What can viewers see on the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Live Osprey Cam?

The camera provides a close-up view of an active osprey nest within the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts, showing adult ospreys nesting, feeding chicks, and maintaining their territory above the wetlands.

Where is this live cam located?

It’s situated in Mashpee, Massachusetts, within the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge—a protected area of salt marshes, forests, and coastal waterways on Cape Cod.

What can be seen in this livestream?

This stream can capture adult ospreys landing with fish, parents feeding their chicks, and wide views of the nest framed by blue skies and marshland below.

What makes ospreys unique among raptors?

They are expert fish hunters, using keen eyesight to dive feet-first into the water to catch their prey with sharp, curved talons.

When is the best time to watch the cam?

Spring through mid-summer offers the most activity, as ospreys return from migration to nest, incubate eggs, and raise their young.

What can viewers expect during nesting season?

You’ll see the female incubating eggs, the male delivering fish, and both parents guarding their nest from gulls or other raptors.

Do the same ospreys return each year?

Yes—ospreys typically return to the same nesting platform annually, rebuilding and reusing their nest year after year.

What kind of habitat surrounds the nest?

The refuge features salt marshes, tidal flats, and pine woodlands that support fish, amphibians, and many coastal bird species.

What do osprey chicks eat?

Their diet consists almost entirely of fresh fish, delivered whole by the parents and torn into smaller pieces for the young.

What behaviors are visible on the camera?

Common scenes include parents preening, chicks stretching their wings, and feeding interactions within the nest.

How large do osprey nests get?

Over time, nests can grow to more than three feet wide and several feet deep, built from sticks, seaweed, and moss.

What is there to see when it is dark?

Infrared images show the adult osprey resting over the nest, sometimes standing alert to guard the chicks from nocturnal visitors.

Can viewers see fledging behavior?

Yes—late summer footage often shows young ospreys practicing short flights and learning to hunt before migration.

What kind of fish do the ospreys catch?

They often bring in menhaden, perch, and small bass from nearby coastal waters and ponds.

How do the ospreys communicate?

They use high-pitched calls and whistles to signal alarm, greet mates, or beg for food.

What colors dominate the view?

Soft browns and whites of the ospreys contrast with blue skies, green marshland, and silvery reflections off the nearby water.

Do other birds appear on the cam?

Yes—seagulls, herons, and cormorants occasionally fly past or call nearby, adding to the coastal soundscape.

What weather can be seen on the stream?

Viewers can watch sunlit mornings, gentle rain showers, and the shifting clouds typical of Cape Cod’s maritime climate.

How do the parents protect the nest?

They spread their wings, call loudly, and sometimes dive toward intruding birds to defend their chicks.

How long do osprey chicks stay in the nest?

Chicks usually fledge at around seven to eight weeks of age, though they remain nearby as they learn to fish.

What happens when the season ends?

By early fall, the ospreys migrate south to Central and South America, leaving the nest empty until the next spring.

How does the cam support conservation awareness?

It educates viewers about osprey ecology and the importance of preserving wetlands that support their food sources.

Why is this live cam worth watching?

It offers an intimate, real-time look at the life cycle of one of North America’s most captivating raptors set in a beautiful coastal refuge.

Mashpee Natl. Wildlife Refuge Live Osprey Cam

Birds Massachusetts Nesting Platform Nests Ospreys Raptors Wildlife Refuge

LIVE

Watch Ospreys Nesting in Cape Cod with Our Live Webcam

Brought to you by Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge and Comcast

Welcome to the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Live Osprey Cam! Brought to you by the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge and Comcast, this live webcam offers uninterrupted views of an Osprey nest in the heart of Cape Cod, MA. Installed in 2022, the camera provides a real-time glimpse into the lives of these magnificent birds as they build their nests, lay eggs, and raise their chicks in a nest located at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Ospreys at Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge: A Bustling Hub of Activity

The Osprey nest featured on the live stream has been a home to Ospreys for the past 7-8 years, though it is unclear whether the current pair are the original residents. Regardless, the nest remains a lively site with constant activity as the Ospreys engage in their natural behaviors—fishing, feeding, and caring for their young.

This live feed is a unique opportunity to observe the Osprey species in action. You can watch as these impressive raptors perform their daily routines, giving you an authentic experience of their nesting process and their interaction with the environment. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a bird lover, or a wildlife researcher, the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Live Osprey Cam provides valuable insights into the lives of these fascinating birds.

Year-Round Weather in Mashpee, Massachusetts

The Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge is located in Cape Cod, MA, known for its temperate New England climate. Summers are warm with average temperatures in the 70s-80s°F (21-28°C), making it an ideal time for observing Ospreys fishing and interacting with their environment. Winters are cooler, with temperatures ranging from 20-40°F (-6 to 4°C), but the refuge and its inhabitants, including the Ospreys, continue to thrive throughout the seasons. The weather provides a varied backdrop to the Osprey nesting site, giving viewers a dynamic look at how the birds adapt to seasonal changes.

The History of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge and the Osprey Nest

The Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge is part of a network of protected lands dedicated to preserving the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. Established to protect local ecosystems, the refuge spans over 6,000 acres and includes various habitats such as salt marshes, wetlands, and upland areas. The refuge plays a vital role in protecting species like the Osprey, which have made a remarkable recovery in the region due to concerted conservation efforts.

Ospreys were once endangered in many parts of the U.S., but thanks to the establishment of protected areas like the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, the species has made a strong comeback. The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, where the Osprey nest is located, is a critical site for research and conservation, making it an ideal location for monitoring Osprey populations.

Why Watch the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Osprey Cam?

The Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Live Osprey Cam is a unique opportunity to witness the nesting and rearing behaviors of Ospreys in real time. Through this live stream, viewers can observe how Ospreys interact with their environment, how they build nests, and how the parents care for their eggs and chicks. This feed provides not only a fascinating bird-watching experience but also a chance to learn about the ongoing conservation efforts at the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge.

The camera’s uninterrupted feed allows you to witness the full range of behaviors from Ospreys, providing an authentic look at the struggles and triumphs of these incredible birds. Whether you’re a wildlife researcher, a student of nature, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of these majestic birds, the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Live Osprey Cam is sure to be a captivating experience.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025

Partners

Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge

The Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge (FMNWR) is a dedicated nonprofit volunteer organization committed to the long-term protection and enhancement of native wildlife and habitats within the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Established in 1995, the refuge spans over 5,800 acres, making it the second-largest accessible open space on Cape Cod. FMNWR collaborates with a unique partnership of nine federal, state, tribal, and private conservation groups to manage and protect this diverse ecosystem, which includes salt marshes, cranberry bogs, Atlantic white cedar swamps, and freshwater marshes. The organization's mission encompasses supporting native wildlife and habitats, promoting environmental education, and facilitating recreational opportunities within the refuge. Through initiatives like pollinator gardens, osprey nest monitoring, habitat restoration, and educational programs, FMNWR plays a vital role in fostering community engagement and stewardship of the natural environment. Their efforts ensure that the refuge remains a sanctuary for a wide array of species, including migratory birds, red foxes, white-tailed deer, and the endangered New England Cottontail rabbit.

2025 Nesting Season:

First Egg Laid - April 9 @ 5:11pm EST
Second Egg Laid - April 12 @ 6:43pm EST
Third Egg Laid - April 15 @ 7:57 EST
First & Second Egg hatched - May 19 - May 20
Third Egg hatched - May 21 or May 22nd

*Unfortunately the other two babies perished(may have been sickly or getting not enough food or weather).

*Unfortunately one of the babies didn't survive - May 23rd (due to a storm)

Last Updated: October 27, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What can viewers see on the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Live Osprey Cam?: The camera provides a close-up view of an active osprey nest within the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts, showing adult ospreys nesting, feeding chicks, and maintaining their territory above the wetlands.
Where is this live cam located?: It’s situated in Mashpee, Massachusetts, within the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge—a protected area of salt marshes, forests, and coastal waterways on Cape Cod.
What can be seen in this livestream?: This stream can capture adult ospreys landing with fish, parents feeding their chicks, and wide views of the nest framed by blue skies and marshland below.
What makes ospreys unique among raptors?: They are expert fish hunters, using keen eyesight to dive feet-first into the water to catch their prey with sharp, curved talons.
When is the best time to watch the cam?: Spring through mid-summer offers the most activity, as ospreys return from migration to nest, incubate eggs, and raise their young.
What can viewers expect during nesting season?: You’ll see the female incubating eggs, the male delivering fish, and both parents guarding their nest from gulls or other raptors.
Do the same ospreys return each year?: Yes—ospreys typically return to the same nesting platform annually, rebuilding and reusing their nest year after year.
What kind of habitat surrounds the nest?: The refuge features salt marshes, tidal flats, and pine woodlands that support fish, amphibians, and many coastal bird species.
What do osprey chicks eat?: Their diet consists almost entirely of fresh fish, delivered whole by the parents and torn into smaller pieces for the young.
What behaviors are visible on the camera?: Common scenes include parents preening, chicks stretching their wings, and feeding interactions within the nest.
How large do osprey nests get?: Over time, nests can grow to more than three feet wide and several feet deep, built from sticks, seaweed, and moss.
What is there to see when it is dark?: Infrared images show the adult osprey resting over the nest, sometimes standing alert to guard the chicks from nocturnal visitors.
Can viewers see fledging behavior?: Yes—late summer footage often shows young ospreys practicing short flights and learning to hunt before migration.
What kind of fish do the ospreys catch?: They often bring in menhaden, perch, and small bass from nearby coastal waters and ponds.
How do the ospreys communicate?: They use high-pitched calls and whistles to signal alarm, greet mates, or beg for food.
What colors dominate the view?: Soft browns and whites of the ospreys contrast with blue skies, green marshland, and silvery reflections off the nearby water.
Do other birds appear on the cam?: Yes—seagulls, herons, and cormorants occasionally fly past or call nearby, adding to the coastal soundscape.
What weather can be seen on the stream?: Viewers can watch sunlit mornings, gentle rain showers, and the shifting clouds typical of Cape Cod’s maritime climate.
How do the parents protect the nest?: They spread their wings, call loudly, and sometimes dive toward intruding birds to defend their chicks.
How long do osprey chicks stay in the nest?: Chicks usually fledge at around seven to eight weeks of age, though they remain nearby as they learn to fish.
What happens when the season ends?: By early fall, the ospreys migrate south to Central and South America, leaving the nest empty until the next spring.
How does the cam support conservation awareness?: It educates viewers about osprey ecology and the importance of preserving wetlands that support their food sources.
Why is this live cam worth watching?: It offers an intimate, real-time look at the life cycle of one of North America’s most captivating raptors set in a beautiful coastal refuge.

Mashpee Natl. Wildlife Refuge Live Osprey Cam

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Mashpee, Massachusetts, United States

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