Dunbar Lane, Boone County

3:45 p.m. to ~5:30 p.m.

Come witness a mind-boggling concentration of blackbirds at a northern Boone County winter roost, now confirmed in its sixth year (at least) of activity. Recent activity is as robust as we’ve ever experienced. This spectacle can impress anyone, from non-birders to globe trotters. Consider bringing a friend!

We’ll gather at 3:45 p.m (about an hour before sunset, which is at 4:46 p.m. on Dec 4). Expect to stay through ~5:30, and bring extra layers of warm clothing, as it can get rather chilly as the sun goes down. Leaders Eric and Joanna will be on-site to describe the background history of the roost, then we’ll watch as the show unfolds; each time is unique and exciting.

Meet at the site (click here for map; note that Google shows the name of the road as “Dun Bar” even though it is actually “Dunbar”). The viewing area is at the end of a dead-end gravel road with plenty of parking along the side of the road. No bathrooms are available.

One disclaimer: Human cases of histoplasmosis (a fungal infection) have been associated with other blackbird roosts with a multi-year presence. We have no way to assess the actual risk here. Use your own judgment about whether this is a good trip for you.

Contact cherthollow@gmail.com with questions.

Additional background on the roost:

• A short video about the roost: https://youtu.be/SO9AHgtRkSo
• “Birds in Big Numbers” (2023 talk for the Missouri River Bird Observatory): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omK7d7U4G2g
• An article about the roost:  September 2020 Bluebird, (p. 169-182).
• The original article for The Chat that led to the “discovery” of the roost: https://www.columbia-audubon.org/birds-in-big-numbers-flocks-of-blackbirds-and-starlings/