LAKE MURRAY, SOUTH CAROLINA
The Purple Martins of Lake Murray: Nature’s Greatest Summer Show
If you’ve spent any time around Lake Murray in the summer, you’ve probably heard about the phenomenon of the Purple Martins. Or maybe you’ve seen them for yourself: thousands of graceful little swallows flying above Bomb Island at sunset, creating a jaw-dropping spectacle that leaves visitors in awe every single time.
Every July and August, folks head out onto the lake with coolers, cameras, and wide eyes to watch the largest Purple Martin roost in North America. As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, the sky begins to shimmer with movement. These sleek, iridescent birds gather in swirling patterns – sometimes reaching up to a million birds in the sky at once – before settling in for the night on Bomb Island, their seasonal sanctuary. This nightly ritual is equal parts peaceful and thrilling, and it’s one of the most stunning natural shows you’ll ever experience.
A Feathered Phenomenon With Community Roots
What makes the Purple Martin phenomenon even more special is how deeply it’s woven into the local fabric—especially when it comes to conservation and education.
Take Piney Woods Elementary, for example. At Piney Woods Elementary School, the Purple Martins aren’t just birds—they’re a source of inspiration, learning, and pride. The school, whose mascot is the Purple Martin, has taken bird conservation to heart. Thanks to a grant from Dominion Energy, Piney Woods installed a MOTUS bird-tracking tower, allowing students to monitor real-time data on migratory birds flying through the region.
Partnering with the Audubon Society and the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, Piney Woods uses this technology to help students engage in real-world science. This year, the school even hosted a “Purple Martin Haze Craze” event, welcoming documentary filmmaker and local birding guide Zach Steinhauser for a screening of his film Purple Haze. Students and families learned from conservationists and explored ways to help protect birds in their own backyards.
Lake Murray’s charm extends far beyond its picturesque views; it’s defined by a community that takes pride in nurturing both its people and its wildlife. From classrooms to conservation groups, there’s a shared sense of responsibility to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity that make this area so unique.
Why Care About Purple Martins?
So what’s the big deal about these little birds?
Local birding expert and 2024–2025 Capital City/Lake Murray Country Ambassador, John Tjaarda, helps put things in perspective: “Purple Martins, like many native birds, are declining in numbers. Over the last 55 years, their population has dropped by more than 24%.”
That might not sound dramatic at first, but in ecological terms, that’s a serious decline. Purple Martins face a range of threats—from habitat loss to competition with non-native species like European Starlings and House Sparrows. And since they feed mostly on insects, shifts in climate and pesticide use affect their food supply, too.
But here’s the silver lining: Purple Martins have a unique relationship with humans. Unlike most birds, they almost entirely rely on artificial housing—like birdhouses and gourd-shaped nest boxes—for their summer nesting sites. That means you and I can help!
Installing Purple Martin housing on your property is one of the most impactful (and rewarding) ways to support local wildlife. Whether you live in a suburban backyard or a lakeside home, you can make a difference. Local bird centers and conservation organizations can provide everything you need to get started.
See It for Yourself
Whether you’re a Lake Murray local or visiting for the first time, witnessing this natural phenomenon should be on your summer bucket list. A number of experienced guides and captains offer Purple Martin boat tours around Bomb Island during peak season. These cruises provide front-row seats to one of the most unique wildlife events in the country.
Here are a few to consider:
Spirit of Lake Murray – Purple Martin Cruise
📞 (803) 250-5497 | 🌐 spiritoflakemurray.com
📧 spiritoflakemurray@gmail.com
Carolina Safari Co. – Captain Zach Steinhauser
📞 (803) 359-9091 | 🌐 carolinasafarico.com
Lake Murray Island Tours – Captain Dale Gossett
📞 (803) 318-3911 | 🌐 lakemurrayislandtours.com
Pilot Cove Ventures – Captain Ben Stickney
📞 (803) 969-0105 | 🌐 pilotcoveventures.com
Pair your tour with a visit to one of the lake’s many waterfront restaurants like Rusty Anchor, Liberty on the Lake, or Nacho Margarita—and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect summer evening.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into life around Lake Murray, don’t miss out on some of the area’s best local publications. Columbia Metropolitan, Chapin Magazine, and Irmo-Chapin Life regularly highlight the people, places, and events that make this part of South Carolina so special—including the famous Purple Martin phenomenon. These magazines are a great way to stay connected to the community, discover hidden gems, and learn more about local conservation efforts, schools, and businesses that keep Lake Murray thriving.
Thinking About Calling Lake Murray Home?
After an evening on the water, surrounded by a welcoming community and a beautiful environment, it’s hard not to imagine what it might be like to live in a place like this. And the good news? You can!
We’re excited to share that two beautiful Lake Murray-area homes will be hitting the market in May. Whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat or your forever nest (pun intended), these properties offer the perfect balance of peace, community, and access to one of nature’s coolest phenomena.
So go ahead—plan that sunset boat ride, bring your binoculars, and see why everyone’s talking about the Purple Martins. You might leave with more than just great photos… you might leave wanting to come back for good.
