In a world of one-hit Web stars and short-lived streaming sensations, it appears the ospreys of Maryland have a bit more staying power.
Starting Wednesday, the Maryland Transportation Authority will once again turn one of its traffic cameras on a large man-made osprey nest for 15 minutes each afternoon from Monday through Thursday, it announced Tuesday.
"The return of the 'Osprey Cam' TOMORROW at noon!" the agency said on Twitter.
Only traffic incidents in the area will prevent the noon to 12:15 p.m. show, the MdTA said.
The enthusiasm belies a frustration officials initially felt last year, when they noticed an enterprising pair of ospreys had picked a steel gantry post near the eastern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge for their perch — blocking the camera's view of eastbound Route 50 traffic with their nest-building activity.
Thus began a battle between man and bird, the drama attracting national media attention and the birds attracting more than a few local fans.
The stubborn birds were evicted from their perch three times before the MdTA called in an expert, who suggested the agency build another perch for them. It did: a shallow box 4 feet by 4 feet and a few inches deep, closer to the camera facing westbound traffic.
Now, apparently, the birds are back for Season 2.
Interested viewers can tune in to the Bay Bridge at Gantry N-1 camera. http://www.baybridge.maryland.gov/TrafficCameras/TrafficCamerasBayBridge.cfm
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