Build It They Will Come? Ospray Nesting Plateforms Erected At Lake James
December 23, 2008
Osprey I Photographed In Yellowstone
The Osprey, or the fish hawk is an interesting creature to watch as it snatches fish out of the water. North Carolinian’s may have some added places to observe Osprey’s if the nesting platforms work.
four osprey nesting platforms were erected on Lake James as part of an ongoing effort by the North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) to help conserve and improve the osprey populations within the Catawba River basin.
The current population of osprey has migrated to South America for the winter but when they return, they will have their pick of the newest lake front property built just for them. The platforms are made of metal and attached to 45- foot poles that Lancaster Dock (www.lancasterdock.com) erected with their barge.
The initial four osprey nest sites are adjacent to islands and state park lands offering good observation vantage points for lake users while providing the osprey safe refuge from predators such as raccoons and black snakes.
My first encounter with an Osprey was while I was in College in Massachusetts, a buddy and I were fishing in a remote pond where unknown to us a pair had taken up nesting in the area. The first time one of those Osprey’s dove in to grab a fish it startled both Brian and I and we are lucky that we didn’t flip the canoe. I don’t remember if we caught much but we had a lot of fun watching those birds fish.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has an interesting fact sheet on the Osprey.
Moose Droppings is a place that chronicles my journey, I’ll explore new places and ideas I’ll learn new things and I’ll teach the things I’ve learned to others. Join me on the adventure and hopefully it will help you in your outdoor endeavors.
