Bermuda Petrels

About the Site

The CahowCam is nestled in the side of a dome-shaped, manmade burrow constructed by the Bermuda Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Nonsuch Island. These burrows are part of a larger translocation project that is essential to the long-term survival of the Bermuda Cahow, whereby juveniles from smaller, low-lying islets are translocated to Nonsuch Island, where there is ample habitat out of the reach of hurricanes and heavy surf. As of 2016, there are two translocated colonies on Nonsuch Island, and the DENR continues to work at establishing additional safe nesting spots for cahows to breed.

About the Petrels

Thanks to the efforts of the Bermuda DENR, petrels nesting in the Cahow Cam burrows have been banded, and their individual histories have been recorded through prior nesting seasons. The breeding pair of Bermuda Petrels, or Cahows, that nest in cam burrow #R831 on Nonsuch Island were both translocated in May 2006 as nearly fledged chicks from two separate nesting islets to artificial burrows on the larger and more elevated Nonsuch Island Nature Reserve. Once translocated, the chicks were hand-fed daily and monitored until they fledged out to sea. Both of our birds in the 831 nest then stayed out at sea for three years until they matured, and returned to pair up together in this nest in 2009. They have returned every year since to breed. Cahows produce only one egg each year, and are faithful partners, generally pairing up with the same mate for life, which may be over 30 years.

About the Team

Multiple groups are working to raising awareness about the endangered Bermuda Cahow through the live CahowCam. LookBermuda and the Nonsuch Expeditions have collaborated with the Bermuda DENR since 2011 to bring the live cam to life, and have streamed live footage from burrows on Nonsuch since 2013. Continued support from Terrestrial Conservation Officer Jeremy Madeiros has been essential in arranging visits to Nonsuch, learning about cahow conservation, and the opportunity to share the ongoing work needed to safeguard the cahow’s future. Finally, a special thanks to the Government of Bermuda for prioritizing the ongoing conservation of this national treasure.