Every summer on Lake Murray, South Carolina, the sky over Bomb Island (Doolittle Island) fills with hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins, creating one of the largest migratory roosts in North America. At dawn they rise in a living cloud, and at dusk they pour back onto the island in numbers so vast they even appear on weather radar. This phenomenon happens on the same island once used as a WWII B-25 bomber training target, blending natural wonder with history.

Guided by Marsh Deane, we explored the spectacle from sunrise to storm surge, documenting the Martins’ movements and the fragile balance they depend on. As local voices and conservationists explained, Purple Martins east of the Rockies rely entirely on human-made birdhouses, a tradition begun by Native Americans and sustained for centuries. With populations in decline, continuing that tradition is critical. Visit the Purple Martin Conservation Association to learn more about Purple Martins, discover how to build or maintain a martin house, support habitat conservation, and join citizen science efforts that safeguard these birds.

🎥 Produced by MadLad Films (Instagram @madladfilms), The Mystery of Bomb Island was directed and filmed by Graham Ladd and Ethan Kaiser. With cinematic videography, our team captures rare wildlife events, local heritage, and powerful conservation stories. If your brand, lodge, or organization wants event videos and event marketing videos that position you as the trusted name in storytelling, partner with MadLad Films—your go-to videographer and event videographer for unforgettable films.