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City of Dublin's "Eagle Cam"

Click Here for the Golden Eagle "Bella" 2010 Update!

Background and Purpose:

The unique climate, terrain and vegetation within the open space area of the eastern portion of City of Dublin has created a optimum physical environment for a breeding pair of Golden Eagles for at least sixteen years (documented years). In 1994, the City established a Golden Eagle view-shed buffer zone between private open space and development to preserve the habitat of the species. As an enhancement to the golden eagles habitat in eastern Dublin in November 2004, the City's consulting biologist, Grainger Hunt, an expert in the study and research of the species, recommended certain measures be instituted to further ensure the continued protection of the Golden Eagle pair given the proximity of several approved residential subdivisions near their nesting tree and habitat. During that time, the female bird known as "Bella" has successfully fledged one to three young almost every year.

The City of Dublin has implemented the consulting biologist's recommendations, and has established this web link to a video camera focusing on the nesting pair of Golden Eagles in their eastern Dublin habitat during the breeding season. The use of this camera does not disturb the birds, but provides educational information on the eagles' sensitive habitat and a better understanding of the nature of the Golden Eagle and its life during the annual nesting season from January 1st to July 1st. In addition, the camera is also consistent with the City of Dublin's continual effort to promote renewable resources. All of the transmitting and camera devices are powered by solar energy.

City Staff routinely monitor and maintain the video camera and the resulting views. The City requests that viewers of this video do not physically trespass or intrude into the preservation area and the Golden Eagles' habitat which is on private property, but enjoy the view from the City's website through the lens of the Golden Eagle Camera.

Unique Opportunity:

The Golden Eagle video camera offers a unique opportunity to the public through the viewing of the Golden Eagle in its habitat on the City's website, and also the opportunity to preserve its sensitive habitat area. Few cities in the United States have nesting Golden Eagles in close proximity to residential areas that continue to produce offspring annually.  Additionally, Dublin is the first city in California to initiate such a program for this species.

Facts about the Golden Eagle:

The Golden Eagle is the most numerous and widespread of all large eagle species in the Northern Hemisphere. They typically select open country in the Western United States, Canada, and Alaska for habitat. However, the distribution of this species and its habitat is decreasing within its range. Golden Eagle populations within California have declined since the 1940's, especially in urban areas and areas that are rapidly developing.

Golden Eagles are considered birds of prey using their keen eyesight to hunt and feed on a variety of prey such as small mammals including ground squirrels and jackrabbits. Areas selected by the birds for building large stick nests are usually inaccessible to predators such as cliffs, tall trees, and high tension towers. The nesting period generally ranges from January 1st to June 30th, with peak activity from mid-February through April.

Golden Eagles are masters at soaring. With their large wingspread - 6.5 to7.5 feet - these birds can soar for long periods of time with little wing flapping. They may catch rising masses of warm air to carry them in a spiral fashion upward high into the sky. If the bird spots prey while soaring, it can tuck its wings and swoop at speeds up to 200 mph to claim it. If you are close enough, the bird may sound like a low-flying, small airplane. The birds may also hunt from a favorite perch.