Have You Seen a Puffin Today? 10 Virtual Windows (or Webcams) to the Wild

Have You Seen a Puffin Today? 10 Virtual Windows (or Webcams) to the Wild

This past fall, I read an article explaining how people living in cold, harsh climates handle the winter months without complaint. The answer? They learn to appreciate the outdoors for what it offers during the winter: skiing, beautiful sunsets, hiking in the snow. Although it’s not winter anymore and the temperatures are rising, some of you still might be asking yourselves something similar: “How can I enjoy the natural world despite the uncertainty going on outside?”

The following list is our attempt to help you do just that! Whether you’re studying, working from home, or spending quality time with the people (and pets!) you love, these windows into the wild are proof that the Earth still turns, beauty remains abundant, and you can engage with nature no matter where you are.

(And, most importantly, that puffins are practically perfect in every way.)

 

1. Trio Eagle Cam Stewards of the Upper Mississippi Refuge

What’s more regal than an eagle? Wait, how about three? Meet the residents of the Trio Bald Eagle Nest, coming to you LIVE from the Mississippi River: Valor I, Valor II, and Starr.

 

 

 

 

2. Pennsylvania Man Captures all Walks of Life at a Crossing Log Bridge

A year in retrospect: this compiled webcam footage gives a brand new meaning to the word “log”!

“The video, taken year-round, shows bears, deer, bobcats, grouse, beavers and many other wildlife crossing the bridge, or swimming underneath in their natural habitats. Credit: Robert Bush.”

 

 

3. Yellowstone National Park Livestream of Upper Geyser Basin “Old Faithful”

The website also includes predictions about when “Old Faithful” might erupt next.

 

 

 


4. Honey Bee Hive

It’s a bee’s life! Specifically, a Bavarian bee’s life. This infrared live cam shows the complex inner workings of this Carniolan bee colony living inside a large hollow log in the town of Waal in Bavaria, Germany. Watch as the bees build combs, produce honey, protect the queen, and raise a new generation of workers and drones.

 

 

 

5. Mississippi River Flyway Cam

Take a trip down the mighty Mississippi! “The Raptor Resource Project has established a new bird cam on an island in the heart of the Mississippi River’s Driftless area. … the Mississippi River Flyway Cam will offer an unparalleled look at migrating birds and river wildlife, including bald eagles, American white pelicans, sandhill cranes, Caspian terns, cormorants, and many species of ducks, gulls, and other waterfowl.”

 

 

 6. Channel Islands National Park Bald Eagle Webcam

Another eagle-eye opportunity! This camera broadcasts live day and night, but you’ll have to tune in at just the right time to see the nest occupied!

 

 

 

7. Channel Islands National Park Underwater Webcam

Come prepared with your sea legs, scuba gear, and Disney soundtrack — you’ll truly feel “Under the Sea” with this live webcam of a kelp forest off of Anacapa Island.

 

 

 

8. Tembe Elephant Park Webcam

“From our waterhole to your device. Turn up your audio and journey into the heart of elephant country.”

 

 

 

 

9. Cayman Reef Webcam provided by Explore

Who doesn’t love looking at fish? It’s the peaceful aquarium effect, in the wild and in your living room. Steer clear of this one if you’re trying not to take a very peaceful nap …

 

 

 

10. Puffin Loafing Ledge provided by Explore

Oh, to live the loafing life. This webcam isn’t live during the offseason, but there is still plenty of puffin-related fun to go around!

 

 

 

This article was inspired by the National Parks Service’s virtual park tours, which we’d also encourage everyone to check out!

As always, if you have any ideas to add to the article, please DM us on Instagram at @sustainillinois.

Enjoy all of the nature!

— Article by Chloe Rice, iSEE Communications Intern

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