Dunedin ospreys go worldwide with webcam

DUNEDIN - In Dunedin, some are calling it bird watching on a whole new level.

"I'd keep seeing these fabulous osprey nests," Sparky Jones said.

Jones lives in Dunedin and came up with the idea a few months ago -- putting a webcam on top of an osprey nest at the Saint Andrews Links Golf Course.

"I'd be talking with people and say, wouldn't it be neat if we could see inside," she continued.

The city of Dunedin and Clearwater Audubon Society supported the idea -- an idea that is now getting the city worldwide attention online with more than 160,000 web hits in January alone.

"Well, over 20 countries have tuned in, and on that website, it goes on to talk about the different aspects of Dunedin -- the merchants, our downtown and beaches," explained Mayor Dave Egger.

Organizers say the two birds nesting now have three eggs that are expected to hatch sometime this week.

"Now we're getting to the exciting part, where the birds are about to hatch and go from little things to ready to fly," Egger continued.

That particular location was chosen for several reasons. It's right next to a golf course, but also along the Pinellas Trail, so it's easy access to the entire community.

Betty Erickson rides her bike along the trail daily. "Later in the evening if it's really calm, you can tell of this sound is coming from up there and we have heard them."

Those that visit the nest and frequent the website say, at times, there's little to look at. But sometimes they get a peak at an egg or catch a glimpse of the birds feeding.

"We have checked it out," Erickson added. "The last time there was a bird, apparently one of the adults."

You can find the osprey cam at: www.dunedinospreycam.org