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Experience Purple Martin Majesty

Find the Roost
The William T. Umstead Bridge (also called "The Old Manns Harbor Bridge") crosses Croatan Sound between Roanoke Island and the village of Manns Harbor. From the Outer Banks, use the newer Virginia Dare Bridge to cross over to Manns Harbor, then bear right until you reach the NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat ramp. Across the highway, on your left, there is a small parking lot. Or you can park at the boat ramp.
Google Maps: 35.912450, -75.769075
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Observation Pier
Although the roosting population has diminished, the martins roost remains active at sunrise and sunset from mid or late July through mid-August.  The CCPMS in 2009 worked with local government and tourism agencies to design and build the pier into the sound from the west end of the bridge on land donated by the Fearing family.The wheelchair-accessible BeBop memorial pier accommodates fishing, birdwatching and enjoying the sound and marshland. 
 
 
 
By Boat
Crystal Dawn sunset cruises to the Manns Harbor roost have been suspended since summer 2020. We will monitor the location during the 2023 roosting season.The speed zone and public education programs may be activated during the 2023 roosting season if the population of birds warrants it.

 
 
Roost Talk
Watch this site and our Facebook to see if we schedule evening educational sessions at the observation pier as conditions allow. Visitors can learn about why the birds are here, where they come from, what they do while here, how long they stay, and how you can participate. For  information contact us:
purplemartinroost@gmail.com
or on Facebook.

 
 
 
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