As approximately 1 million migrating purple martins descend on Bomb Island – a 12-acre predator-free stretch of land in the middle of Lexington’s Lake Murray – their arrival signals the change of season while simultaneously offering birding enthusiasts and nature lovers a spectacular show.
The purple martins migrate from Canada to South America annually, resting their wings and regaining their strength on the lush island full of trees and shrubs to perch, as well as the gourd bird houses, hung by excited southerners anticipating their arrival.
Zach Steinhauser, conservation photographer and wildlife specialist at Wingard’s Market, takes eager bird lovers to the largest purple martin roost in North America every year.
During his latest boat ride with Capt. Ken Hardee and Garden & Gun magazine writer CJ Lotz, Steinhauser explained how purple martins go to extraordinary lengths to find sufficient landing spots as they migrate South, which is why the small act of creating nests for the birds to rest is so important.
“You hear all the time in the news about how x, y, or z species are going extinct, but what we don’t often hear are the little things we can do to encourage and conserve wildlife,” Steinhauser told Garden & Gun. “With martins, it’s as simple as putting some birdhouses out.”
Gliding through the air like fighter jets, Steinhauser can easily distinguish the purple martins from other birds that use Bomb Island as a resting oasis.
“They’re the ones soaring around, more loosely knit rather than in a tight flock,” Steinhauser said.
Purple martins have chosen this migration path for a long time, according to Steinhauser, who points to evidence that Native Americans used them as an efficient form of pest control.
Steinhauser said he hopes the ecotourism opportunity of visiting Bomb Island will inspire people to give back to nature.
“A very big thank you to Lake Murray Country, Kenny Hardee, CJ Lotz, and Garden & Gun magazine for letting me tag along & share my knowledge, but also for bringing this little known spectacle to the big stage,” he said.
