Bermuda’s national bird, the endangered cahow, enjoyed a record breeding season this year.

The announcement came after a chick named Zephyr launched herself out to sea on Wednesday night, watched online by viewers worldwide.

The bird limbered up for the flight while she explored her surroundings to imprint her birthplace to help her return in several years’ time.

She was watched over by the Nonsuch Expeditions Team led by JP Rouja, with Jeremy Madeiros, the chief terrestrial conservation officer.

Zephyr was one of the last cahows to fledge this year, when 134 breeding pairs fledged more than 68 chicks.

The birds found food closer to the island than usual and heavier, healthier chicks fledged faster as a result.

Mr Madeiros said it was the first time in 16 years that none of the chicks in the colony needed rescued or supplemental feeding.

The CahowCams can be watched live at http://www.nonsuchisland.com/live-cahow-cam.

On the other side of Nonsuch Island, the new Longtail Tropicbird Cam is broadcasting the early life of a now two-thirds fledged longtail chick that is three weeks from fledging.

The live Tropicbird Cam is at: http://www.nonsuchisland.com/live-tropicbird-cam

Like the Cahows, longtails have found food sources closer to the island than usual, and produced healthier chicks.