| Bombing Range Island, in the middle
of Lake Murray, was used for target practice during WWII by Dolittle's
Raiders, who later became famous for their attack on Japan which helped
to bring an early end to the war.
Also known as Doolittle Island or
Lunch Island, it is North America's first officially designated Purple
Martin sanctuary. No one is sure why, but thousands and thousands
of Purple Martins come to the island to roost every summer evening.
This has become one of Lake Murray's major attractions, as dozens upon
dozens of boats converge around the island every evening to watch this
amazing spectacle.
Purple Martins are a member of the
swallow family. Since their diet consists of flying insects, they
are a welcome guest for people who live on or around Lake Murray.
Many people construct Purple Martin houses (many times just clusters of
gourds) to attract these birds and control mosquitos. It is said
that a yard with a nest of Purple Martins is a mosquito-free yard!
Come one evening, and see the sky
filled with thousands of Purple Martins over beautiful Lake Murray!
|
