IT’S the incredible insight into nature that’s had Hampshire bird lovers glued to their screens.
From today, Daily Echo readers can once again follow the lives of a pair of goshawks as they bring up their family at a secret location.
The New Forest-based A Date With Nature project will use cutting-edge “raptorcam” technology to film the birds of prey as they feed their chicks and teach them how to fly.
Live footage will be beamed to the New Forest Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst, where staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions.
The same enthralling images will also be available on the Daily Echo website.
Last year, the project run by the RSPB, the New Forest National Park Authority, the Forestry Commission and Carnyx Wild, saw nearly 13,500 people visit the reptile centre to watch the drama unfold.
Jeremy Peters, project officer for the RSPB, said: “For the next five months we will be at the centre every day giving visitors the chance to witness the goshawks rearing their young and to explain what’s happening in the nest.
“Seeing people’s reactions as they watch the raptorcam really is priceless. Birds of prey are just one group found in the New Forest, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
“We hope this project will inspire people to learn more about nature, including how best to avoid disturbing species when visiting the Forest during the breeding season.”
Lead ranger at the New Forest National Park Authority, Gillie Hayball, is also involved in the project. She said: “After a very successful 2013 for A Date with Nature, we are looking forward to giving even more people a unique insight into the lives of the Forest’s birds of prey this summer.”
To view the goshawks via a live feed provided by Carnyx Wild log on to dailyecho.co.uk/goshawks.
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