gulls, and seasonal waterfowl commonly work the harbor and shore.
What landmarks are in view?: Historic shipyard cranes and piers frame the harbor; on clear days you’ll see long Bay views and coastal hills.
What’s the story behind the cranes?: Richmond’s WWII shipyards built hundreds of vessels; surviving cranes are iconic industrial landmarks along today’s waterfront parks.
How does Bay weather affect viewing?: Morning fog and afternoon sea breezes are common; mid-day light is bright, while sunsets often paint the water and sky.
Any tips for spotting a fish delivery?: Watch favorite perches; a fast, direct flight with head-forward, tail-back posture often signals a fish carry.
Do Ospreys reuse nest sites in this area?: They commonly return to productive territories and sturdy platforms year to year when conditions are good.
How can I tell adults from juveniles?: Juveniles often show pale fringing on back feathers and may beg with rapid calls; adults look crisper with steadier flight.
Why do Ospreys sometimes face into the wind on a perch?: Facing the breeze keeps feathers sleek and makes takeoff easier.
Is there human support behind this project?: Yes—Golden Gate Bird Alliance partners on the cam to connect people with Bay Area birds and conservation.
What’s respectful etiquette if I visit the shoreline?: Enjoy from public paths, give wildlife space, follow posted rules, and never approach structures used by nesting birds.
Where nearby can I learn more in person?: The Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park visitor center and the SS Red Oak Victory museum ship offer local history context.
What time of day has the best light?: Golden hours around sunrise and sunset deliver warm color and long shadows over the Bay.
Do tides matter for Osprey viewing?: Lower tides can concentrate fish in channels, often improving hunting activity along edges and pilings.
What’s unique about Ospreys compared to other raptors here?: They are fish specialists with nearly worldwide coastal distribution and are comfortable nesting on human-made structures.
Can I save this stream to favorites?: If you have an account, you can mark streams as favorites so they’re easy to find later.
Is there a premium option?: A premium membership on HDOnTap offers an ad-free experience while you watch.

Golden Gate Ospreys Live Crane Cam

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