Nest-cam offers views of endangered California birds

It’s long been a quandary for researchers and wildlife enthusiasts: How can they observe sensitive species without displacing or disturbing them?

Remote cameras have solved the problem, and in some case web cams have created Internet stars of pandas munching on bamboo.

Beginning this week, two of California’s endangered bird species -- the western snowy plover and the California least tern—will get their shot at stardom. The birds can be observed via a nest-cam at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach.

The live streaming feed of a remote nesting site is a collaboration between the Bolsa Chica Land Trust and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and will be used for research and education.