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Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ The Osprey of Lake Norman
7-11- 2010
Have you ever wondered which birds build the giant nests on channel markers, power poles and other high structures around Lake Norman? Some think they are bald eagle nests, but actually they are the spring and summer home of the osprey, a rather large bird whose primary diet is fish.
The nesting activity of the osprey, known by some as a fish hawk, begins in early March on Lake Norman. Within a month, two to four eggs are laid. The incubation period is approximately five weeks. Since the nest, made primarily of sticks and branches, is very deep, the chicks do not show themselves until they are ready to leave it sometime in July.
The osprey locates its prey from high above, then dives to snatch it from the surface of the water with its talons. If the prey is deep, it will actually dive into the water to snare it. The bird makes the captured fish aerodynamic for flying by positioning it so that the head faces forward.
Osprey populations have increased in recent years to the point that the Lake Norman Wildlife Federation has placed a dozen or more nesting platforms around the lake. They are located near islands and away from boat traffic patterns. It is interesting to note that it doesn’t take the birds long to locate the platforms. One was recently positioned adjacent to the island near marker T3 in Davidson Creek. Within hours, an osprey was perched atop the new structure.
As the nesting season winds down, be on the lookout for adult birds that flap their wings vigorously and chirp loudly. This is the indication that they are teaching the young to fly. The young birds will eventually begin to move their wings and leap from the nest. Some hit the water first, shake off the droplets and fly away. Once the parents’ work is done, they leave the lake for a long deserved vacation. Like people, many spend the winter in Florida and in Central or South America.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
When you see an osprey circling overhead, it has more than likely spotted a fish swimming near the surface. It shouldn’t be long before it dives to capture its query. The event that follows is worth watching.
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, July 17, 2010, Light House Marine Services will offer a Boater Safety and PWC Class. Registration fee is $49.00 for the eight-hour session beginning at 9:00 a.m. The class will be held at North Point Watersports, Exit 36 in Mooresville, NC. Call Capt. Scott Spivey 704 587 0325 or visit www.lmservice.org to register or attain additional information.
Free Fishing Seminar: “Bank and Dock Fishing for Sunfish, White Perch, Catfish and Bass” will be discussed at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. p.m. Bring the entire family to this free event. I will cover everything from fishing with cane poles, hooks and bobbers, to using live and cut baits. Suggestions will be given about the best places to fish from shore. Contact 704-658-0822 for additional information.
Hot Spots of the Week:
The summer heat has fish seeking shade or deep water during midday and afternoon. With that in mind, fish the morning bite or after dark when water temperatures are cooler.
Stripers are biting in the river channel at the south end of the lake. Flathead fishing has improved, particularly where schools of white perch are found. The big cats lurk below the feeding perch and can be tempted to bite with live or fresh-cut bait and jigging spoons. White perch fishing is unbelievable. The bigger fish are holding in water to fifty feet.
The lake level is about 3.0' below full pond and the water surface temperature is in the eighties and low nineties
Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is licensed by the US Coast Guard, a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association, and is an outdoor columnist and a full time professional fishing guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, Fishin' With Gus! at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704.617.6812.
For additional information e-mail Gus at Gus@LakeNorman.com
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