“Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?” ~David Attenborough
Zach Steinhauser is a naturalist, who turned a passion for what he loves into work that educates others on wildlife and the outdoors. He shares his knowledge through numerous eco-tours, works at a local gardening center, and a recently completed documentary on Purple Martins. “I grew up admiring Steve Irwin (the late TV star of The Crocodile Hunter) and always looked for every opportunity to get outside and get my hands on any wildlife I could find,” Steinhauser said. “I’ve carried that passion into my career traveling around the world to encounter the animals I grew up reading about and watching on television,” he continued.
A lot of his work focuses on Purple Martins, North America’s largest swallow species. The birds arrive in South Carolina in the spring, usually between February and March. He explained that then they go to nesting colonies, nest in manmade birdhouses, gourds, or condos, lay eggs around April, and incubate for six to eight weeks until around Memorial Day or June. Once the babies are gone and have literally flown the coop, the birds flock to Bomb Island for a pre-migratory roost. While there, they sleep on the island overnight, go off during the day, and flock back together at night. Around Labor Day the birds leave before winter to go to the Amazon Rainforest. So, there is a window of time to get to see them locally.
Steinhauser is an owner of Carolina Safari Co., which offers boat tours to see the birds during their brief stay on the island. A licensed captain with the Coast Guard, Captain Zach leads the boat excursions. This allows the other tour participants to get a closer view of the birds during their visit to Bomb Island, which is located in the middle of Lake Murray. “We leave Jakes Landing Marina and cruise out to Bomb Island where I discuss with my guests the happenings of Purple Martins on Lake Murray and why they are flocking on this particular island,” he said. “After sunset, as the birds are settling down for the night, we head back to the marina.” Relaxing lake water, and magnificent views of the flock of birds, topped off with a stunning sunset are sure to impress. “Most of the guests I take out are viewing this for the first time, they are usually awe-struck that so many birds can gather in one place.” Guests include families, couples, outdoor nature enthusiasts, and local Lake Murray residents.
Many gardeners and bird lovers build and/or erect houses to draw Purple Martins to their yards. Jill Monger is one of those who lives near the S.C. coast. She has created a habitat for birds, including Purple Martins right in her backyard where the birds return each year. “I adore waking each morning to their song,” Monger said. “Scouts show up in February; families move in April or May.” She goes out each February to clean out the houses in preparation for the Purple Martins’ annual visit. “Predators have been an issue,” she said. “So, I changed houses and the fledge in July.” She uses a wave pattern opening with her gourds after discovering that a grackle had carried away the hatchlings a few years ago. A hobby that began more than twenty years ago continues to draw many feathered friends to her backyard oasis.
Those interested in birding and outdoor nature lovers can venture throughout the state to see how wildlife thrives. One way to do this is through other guided outdoor excursions with Carolina Safari Co. delving into different natural areas across the state. It’s a great way to observe, take photos in a natural setting, and learn a little. Some of these excursions for private groups, team building, and other interested participants include:
- birdwatching in various areas of the state, like Kiawah, West Columbia, and Allendale
- kayaking to see spider lilies in bloom at Landsford Canal State Park
- stranding dolphin tours
- bison ranch tours
- fossil hunts (popular near the coast)
- workshops
- nature walks
For more information and to see photos visit Carolina Safari Co.
Steinhauser’s newest adventure includes making his conservation film documenting the Purple Martin world. He has always had an interest in wildlife filmmaking and now that interest has come to fruition. He started making the documentary about five years ago and it premiered in Lexington in April 2022. “Purple Haze is a film that is meant to inspire everyday folks to look at the wildlife they have in their community and look into what they can do to help and conserve our local wildlife,” he said. “It just so happened that the Purple Martins on Lake Murray sent me halfway around the world and back.” Screenings are ongoing with one slated for June in Columbia. For more info, to view the trailer, and for screening updates, check the website Purple Haze Movie.
Aside from his ecotourism work and making the Purple Haze documentary, Steinhauser works at Wingard’s Market in Lexington as a naturalist in their Backyard Nature Center. He assists customers with creating backyard ponds, showing others how to make a sustainable habitat for wildlife, and, of course, offering birding expertise to help those who want to draw birds to their yards.
Five fun facts about Purple Martins from Steinhauser:
- Purple Martins are not always purple. Depending on how the light hits them they can look blue or purple, it’s a matter of perspective.
- They dine on insects in the air. They are what is called an “aerial insectivore” meaning they feed primarily on insects, and they catch them while in flight. They are not like mockingbirds who run around people’s yards plucking bugs out of the grass.
- The birds prefer hanging out in spacious places. Wetlands like Lake Murray are great because they have ample open airspace, but meadows and farms are also great places to find them.
- The longest-living Purple Martin made it to 13 years old.
- When the birds gather at Bomb Island, they are so numerous that the flock shows up on the NEXRAD Radar.