Bird watchers in the Maritimes can now check out some local creatures from the comfort of their homes. The Port Morien Wildlife Association celebrated the official launch of its bald eagle nest live camera project in Gardiner Mines, N.S., on Monday. The non-profit says the nest was spotted in May 2023 with a net in it, posing a potentially dangerous entanglement hazard. Then the question arose – what if a camera was put up there? A lengthy regulatory process began last spring with the help of several local partners. Jeff McNeil, the president of the Port Morien Wildlife Association, said the group also wanted First Nations involved in the project due to their cultural connections to bald eagle. Youth in Membertou named the female – Soogie, which means “my aunt” in Miꞌkmaq. The male bird’s name is Bruce. “We’re all visual learners, and to see the eagle pair and how they raise their young but also how they feed and how they take turns guarding the nest – those are important things where man can learn from nature,” said Clifford Paul, of the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources. McNeil says it’s not just a livestream, but an educational experience. “It will teach children about the life cycle of the bald eagle, conservation, habitat protection, cultural connections between First Nations… and the importance of community and collaboration.” The pair, and their eggs, can be watched live on YouTube. Though people are told to use their discretion. “Please remember you are viewing wildlife in real time. These majestic eagles are living naturally — hunting, feeding, raising their young, and facing the challenges that come with life in the wild,” the page reads. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
