Giving the world an eagle-eye view

FORT MYERS, Fla. (NBC) - When Florida realtor Andy Pritchett discovered an eagle's nest next to his office, he decided it was too special not to share with the rest of the world.

Now, hundreds of thousands of people are keeping an eye on the nesting eagles.

"Everybody has a fascination with eagles,” said Pritchett. “Whether it is our nation's symbol or because they're magnificent creatures."

Dick Pritchett Real Estate spent thousands of dollars to install an infrared camera just above the birds’ home, saying they want everyone to enjoy something they’ve seen first-hand for years.

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Andy Pritchett said, "We really want this to be used as a tool for educators and wildlife officials."

The camera reveals a rare glimpse into the animals’ every challenge and triumph.

By night, life partners Ozzie and Harriet prepare for new life to hatch inside their nest.

"The best part is watching them eat," said Pritchett. 

The pair cares for their two eggs - fending off intruders, hauling in dinner – without realizing their every move is on display.

"It gives people a way to experience the eagles' full life cycle, intimately, and stage by stage,” said Kim Terbatoski, who checks on the nest for Fort Myers County. “And they can do it right at home without disturbing the eagle."

She says, before this live view, she only caught the action from the ground.

Now, she is constantly online, looking to see what the birds are doing.

"It is remarkable,” said Terbatoski. “As an ecologist, it is interesting to watch from above."

So far, almost a half million people from 109 countries have watched the bald eagles via live streaming video.