GORHAM, Maine, March 6, 2007-For the second year in a row, a live Internet camera in Maine is allowing the public to watch in real time as a bald eagle pair lays eggs and raises young in a nest in coastal Hancock County 70 feet off the ground. At 4:30 yesterday afternoon the female laid her first egg.

The eagle cam, which can been seen at www.briloon.org, is provided free of charge by Gorham, Maine-based BioDiversity Research Institute with collaboration and support from FPL Energy Maine Hydro, National Wildlife Federation, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"We are thrilled that the birds have nested again," says eagle cam project director Wing Goodale. "Last year the birds laid eggs on March 6th, this year on March 5th."

The camera enters its second year with improved night vision and a strong following from students, citizens and people all over the world. Last year the camera attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers per month. Already this year, comments are pouring into the eagle cam blog at http://baldeaglecam.blogspot.com/.

"Eagles face a significant threat from mercury and other contaminates," said BioDiversity Research Institute's Raptor Program Manager Chris DeSorbo. "By connecting people so personally with eagles, the camera increases peoples' awareness and concern about the numerous threats facing eagles, including mercury pollution."

The camera is giving biologists and the public a cutting-edge way to research eagles. The camera is so advanced that BioDiversity Research Institute can move it 360 degrees, zoom in up to 10 times, turn on an infrared lens, and clean the lens with a windshield wiper, all remotely from offices in Gorham, Maine.

Already this year scientists and the public have seen amazing behaviors. People from around the world have watched the eagles repair the nest before sunrise, mate three times, and lay an egg.

"I am sooooooo excited. I feel like a grandma," said dedicated viewer Beverly LaPoint of Augusta, Maine, who watched the female eagle lay her egg yesterday.

For more information about eagles, including threats from mercury visit this link

BioDiversity Research Institute is a nonprofit ecological research group dedicated to progressive environmental study and education that furthers global sustainability and conservation policies. The organization believes that wildlife serve as important indicators of ecological integrity.