Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

The mission is to protect birds of prey and other migratory birds in the Western Lake Superior Region through research, education, & stewardship.

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory showcases one of the greatest bird migrations in North America during the fall at the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve and spring at the West Skyline Spring Count in Duluth, MN. 

Thanks to the generosity of our members and donors, Hawk Ridge has continued the fall raptor migration count, banding research, and education for over 50 years (celebrating this year 1972-2022)! This long-term research helps contribute to better understanding the health of our bird populations and bird conservation management. Hawk Ridge educates visitors and school groups of all ages and abilities about birds, the migration, and bird conservation throughout the year with a wide variety of environmental education programs. 

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory also continues to steward the beautiful 365-acre Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, the first designated Audubon Important Bird Area within Minnesota. Hawk Ridge maintains the trails and public land at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve for all to enjoy nature recreation under a trust and management agreement with the City of Duluth, Minnesota. In 2022, we finalized a new facilities master plan at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve to improve accessibility, visitor safety, education facilities, interpretive signage, and more! We look forward to implementing these important improvements.

Thank you again for helping us continue to help birds through our research and education and creating these special connections with people to birds! We invite you to visit, volunteer, become a member and Give to the Max for Hawk Ridge today! We truly appreciate your support and we hope to connect with you soon! Please go to hawkridge.org and watch our video below to find out more about Hawk Ridge!