The Outer Banks are full of wonders of nature, one of which is the roosting of 100,000 purple martins on the William B. Umstead Bridge, the "old" Mann's Harbor Bridge.  Each year from June to September, thousands of these insect loving birds roost on the wires and structures under the bridge, they stay there during the night, and leave each morning to feast on the plethora of bugs and insects found in the open areas and wetlands of the Alligator National Wildlife Refuge, Roanoke Island, and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Their numbers are so great, that when they leave the roost in the morning they can be seen on Doppler Radar.  Now that's pretty cool!

In addition to being a joy to watch, think of purple martins as nature's own insect control!  The Coastal Carolina Purple Martin Society was created to help protect the birds that roost at the Umstead Bridge.  Many fall victims to automobile traffic during dusk and dawn hours when they are returning to and leaving the roost.  Fortunately, signs have been installed to warn motorists that they are entering "martin territory." 

A special sunset boat trip to view these fascinating birds has been arranged for Saturday August 9 on the Crystal Dawn, berthed at Pirate's Cove Marina.  Deadline for reserving your spot is August 1.  For more information click here!