Thursday, July 24, 2025

Hawk Ridge News - June 2025

 HRBO_DM_LogoCMYK 2

 

Dear Hawk Ridge Friends,


Black-and-white Warbler Songbird Banding

Welcome summer! A time to enjoy mornings filled with singing birds to start the day and hooting owls to wind down the evening. In Duluth, summer definitely feels short in terms of both weather and as we jump into the start of our fall migration season in just 2 months on August 15th! Summer songbird banding and American Kestrel nestbox monitoring is underway, which you can read more about below. 


American Kestrel

Thanks to all who visited and enjoyed the spring migration with us at the West Skyline Count! We appreciate our amazing spring staff and volunteers and your support to help make it possible. You can read the full spring count report below. We invite you to join us for the fall migration at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve August 15-November 30th. 

Registration is now open for our annual Hawk Weekend Festival Event Sept. 19th-21st.


P.S. If you missed our last e-newsletter, you can view that and older versions by clicking HEREKeep up with recent news by following us on Facebook and Instagram


West Skyline Spring Count 2025 Summary


West Skyline Spring Count View by M Chappell

Aaaaand it’s a wrap at the West Skyline Hawk Count (WSHC)! Per protocol the count was conducted from March 1stMay 31st, and this was our 8th consecutive spring of the count! The 2025 spring count season ran for 551 count hours and spanned 89 days (we did not count on 3 days due to weather). On the days we counted, we had 4 days during which we did not observe any migrating raptors and 4 days on which we counted over 1,000 raptors! Our highest raptor count day tallied 3,366 raptors (April 24), and the season total ended at 26,402 raptors of 15 species. Not bad for a couple of pull-offs by the side of the road!

 

Bald Eagle by P Mundale

The first month of the count (March) proved to be generally cold though mostly snow-less, with multiple weather systems causing several days straight of strong easterly winds. Despite this, we saw decent eagle movement this month, with one day of more southerly winds bringing in our highest-ever day count of Golden Eagles (58 on March 11) as well as this spring’s high count of Bald Eagles (613).

 

Red-tailed Hawk April also proved to be on the chillier end, though some days saw highs in the 60s. The middle of the month produced a few days of south winds that saw stronger raptor flights, especially of Red-tailed Hawks; unfortunately, those days also coincided with poor visibility, making counting a challenge! Broad-winged Hawks began to move more by the end of the month, taking advantage of the lighter easterly winds.

 

Blackburnian Warbler by Karl BardonMay took a sudden turn in temperature, with the first week seeing highs in the 80s! The rest of the month juxtaposed high temperatures with much chillier ones, with predominantly easterly winds (about 2/3rds of the days had east or northeast winds); this seemed to discourage raptor flight for the middle half of the month, though the very last few days of May saw an uptick in raptor movement. Warblers and swallows certainly stole the show in May, with fiery Blackburnian Warblers, brilliant lemon-Yellow Warblers, and swirling flocks of Cliff and Tree Swallows being a definite highlight for this finally-green month.

 

Turkey Vulture by P Mundale

Speaking of stealing the show, this spring saw our highest-ever Turkey Vulture season count, a whopping 5,759 birds—almost 2,000 birds above the previous season high! A species well-adapted to human disturbance and warmer climates, Turkey Vultures have been increasing dramatically in numbers over the course of the WSHC. We’re excited to see what next year’s count is of these wobbly but lovable raptors! 


Peregrine Falcon by S McLaughlin 5-24 2

Similarly, Peregrine Falcons have been increasing in numbers over recent years, and this season saw our all-time high of 39 birds, some of which were not-so-politely escorted north out of the area by our local nesting pair. We also counted our second-highest-ever season totals of Bald and Golden Eagles, at 6,451 and 173 birds, respectively.

 

Merlin by P Mundale

Continuing with the trend of decent falcon numbers, this year’s Merlin count (59) was above average as well; this species seems to be increasing since the conception of the spring count. The last few years have seen relatively high numbers of Northern Harriers, and the spring 2025 count of 87 was overall above average.

 

Sharp-shinned Hawk by S McLaughlin

Several species ended up around or slightly below average: Sharp-shinned Hawk (1,975), Cooper’s Hawk (34), Red-shouldered Hawk (2), Broad-winged Hawk (9,417), and American Kestrel (64). The past 8-year average of the tiny but fierce Sharp-shinned Hawk has hung around 1,979 birds, though the early years of the spring count during 2000-2005 typically saw over 2,000 birds, potentially corroborating with the overall decreasing population of this species (IUCN Red List). 


Broad-winged Hawk

Cooper’s Hawks have similarly been decreasing overall, with the past 8-year average sitting at just below 40 birds, but past years in the early 2000s showcased higher numbers than that. Just a few Red-shouldered Hawks wander into the Duluth area every spring, with the count typically seeing fewer than 5 birds. Broad-winged Hawks are extremely variable year-to-year depending on the winds, and the last 8 years saw numbers ranging from around 6,000 to approximately 18,000 birds! Finally, the first few years of the count often saw over 100 kestrels, but the past 8 years averaged at only 66 of these colorful falcons.

 

Osprey by S McLaughlin 8-24

A few raptors were notably below average. The last 8 years averaged at about 150 Ospreys (and the first few years of the count averaged over 200!), but during the most recent couple of years we counted only just above 100 fish hawks (123 this year). A trend consistent with the fall count, American Goshawk numbers have crashed since even 25 years ago, when over 20 birds could be seen from WSHC; now we are lucky if we get one (this year we saw one stunning powder-blue adult!). 


Rough-legged Hawk by M Chappell

Red-tailed Hawk numbers continue to be down from the early 2000s, when counts regularly soared above 5,000 birds; our 8-year average sits at 2,700 birds with this year tallying only 2,034 birds, the lowest count for the last 8 years; Rough-legged Hawks (169) were also below the 8-year average (245), but this species is highly variable year to year. This year we did not count any Swainson’s Hawks, which we typically see 2-6 of; they may have been affected by the overwhelmingly east winds during the peak period (late April through May) of this predominantly western species.

 

Trumpeter Swan by P Mundale

And yes, we did count non-raptor species as well! We tallied 20,597 individuals including 85 identified species of waterfowl, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, swallows, finches, warblers, and other non-raptor birds! This spring saw excellent numbers of both Trumpeter and Tundra swans, with a nice variety of ducks and some shorebirds including the count’s first Blue-winged Teals and Black-bellied Plovers. 


Northern Flicker by P Mundale

We counted our highest-yet number of Sandhill Cranes and a truly spectacular number of the huge but graceful American White Pelicans (4,227 birds, over 2,000 above the previous season high!)—including St. Louis County’s all-time high count of 468 pelicans on May 3rd. Apart from waterfowl, we saw our highest-yet numbers of Northern Flickers (286), Cliff Swallows (388), Snow Buntings (23), and Pine Siskins (3,277), plus White-winged Crossbills and a singular southbound meadowlark, which were both new for the count.

 

Spring Count Visitors

This westernmost spring hawk watch on the Great Lakes is made possible thanks to a generous donation, as well as support from our members and donors, for which we are very appreciative. All in all we had a great year, and we want to give a special shoutout to all the people that made this count possible! Frank Nicoletti, Sean McLaughlin, Peter Mundale, and Ezra Hosch provided invaluable support as relief counters, and John Edwards, Ralph Larsen, Ed Longhway, Dave Carman and others gave their precious time and effort as volunteer counters (and pastry bringers!). A huge thanks to our education staff—Margie Menzies, Chris Schnurbusch, Lydia Ihde, Dawn Mackety, and Alder Nichols—who not only provided relief and count support, but also encouragement, entertainment, and sustenance in times of need! A special thank-you is due to Emily Pavlovic for her wisdom and logistical support. And as always, THANK YOU to every person who stopped by, chatted, and enjoyed the incredible avian sights of West Skyline Hawk Count! We hope to see you next year at the count, and don't forget to stop by this fall at Hawk Ridge!


Marie Hosch

Spring Counter


P.S. Click HERE to find the season count totals and raptor count HERE


UPCOMING EVENTS


Summer Songbird Banding Programs
Select Saturday Mornings 8-10am in June-Aug

Male Black-throated Green Warbler by M Menzies

Come join our Hawk Ridge songbird banding team and experience the wonder of seeing wild birds up close! Whether you are an experienced birder, an avid citizen scientist, or simply curious about nature, Hawk Ridge can offer you an unforgettable opportunity to learn more about birds by going behind the scenes to see our songbird banding research station in action. Why do we band birds? What can we learn from studying birds in the hand? How can bird banding make us better birders, scientists, and stewards of nature? Learn all of this and more by visiting us during our summer MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) banding season! 


Hybrid Golden-winged x Blue-winged Warbler by M Menzies Aug 24

Bring water, snacks, insect repellent, and come dressed for the weather! If you are interested in checking the bird nets with our banders, be prepared to hike over muddy (muck boots often needed!) and uneven ground. This program is offered on selected Saturdays, with the Sunday date in parentheses being a weather back-up day in case there is rain or excess wind on Saturday. Dates include: June 21(22), July 5(6), July 12(13), July 26(27), and August 1(2) from 8 to 10 AM. Registration is limited to 8 people per session with no minimum number needed. Note that bird banding can be cancelled or rescheduled at any time due to rain or high winds. Make sure to include an email and cell/text contact so that we can inform you of any changes in plans for the program. 


Cost is $20 per member, student or Master Naturalist participant, and $30 for non-members. Register in advance via email: naturalist@hawkridge.org or via phone at 218-428-8722. Payment link will be emailed to you after registration is confirmed. Hope to see you this summer!


Everyone Can Bird: Accessible Birding Series
August 21st & October 11th, 2025

American White Pelicans Spring 23 by F Nicoletti
The first of 3 events was a success held on May 4th - you can read more about it HERE. All are invited to attend the second in a series of three free events designed for birders of all skills and abilities. Join “Everyone Can Bird: Spring Migration,” 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Millennium Trail/Woodstock Bay in Superior, WI. Designed with accessibility in mind, the event will provide accessible parking, American Sign Language interpretation and binoculars with a wheelchair mount. A track chair – an all-terrain, electric-powered chair that can be used on hiking trails – is also available for use. Sit or walk along a packed gravel path throughout the park with expert bird guides to lead discussion and aid observation. 

Margie Menzies and birders by Marie Zhuikov
Free bus transportation is provided from the UW-Superior Parking Lot 2 (behind Burger King) to Woodstock Bay. We encourage you to ride the bus to save the limited on-site parking spots for those who need to drive. Please register below to reserve your spot on the bus. Learn more or register HERE.  Registration is encouraged, but not required.  People who would like to request additional accommodations should email Luciana.Ranelli@wisc.edu or call Luciana at 715-399-4085 at least 10 days before the event.

The Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve, Duluth Parks and Recreation, Embark Supported Employment, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Lake Superior Reserve, Minnesota Land Trust and Wisconsin Sea Grant are hosting this series. In addition to the August 21st event, “Everyone Can Bird” and Oct. 11th at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve in Duluth. 

Hawk Weekend Festival

Sept. 19th-21st, 2025


Visitors watching raptor release at Hawk Ridge fallCome and celebrate the amazing fall bird migration with us! Hawk Weekend is the annual festival held by Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth, MN. Bird migration research and education programs have been shared with visitors throughout the world each fall at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve for over 50 years! Join us for a fun weekend with a variety of birding field trips, nature hikes, programs, and activities for all ages! 

Rough-legged Hawk Project November 2024
We are happy to announce our keynote speaker, Dr. Neil Paprocki! Neil is an ornithologist studying differential migration in Rough-legged Hawks and other avian species with the Idaho Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit with the University of Idaho. You can find out more on the amazing Rough-legged Hawk Project HERE. Several of the tracked Rough-legged Hawks have been documented migrating past Hawk Ridge, including 4 that flew past Nov-6-11, 2024! Neil also served as a Conservation Biologist for HawkWatch International. 

Many of our field trips, evening owl programs, workshops have limited space, so be sure to register HERE today! Early birds get the worm with the EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT available through August 15th. All registration closes on September 15th. 

Other News


Seasonal Hosts Needed for Hawk Ridge Staff


Hawk Ridge Staff 2024

Hawk Ridge has amazing seasonal staff, trainees, and apprentices conducting the important bird research and education programs. Many of our staff are traveling from out of state to work for or train with Hawk Ridge for 2-3 months coinciding with the magnificent bird migration (primarily fall Sept-Oct, but also mid/late Aug & Nov at times). We depend on wonderful hosts to provide lodging for our seasonal staff during that time. We are so grateful to all that have helped host through the years - thank you! We've also seen many special connections built between the host family and staff. We are currently seeking staff hosts for the 2025 fall season. If you have a spare room, rental space, or even full house that you'd consider for hosting/leasing for any timeframe, please contact Janelle Long, jlong@hawkridge.org or call 218-428-6209. 


Hawk Ridge is Seeking Board Members!


HRBO Board Chair Jim Sanders presenting 10-year service award to  Research Chair Matt Etterson 2024

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO) is seeking motivated and creative volunteers to join our Board of Directors. Qualified individuals will serve as ambassadors of our mission to promote conservation of raptors and other birds in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, and stewardship. We are looking for mission-aligned individuals, particularly those with interest or experience in fundraising, public relations, event planning, and/or marketing activities. 


To apply please click HERE. You can also find more info about the board position HERE at hawkridge.org or under About Us-Board. Applications preferred by June 30th, but will accept until filled.


American Kestrel Project Update


Banded Kestrel by E Pavlovic

The breeding season is in full swing and the American Kestrels have been hard at work. We are monitoring 78 boxes in Douglas County, WI and St. Louis County, MN. This year, 60 of the boxes are occupied by kestrels for a total occupancy of 77%! A box is considered occupied when there is at least one egg present in the box. Most of the boxes still have eggs, but we are starting to see fluffy, white young. In the next couple weeks we will band the nestlings and then allow them to fledge from the boxes without disturbance. Last season we saw similar occupancy but very low success in hatching and fledging, likely due to colder, wetter weather in the spring. We are hoping for a more successful season this year -- stay tuned!


Welcome New Lead Naturalist!


Lead Naturalist Alder N

Hawk Ridge welcomes Alder Nichols, new Lead Naturalist who joined our team at the end of May for this summer and fall! Alder grew up in Evanston, Illinois and has been obsessed with animals for as long as they’ve had a personality. After discovering the delight of birding at summer camp in the Smoky Mountains, they studied biology and anthropology at Beloit College in Wisconsin and spent two summers researching painted turtle populations in Michigan. Alder has since had the opportunity to teach environmental education, including live raptor and reptile programs, in Alabama, Minnesota, and Colorado. They are particularly excited to return to the Great Lakes with their true love, gulls! When they’re not birding, Alder is usually swimming, knitting, cooking, or hanging out with their pet snake, Daisy. You can meet the current Hawk Ridge team by checking out our staff team page HERE. 


Save the Dates for fall 2026!

Raptor Research Foundation Conference

October 26-30, 2026


RRF-Logo

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is excited to announce we are hosting the international Raptor Research Foundation Conference next year! The conference will be held October 26-30, 2026 at the Holiday Inn Downtown Duluth. This year's 2025 conference is being held this fall in Costa Rica. We look forward to sharing more information with you later this fall/winter! Find out more about the Raptor Research Foundation go to: raptorresearchfoundation.org.


Thank You for Your Support! 


American Goshawk by K BardonHawk Ridge Bird Observatory thanks all of our supporters. We appreciate you! As a nonprofit organization, we are primarily funded by individual gifts to put our bird migration research and education programs in action. Below are some of the ways you can help us keep sharing the magic of the bird migration! 


Volunteer with Hawk Ridge! 


Volunteers helping with Kids Cart and banding kid visitors 2024 by J Long 2

Hawk Ridge has amazing volunteers! Volunteers help move the bird conservation mission of Hawk Ridge forward by helping in a variety of ways - from visitor services during the fall migration at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, assisting with the bird migration count & banding research, maintaining trails, helping teach others about birds, assisting with events, serving on committees & Board of Directors, and so much more! 


Volunteers Ruth & Gail watching migration at visitor table

In 2024, our volunteers have given an outstanding 1,715 hours to Hawk Ridge! Thank you volunteers for your time and talent - we couldn't achieve what we do without you. If you are interested in volunteering with Hawk Ridge, please click the link HERE to fill out the volunteer application and for more information. You can also email Valerie at volunteer@hawkridge.org


Support Hawk Ridge by Shopping! 


Thank you for wish list items!

Thanks to those that have been shopping our Amazon Wish List for needed supplies! You can check out our list HERE. Gas cards for our trainees/apprentices (Circle K/Holiday, Kwik Trip) can be mailed to Hawk Ridge, P.O. Box 3006, Duluth, MN 55803 or dropped off at our office by coordinating with Janelle at jlong@hawkridge.org or at our merchandise trailer Sept. 1- Oct. 31. If you're looking to purchase Hawk Ridge merchandise, you can check out some items available through our online shopping options:  


Big Frog (direct ship or pick up at Duluth store) 

Bonfire (direct ship) 

  

Become A Member Today! 


Hawk Ridge bird releaseIf you're already a member of Hawk Ridge, we sincerely appreciate your support! THANK YOU! If you're not a member and have enjoyed your experience with Hawk Ridge, we invite you to renew or join as a Hawk Ridge member today! Our memberships and donations help drive our bird conservation research and education programs. You can check out our exciting membership benefits and join or renew online HERE! 


Simply Donate 


Rainbow at Hawk Ridge by K BardonYou can always simply donate online by clicking HERE or by mailing a check made out to Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, P.O. Box 3006, Duluth, MN 55803. 


Thank you again for your wonderful gift of support! Wishing you a beautiful bird-filled summer and hope to connect with you this fall at Hawk Ridge! Feel free to reach out by email or phone or find more info at hawkridge.org.  

Sincerely,

Janelle Long
Executive Director
Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory
P.O. Box 3006
Duluth, MN 55803-3006
Call: 218-428-6209
Contact: mail@hawkridge.org
Visit: www.hawkridge.org
501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization

Federal Tax ID 76-0746366

Hawk Ridge News - May 2025

 HRBO_DM_LogoCMYK 2

 

Dear Hawk Ridge Friends,


Blackburnian Warbler by Karl Bardon

Here's to hoping our true spring has finally arrived here in Duluth! May is always an interesting month with big fluctuations in temperatures and confusion with if we should put away our winter clothing or bring out our summer gear. It can also be a great time for interesting bird observations during migration. A cool, damp, foggy day in mid-May led to a "fallout" of migrating birds, where reports of a great diversity of warblers and other songbirds were seen sheltering in trees and on land - proving birding can be exciting even during inclement weather days! 


Red-breasted Mergansers by P Mundale 2

Our amazing spring staff and volunteers have been documenting the migration at the West Skyline Spring Count with 45,000+ birds counted since March 1st, including over 25,000 raptors of 15 species. Follow along live via HawkCount HERE for our current raptor count totals and for our full bird count information via Trektellen HERE. There is still about 1 week left to visit us in person through May 31st (click HERE for directions)! You can read more in the Spring Count update and upcoming events below!  


P.S. If you missed our last e-newsletter, you can view that and older versions by clicking HERE. Keep up with recent news by following us on Facebook and Instagram


West Skyline Spring Count Update


Turkey Vulture by P Mundale

April was the month of the Turkey Vulture! Over 4,000 vultures were counted migrating over West Skyline this April, breaking our previous season record of vultures! We saw high numbers of Bald Eagles and good numbers of Broad-winged Hawks as well (including 2,625 Broad-wings during a very exciting flight on April 24th)—and two Red-shouldered Hawks, which are always a treat. Red-tailed Hawks were notably down in numbers, though the best Red-tail flight days of the season coincided with days of extremely poor visibility, no doubt affecting the count. 

American White Pelicans by M Hosch 25
Non-raptor-wise, we saw incredible numbers of American White Pelicans, plus exciting flights of ducks and loons. We hope to see you at the count now through May 31st and this fall season starting August 15th! THANK YOU to all of our volunteers and spring naturalist staff (Lydia Ihde, Chris Schnurbusch, Peter Mundale, & new to the crew this month - Dawn Mackety)! Here’s to many more birds and good spotting!

Marie Hosch

Spring Counter


P.S. Wanting minute to minute updates on what’s going on overhead? Click HERE or via the live count button at hawkridge.org. You can also still find our daily raptor counts and summary via HawkCount HERE. Thanks and hope to see you at the watch! Click HERE for more info on visiting the Spring Count!  


UPCOMING EVENTS


Everyone Can Bird: Accessible Birding Series
August 21st & October 11th, 2025

American White Pelicans Spring 23 by F Nicoletti
The first of 3 events was a success held on May 4th - you can read more about it HERE. All are invited to attend the second in a series of three free events designed for birders of all skills and abilities. Join “Everyone Can Bird: Spring Migration,” 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Millennium Trail/Woodstock Bay in Superior, WI. Designed with accessibility in mind, the event will provide accessible parking, American Sign Language interpretation and binoculars with a wheelchair mount. A track chair – an all-terrain, electric-powered chair that can be used on hiking trails – is also available for use. Sit or walk along a packed gravel path throughout the park with expert bird guides to lead discussion and aid observation. 

Margie Menzies and birders by Marie Zhuikov
Free bus transportation is provided from the UW-Superior Parking Lot 2 (behind Burger King) to Woodstock Bay. We encourage you to ride the bus to save the limited on-site parking spots for those who need to drive. Please register below to reserve your spot on the bus. Learn more or register HERE.  Registration is encouraged, but not required.  People who would like to request additional accommodations should email Luciana.Ranelli@wisc.edu or call Luciana at 715-399-4085 at least 10 days before the event.

The Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve, Duluth Parks and Recreation, Embark Supported Employment, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Lake Superior Reserve, Minnesota Land Trust and Wisconsin Sea Grant are hosting this series. In addition to the August 21st event, “Everyone Can Bird” and Oct. 11th at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve in Duluth. 

Hawk Weekend Festival
Save the Dates! 

Sept. 19th-21st, 2025


Visitors watching raptor release at Hawk Ridge fallCome and celebrate the amazing fall bird migration with us! Hawk Weekend is the annual festival held by Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth, MN. Bird migration research and education programs have been shared with visitors throughout the world each fall at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve for over 50 years! Join us for a fun weekend with a variety of birding field trips, nature hikes, programs, and activities for all ages! 

Rough-legged Hawk Project November 2024
We are happy to announce our keynote speaker, Dr. Neil Paprocki! Neil is an ornithologist studying differential migration in Rough-legged Hawks and other avian species with the Idaho Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit with the University of Idaho. You can find out more on the amazing Rough-legged Hawk Project HERE. Several of the tracked Rough-legged Hawks have been documented migrating past Hawk Ridge, including 4 that flew past Nov-6-11, 2024! Neil also served as a Conservation Biologist for HawkWatch International. Registration and more info coming soon!

Stay tuned for more info and registration opening in June HERE!

 

International Birding Tour

Tanzania: August 3-17, 2025

Birds and Wildlife of Tanzania 


Variable Sunbird stock

Tanzania is home to the world’s greatest overland animal migration and is a must-see destination for any safari enthusiast. This is a country blessed with biodiversity and unique ecosystems including wetlands, coastal forests, grassland savannas, alkaline Rift Valley lakes, and block mountain forests. With so many incredible, larger-than-life mammal species hogging the spotlight, it is easy to understand why the country’s abundant bird life is often overlooked. 


crested-cranes-in-Serengeti-BY-Filip-Lachowski_0 (1)

On this 15-day birding adventure we will look to uncover Tanzania’s incredible list of avian species, beyond perennial safari favorites such as Marabou Stork, Gray Crowned-Crane, African Spoonbill, Secretarybird, and Kori Bustard. Many travelers might be surprised to learn that Tanzania’s bird list exceeds 1,000 species (31 endemics) and its lands contain an impressive number of vital habitats including 80 IBAs and 4 Ramsar sites! We’ll combine the best of both worlds as we journey to national parks, reserves, and wetlands in search of birds, while also soaking up some big game viewing along the way.


Highlights:

  • Cheetah on tree in TanzaniaSpend a full day birding the savannas, wetlands and forested areas of Arusha National Park, under the shadow of dormant Mt. Meru. 
  • Discover Tarangire National Park, known for having the second largest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania, including large herds of elephants. 
  • Explore Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in search of ostrich, raptors, flamingos, and more. 
  • Search for endemics such as Fischer’s Lovebird and Karamoja Apalis among the Serengeti’s larger-than-life “Big Five” game. 
  • Meet with members of the Maasai community and learn about their culture and semi- nomadic lifestyle during a visit to a traditional village.

Click HERE for an Overview, Itinerary, Pricing, Travel Information, How to Enroll and Resources. *Please note space is limited and requires a minimum of 10 participants (note: trip has reached minimum enrollment, so it is a go with only a few spots remaining!). For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Jordan at debbie@holbrooktravel.com or 866-748-6146 or Hawk Ridge Education Director, Margie Menzies at mmenzies@hawkridge.org.


Other News


Seasonal Hosts Needed for Hawk Ridge Staff


Hawk Ridge Staff 2024

Hawk Ridge has amazing seasonal staff, trainees, and apprentices conducting the important bird research and education programs. Many of our staff are traveling from out of state to work for or train with Hawk Ridge for 2-3 months coinciding with the magnificent bird migration (primarily fall Sept-Oct, but also mid/late Aug & Nov at times). We depend on wonderful hosts to provide lodging for our seasonal staff during that time. We are so grateful to all that have helped host through the years - thank you! We've also seen many special connections built between the host family and staff. We are currently seeking staff hosts for the 2025 fall season. If you have a spare room, rental space, or even full house that you'd consider for hosting/leasing for any timeframe, please contact Janelle Long, jlong@hawkridge.org or call 218-428-6209. 


Hawk Ridge is Seeking Board Members!


Board and Fall Staff Photo 2023

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO) is seeking motivated and creative volunteers to join our Board of Directors. Qualified individuals will serve as ambassadors of our mission to promote conservation of raptors and other birds in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, and stewardship. We are looking for mission-aligned individuals, particularly those with interest or experience in fundraising, public relations, event planning, and/or marketing activities. 


To apply please click HERE. You can also find more info about the board position HERE at hawkridge.org or under About Us-Board. Applications preferred by Friday, June 20th, but will accept until filled.


Thank You for Your Support! 


American Goshawk by K BardonHawk Ridge Bird Observatory thanks all of our supporters. We appreciate you! As a nonprofit organization, we are primarily funded by individual gifts to put our bird migration research and education programs in action. Below are some of the ways you can help us keep sharing the magic of the bird migration! 


Volunteer with Hawk Ridge! 


Volunteers helping with Kids Cart and banding kid visitors 2024 by J Long 2

Hawk Ridge has amazing volunteers! Volunteers help move the bird conservation mission of Hawk Ridge forward by helping in a variety of ways - from visitor services during the fall migration at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, assisting with the bird migration count & banding research, maintaining trails, helping teach others about birds, assisting with events, serving on committees & Board of Directors, and so much more! 


In 2024, our volunteers have given an outstanding 1,715 hours to Hawk Ridge! Thank you volunteers for your time and talent - we couldn't achieve what we do without you. If you are interested in volunteering with Hawk Ridge, please click the link HERE to fill out the volunteer application and for more information. You can also email Valerie at volunteer@hawkridge.org


Support Hawk Ridge by Shopping! 


Thank you for wish list items!

Thanks to those that have been shopping our Amazon Wish List for needed supplies! You can check out our list HERE. If you're looking to purchase Hawk Ridge merchandise, you can check out some items available through our online shopping options:  


Big Frog (direct ship or pick up at Duluth store) 

Bonfire (direct ship) 

  

Become A Member Today! 


Hawk Ridge bird releaseIf you're already a member of Hawk Ridge, we sincerely appreciate your support! THANK YOU! If you're not a member and have enjoyed your experience with Hawk Ridge, we invite you to renew or join as a Hawk Ridge member today! Our memberships and donations help drive our bird conservation research and education programs. You can check out our exciting membership benefits and join or renew online HERE! 


Simply Donate 


Rainbow at Hawk Ridge by K BardonYou can always simply donate online by clicking HERE or by mailing a check made out to Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, P.O. Box 3006, Duluth, MN 55803. 


Thank you again for your wonderful gift of support! Hope to connect with you this fall at Hawk Ridge or feel free to reach out by email or phone! 

Sincerely,

Janelle Long
Executive Director
Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory
P.O. Box 3006
Duluth, MN 55803-3006
Call: 218-428-6209
Contact: mail@hawkridge.org
Visit: www.hawkridge.org
501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization

Federal Tax ID 76-0746366