Hawk Ridge

Scanning the Skies

Spectacular fall foliage is not the only thing we watch for in late September.

Raptors of all shapes and sizes migrate north to south at this time of year. Many, on their journey south, bump into that vast expanse of water known as Lake Superior. Those raptors, being pretty smart birds, are reluctant to head out over the lake so they follow the North Shore of the lake toward Duluth. At Duluth, many birds pass over an area known as Hawk Ridge.

Hawk Ridge is not only a popular place to see the migrating raptors, it is also the location of the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. During the migration season, September 1 to October 31, the staff and volunteers of the observatory do a count of the passing birds. They also capture, band, and release a few of them. On the day we were there, they had counted quite a few as tallies in the photo below show.

Hourly/Daily Bird Count

While we were at Hawk Ridge, the staff caught, banded, and released a Sharp-shinned Hawk

Sharp-Shinned Hawk

and, a Broad-winged Hawk

Broad-winged Hawk

and, an American Kestrel.

American Kestrel aka Sparrow Hawk

To raise money for the operation of the observatory, the audience is invited to "adopt" a bird that is about to be released. For $25, the "adopter" gets to hold the "adoptee", have their picture taken, and then release the bird. Also, if the "adoptee" is ever re-captured - anywhere in the world - the "adopter" is notified of the time and location of the re-capture event. Cool! This young person got to hold and release a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

About to release a Sharp-shinned Hawk