High-tech heron hatching
In a first for technology and for bird watching, thousands of people watched live this weekend as a tiny great blue heron emerged from an egg in between its father’s gigantic feet.
With high-definition and nighttime cams streaming 24/7 from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, viewers around the world are now able to follow the surprising lives of herons, including rare views still little known to science.
The nest has survived several great horned owl attacks, as well as a snowstorm that would have buried the nest in snow if not for the parent steadfastly sitting on the eggs.
More than half a million people from 166 countries have watched the heron cam since March 27. With around-the-clock coverage, viewers Tweet and post screenshots and video clips to help scientists document notable events.
On April 30, the nest had four hatchlings. The last egg is due to hatch any time.