Date: 12/2/24 6:06 am From: Joanna Reuter <000006b33651c789-dmarc-request...> Subject: Boone County blackbird roost: "ornithological spectacle"
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The Boone County blackbird roost is as active as we’ve ever seen it; we’re confident that numbers exceed 2 million by a comfortable margin.
“This has got to be one of the best ornithological spectacles in the whole of North America, and it is only us watching it.” —Matt Aeberhard, December 1, 2024
An alternate viewing location is to park along Barnes Road on the east side of the miscanthus field, a little bit south of the bridge over Silver Fork Creek. Many birds seem to follow the Silver Fork corridor on their way in, so this location can often be even more immersive than Dunbar, though it also gets more vehicle traffic. Here you will see and smell the roost.
In addition to Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles, there are Brown-headed Cowbirds and probably at least a few Great-tailed Grackles using the roost. It’s also worth looking for Rusties. Raptor watching is good too: Pete Monacell honed in on two northern Red-Tailed Hawks (abieticola), whose breeding grounds would be in the boreal forest; they were hanging out together (perhaps travel companions?). And it is also fun to see and hear the Trumpeter Swans that have returned to the area and can often be seen flying over the roost.
It is definitely an experience that can be enjoyed by birders of all skill levels. Plan a trip, bring a friend, dress, warm, and enjoy the show! At either viewing location, please respect private property and stay along the gravel roads. The landowners have been very gracious regarding people visiting this site and we’d like to maintain their trust and support.
