Lake Murray SC Purple Martins

Lake Murray Purple Martins offer lake goers on Lake Murray around Lexington, Irmo, Gilbert, and Chapin a great chance to see the flight of thousands of these birds to one tiny island on Lake Murray. Their seasonal flight takes place in the early dawn hours and in the evening when they head for what the locals call Bomb Island. Bomb Island, which was once used as a practice bombing range is home to what is estimated to be between 500,000 - 700,000 birds. The best time to view this largest natural roosting area is in July and August when you can take your own boat out on the lake or take an evening boat tour to the island. By Septemer the birds will be headed off to South America for the winter, so get out there soon to enjoy this spectacle.