After an alarming decline in the 1970s, bald eagles are now thriving, and we get to watch some of them lay eggs and raise chicks with live nest cameras. The webcams draw dedicated fans, and when something goes wrong, they demand that something be done. When a tree leans over, they want to prop it up. When an eagle parent dies, they want the babies rescued. Wildlife organizations have to explain to people that it's just nature taking its course. Policies vary among organizations, but rarely will they interfere with disasters that may befall a nest. Some groups offer pre-made nests, in safer tree, but they cannot make the birds accept them. Some draw a line between saving a bird that suffers from a manmade problem and those suffering from the forces of nature. And they have to educate the public along the way.
For example, kestrel chicks don't just fly from the nest when they fledge. They are more likely to fall to the ground, prompting viewers to call and demand they be rescued. Sure, they're in danger, but that's how kestrels do it. A local power company builds safe artificial nests for ospreys, but the birds are just as likely to nest atop power poles. What can you do? Read about nest webcams and the fans who prefer their viewing to have a happy ending at the Colorado Sun. -via Fark