Imagine a late summer sunset cruise on stunning Lake Ouachita, just north of Hot Springs, Arkansas. As twilight descends, a seemingly small cloud of mosquitoes appears in the distance, growing larger and larger until you realize it's not a cloud at all—it's a massive, swirling vortex of thousands of birds! These are purple martins, gathering for their nightly roost on Bird Island.
Designated an "Important Bird Area" by the National Audubon Society, Bird Island hosts between 30,000 to 50,000 purple martins each evening from July through August, before they embark on their incredible migration to South America. This small island of bald cypress, only about 1,200 feet long and 100 feet wide, is home to the largest purple martin roost in Arkansas. They even share their nightly spot with other fascinating birds like blue herons, white ibises, and red-winged blackbirds.
To truly grasp the scale and wonder of this natural spectacle, you absolutely have to experience it firsthand! Lake Ouachita State Park offers guided Bird Island tours on various evenings exclusively in July and August.
Tour Details:
- Departure: Tours leave from the marina at 7:00 PM.
- Experience: A state park interpreter will lead your cruise to Bird Island as the sun sets, circling several times as the birds create their breathtaking aerial display before settling in for the night.
- Tickets: Only $14 for adults and can be purchased at the visitors center, just across from the marina.
Want to dive deeper? Plan to attend Purple Martin Awareness Weekend at the park! Along with the unforgettable lake tours, there will be special programs dedicated to identifying and protecting these beloved birds.
And for the perfect complement to your birdwatching adventure, consider staying with us at Tiffany's Bed and Breakfast! Our multi-story log home, nestled on 60 private acres of lush woods, offers a truly tranquil and secluded retreat just 31 miles from Lake Ouachita State Park. From our full-length covered porch, or the privacy of your own deck when you stay in The Hamilton – one of our three cozy and romantic guest rooms – you can enjoy the active birdlife drawn to our property. Observe hummingbirds, tufted titmice, indigo buntings, whippoorwills, and many other beautiful birds right from our doorstep. Beyond the unparalleled birdwatching, guests at Tiffany's B&B can unwind on the porch swing, explore our nature trails, and start each day with a delicious home-cooked breakfast at Tiffany's, all while being conveniently located just 14 miles from Hot Springs attractions and 5 miles from DeGray Lake. Book your stay today!