The Virginia Institute of Marine Science has installed a camera atop its 65-foot tall water tower to show off an osprey nest that’s been located there for many years.

David Malmquist, director of communications at VIMS, said Monday that school officials are monitoring the site and will begin streaming live video 24 hours a day from its "ospreycam" once the birds have arrived for the season, which usually happens in early March.

Not only can people watch the ospreys, but VIMS officials will soon set up an interactive site so that people watching the pictures can report what fish the birds are eating when they’re watching. This will help give researchers a better idea of the osprey diet and its habits, Malmquist said.

In addition to watching the ospreys, those going to the website, www.vims.edu/osprey, will also be able to get a glimpse of Gloucester Point weather, especially important in times of severe conditions, such as hurricanes.

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