Cam 1
The main close-up camera was installed in October 2015 and is the core view for eggs, feeding, brooding, and most memorable nest moments.
The quick numbers
160+ ftEstimated tree height.
145 ftApproximate nest height.
5 x 4 ftApproximate nest footprint.
2 camsClose-up view plus wide view.
SolarPrimary power with battery support.
7,000 ftHigh-elevation mountain setting.
Jeffrey pine and nest placement
The active nest is built high in a Jeffrey pine and is treated as part of a protected nesting landscape rather than a tourist stop. That combination of height, weather exposure, and legal protection is why the camera matters.
Why this tree works
The nest sits near the top of a very tall living tree, giving the pair visibility and approach space over the surrounding forest.
How big the nest is
The source content estimates the current nest at about 5 by 4 feet and roughly 3 to 4 feet deep.
Why it feels exposed
That upper-tree placement also makes storm exposure a defining part of the Big Bear seasons.
Hardware and watch system
Cam 2
A wide-view camera was added in 2021 to show the full nest tree and surrounding airspace, giving context to arrivals and weather.
Infrared and audio
The setup includes night vision and a sensitive microphone so the cams remain useful after dark and during stormy conditions.
Remote power
The system runs on solar and battery support instead of conventional line power, which helps preserve the protected nest zone.
The nest area is not a casual viewing spot
The Big Bear pages make this clear: the nest is inside a protected closure area and visitors should not try to approach it. The camera exists precisely so the public can watch without disturbing the birds.
That protection is part of the story, not a side note. The stream works because the nest stays shielded from the pressure that direct visitation would create.