Livestream Camera Installed to Watch Burrowing Owls at Former Army Depot

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation partners with Owl Research Institute and Explore.org to provide public access to burrowing owl nests.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:00am

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An abstract, geometric painting in muted greens, browns, and blues, depicting the intricate natural systems and forces that shape the habitat of burrowing owls, conveying the complexity and importance of this species' ecosystem.A live video feed from a remote camera offers a rare glimpse into the hidden lives of burrowing owls, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.Hermiston Today

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), the Owl Research Institute, and Explore.org have installed a livestreaming camera at the former Umatilla Army Depot near Hermiston, Oregon to allow the public to observe burrowing owls that nest on the property. The camera has infrared capabilities to enable night viewing of the owls' activities.

Why it matters

Burrowing owls are culturally important to the CTUIR and their populations are declining across their range due to habitat loss and other factors. The livestream camera provides an opportunity for public education and conservation efforts, allowing people to learn about and appreciate the owls without disturbing them.

The details

The camera was installed on April 7 near two artificial burrows that have hosted successful burrowing owl nests in most years since 2008. The site was selected due to its long-term track record of supporting breeding owls. The livestream is powered by solar panels and may be expanded with additional cameras in the future.

  • The camera was installed on April 7, 2026.
  • The CTUIR has conducted a burrowing owl project since 2008, growing from 4 nesting pairs to over 100 pairs producing around 400 nestlings in 2025.

The players

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR)

A federally recognized Native American tribe that is installing the livestreaming camera and managing the burrowing owl project on the former Umatilla Army Depot property, which is being transferred to CTUIR ownership.

Owl Research Institute (ORI)

A Montana-based organization dedicated to owl conservation through research and education, and a partner in the burrowing owl livestream project.

Explore.org

A philanthropic live nature camera network and documentary film channel, and a partner in the burrowing owl livestream project.

Lindsay Chiono

A CTUIR Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Program habitat ecologist-biologist who helped install the camera and oversees the burrowing owl project.

Denver Holt

The founder and president of the Owl Research Institute, who helped install the camera.

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What they’re saying

“People, including me, are excited at the opportunity to observe burrowing owl behavior that is usually hidden from view such as pair bonding and hunting.”

— Lindsay Chiono, CTUIR Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Program habitat ecologist-biologist

What’s next

The CTUIR and its partners may add additional cameras to the livestream in the future to provide more views of the burrowing owl nests and activities.

The takeaway

The burrowing owl livestream project represents an innovative approach to public education and conservation efforts for this culturally significant species, whose populations are declining across the western United States.