LIVE STREAM OSPREY CAM 1 Pine Island Southwest Florida SWFL

John Conrath and John Billy Jr, the founders of Portfolio Medics in Bonita Springs, Florida, are dedicated to wildlife conservation. In 2022, they purchased land that had hosted a nesting pair of bald eagles, but Hurricane Ian destroyed the nest. Undeterred, they waited two nesting seasons and then partnered with The International Osprey Foundation and Window to Wildlife to build the first artificial nesting platform for bald eagles in Southwest FL. As of fall of 2024, a pair of Osprey has claimed the nest...but there is still a lot of time left in the season for either bald eagles or great horned owls to take it over. Their live stream documents this journey, aiming to inspire wildlife conservation and celebrate the return of these majestic birds to Pineland, FL.
Pine Island is located in southwest Florida, in Lee County, about 30 minutes west of Cape Coral. It is the largest island on Florida's Gulf Coast, measuring about 17 miles long and 2 miles wide. Unlike many nearby barrier islands, Pine Island has a more rural and laid-back atmosphere with fewer sandy beaches. It's known for its lush mangroves, palm groves, and agricultural areas, especially tropical fruit farms.
Pine Island's history is rich, with its earliest inhabitants being the Calusa Indians, who thrived on the island over 2,000 years ago. The Calusa built intricate shell mounds, many of which still exist today. In the 19th century, European settlers arrived, establishing fishing villages and small-scale farming. Pine Island became a center for agriculture, particularly pineapples and tropical fruits, which continue to influence its economy.
Today, Pine Island has an estimated 9,000 full-time residents. This number nearly doubles during the high season from Christmas to Easter as seasonal visitors arrive. The island is composed of distinct communities, including Bokeelia, Pineland, Pine Island Center, St. James City, and Matlacha, the latter of which is technically on a separate island but considered part of the Greater Pine Island area.
Matlacha emerged as an artists’ colony in the mid-20th century, attracting painters and sculptors with its colorful buildings and scenic views. Today, Pine Island remains a blend of old Florida charm, known for fishing, boating, and a thriving arts community, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.