UW-Madison hawks becoming reality stars

MADISON (AP) - Five red-tailed hawks in Wisconsin have become worldwide reality stars.

Two parents and three chicks live in a nest on a ledge at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

School officials set up a webcam last month, thinking the local community might enjoy watching the chicks develop. However, bird enthusiasts began sharing the web link, and now thousands of viewers are logging on every day from across the U.S., Europe and Asia.

• Click here to see the webcam

The webcam provides a crystal-clear view of the nest and the downy-covered chicks. One or both parents are usually in the frame as well. If they're lucky, viewers might catch a glimpse of the parents serving up mice, rabbits or squirrels.

UW-Madison information-technology worker John Lalande says he's pleasantly surprised by how popular the webcam has become.