Purple Martin Tours

Purple Martins Majesty Returns to Manns Harbor

Purple martins are returning to the roost at the old Manns Harbor Bridge as they have annually for about 40 years. Soon, more than 100,000 of these birds from throughout the northeast North Carolina coastal plain will take up residence at the bridge.

The birds leave the roost at sunrise to cruise the region for insects, and they return at sunset. It is especially important that motorists slow to 20 mph when they cross the William B. Umstead Bridge for about a half hour at sunrise and sunset. Otherwise, the crossing becomes dangerous for drivers and deadly for the birds. Flashing lights warn motorists of the sunrise and sunset speed limits of 20 mph.

The newer Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge is an alternative route between Manns Harbor and Roanoke Island during the hours the birds are active.

During this annual natural phenomenon, martins swarm the bridge in flocks so large they are seen by Doppler radar. The birds roost at the bridge to protect their newly fledged young and prepare for their journey to Brazil in late summer.

Thursday Birdwatch Sessions

You can watch the amazing purple martins spectacle with a martins expert on Thursday evenings July 19 and July 26 at 7:30 p.m., and again on Thursdays, August 2 and August 9 at 7:15 p.m. The Coastal Carolina Purple

Martin Society hosts the sessions at the new Betty Dean "Bebop" Fearing memorial fish pier and observation platform near the western end of the bridge.

Besides learning why these martins have been roosting here for many years, you can learn about the nest boxes where they hatch their young, what they do during the day and where they go for the winter. Nearby you can see a new T-14 purple martin nesting house, funded by the Outer Banks Community Foundation, that housed a new colony of martins this spring. Learn how you can become a purple martin "landlord" and enjoy these birds each spring.

Sunset Cruises

The Purple Martin Society also will host sunset boat cruises to the roost site on Thursday and Saturday evenings aboard the 65-foot boat "Crystal Dawn." Tours are scheduled for July 19 and 26 and again August 2 and 9.

Tickets are $30 per person. The tour leaves from Pirates Cove Marina between Nags Head and Manteo at 6 p.m. and returns at approximately 9:30 p.m. It is subject to cancellation