CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you’re floating along Lake Norman you may hear a familiar sound, the sound of ospreys ---a rare bird species.
"I do think that there has been an increase in the population," said Sunny Cooper with the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville.
That increase is causing more nests to form around water channel markers, like the shoal lights on Lake Norman. But the nests are blocking the lights, makes it more difficult to see at night.
"It’s a hot topic at the [NC Marine Fisheries Commission] and everyone is trying to put their heads together to figure out the best solution," said George Brinzey with the Cornelius Police Department's lake patrol unit.
Officials with the Carolina Raptor Center said simply removing the nest is not an option under federal law.
"Ospreys are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act," said Sunny.
The Marine Fisheries Commission is now looking for other solutions, one of which includes installing secondary poles.
"I think they like the secondary pole away from the navigation light, but it just takes time to transition all that," said Brinzey.
While some ospreys have already started nesting on the secondary poles, others are still building around shoal lights. For now Brinzey said they’re encouraging folks who are boating at night to slow down as usual.
"It's definitely something everybody needs to take into consideration," he said.
For folks who are preparing to hit the water this Labor Day weekend, officials said if you are not familiar with the lake, get back to the dock before the sun starts to set.
If you are out on the lake and need, lake patrol will be available to assist.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.