Whether you are a lifelong “birder,” a casual backyard observer, or simply someone looking for a moment of zen in a busy world, 2025 has been a spectacular year for avian voyeurism. Presented by Cornell Lab’s “All About Birds,” this year’s collection of bird cam highlights has offers millions of viewers an intimate window into the secret lives of birds—from the high-altitude nests of titans to the iridescent blur of tropical feeders.
If you missed the live action, don’t worry. You can enjoy memorable views from around the world in just a five-minute recap. From backyard boxes to remote cliffs, 2025 provided unprecedented access to the drama of the nest.
- The Return of the Giants: One of the most long-awaited moments was the return of the California Condor Cam at Bitter Creek. Seeing these massive, prehistoric-looking birds tend to their fuzzy chicks is a powerful reminder of ongoing conservation success.
- Owl Adoration: In Texas, Athena the Great Horned Owl captivated audiences as she successfully raised two fluffy owlets in her famous sotol planter nest. Meanwhile, the Barred Owl cam in Indiana featured “Moss and Maple,” two siblings whose head-bobbing antics and Mother’s Day fledging became instant fan favorites.
- The Falcon’s First Flight: The American Kestrel cam in Wisconsin delivered high-energy drama as five feisty female chicks transformed from “downy bobbleheads” to sleek hunters before taking their synchronized first flights over the rolling grasslands.
While nests offer drama, the feeder cams provided a daily dose of color and curiosity.
- Hummingbird Heaven: The Panama Hummingbird Cam debuted this year, showcasing “tropical gems” like the Violet-bellied Hummingbird. Viewers watched in awe as emerald and purple plumage flashed during high-speed territorial disputes.
- Woodpecker Portraits: At the Cornell FeederWatch Cam in New York, a male Pileated Woodpecker—the “striking giant” of the woods—stopped by for a rare close-up portrait, staring directly into the lens before heading back into Sapsucker Woods.
- Albatross Encounters: Across the globe in New Zealand, the Northern Royal Albatross cams gave us “Royal Reunions” and the quirky sight of researchers weighing giant chicks as part of their “Weigh Day” check-ups.
In 2025, bird cam viewers logged an astonishing 650 years of total watch time. It’s easy to see why. Whether it’s a blue jay stealing a snack, a kestrel sister squabbling over an insect, or a mother owl showing off her newborns, these cams remind us of the vibrant, fragile, and often hilarious world just outside our windows.
