Visit the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve

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When is the Best Time to Visit?

Hawks begin migrating past Hawk Ridge in mid-August and continue through November. The "Big Days", when we can get tens of thousands of Broad-winged Hawks flying over, generally occur from September 10-25. Click here to see the raptor count numbers. Of course, we do get raptors flying over every day during the fall, except when it's raining!

Hawkwatching, unlike most other wildlife activities, is best during the middle of the day. Generally, the raptors don't start flying until 8am, and they taper off after 4pm. So plan your trip during the middle of the day: between 10am and 2pm is best.

Weather plays a huge factor in the quality of the flight. Winds from the west or northwest are best for bringing us big numbers of birds. If you come up on a day with south or east winds, expect the flight to be slower.

Raptor Resources?

We have a number of resources to help you better identify raptors in flight and learn about their natural history. Just print them off and bring them with you!

Raptors in Flight ID sheet--for beginners; identify to raptor groups

Raptors in Flight ID brochure--for the more experienced; identify to individual species

Raptors at a Glance--natural history information on Hawk Ridge raptors

Regular bird guides are not much use in identifying raptors in flight, so here are some other resources WE USE & RECOMMEND:

Sutton, Dunne & Sibley's HAWKS IN FLIGHT: this contains a lot of text about identifying raptors in flight based mainly upon silhouettes and behavior. The really bad photos in the back are perfect for testing your skills--after all, do we get GREAT looks at all the birds moving through?

Wheeler & Clark's A PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN RAPTORS: filled with excellent photography of raptors, not only in flight, but also perched. Includes information on identifying raptors not only to species, but also to age, morph, subspecies, race and sex.

Liguori's HAWKS FROM EVERY ANGLE: again, a lot of great photographs and text. This is a halfway point between the previous two books, focusing on flight, behavior & silhouettes through text and photographs.

What do we Need to Bring?

Binoculars are a must! At times the hawks are so far away, or are soaring so high that they are impossible to see with the naked eye. The overlook staff has binoculars to loan.

Dress for the weather! Weather is always more extreme at the Main Overlook on Hawk Ridge. Make sure to bring warm, windproof clothing. Of course, it does get sunny & hot on the Ridge, too, so bring some sunscreen & a hat with a brim in case of balmy weather (but don't worry about this in late October!).

Bring a chair! We do not provide seating, although there are large rocks available on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you plan to do any hiking on the Hawk Ridge trails, hiking boots are a good choice; at the very least, tennis shoes must be worn. The trails are very rugged.

Pets?

The land at Hawk Ridge belongs to the City of Duluth and there is a leash law within the city limits. Although we all love dogs, we do not encourage people to bring their dog to Hawk Ridge, especially on busy weekends.

If you need to bring your dog along, we ask that you keep your dog on a short leash (4' maximum). Dogs that bark or are not friendly toward adults, kids or other dogs MUST NOT be brought to Hawk Ridge. Calm, friendly, quiet, well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Hawk Ridge provides plenty of opportunity for dogs to get into trouble--there are a lot of children, food, expensive scopes on tripods and birds in the hand. Please be vigilant. Also, come prepared to pick up after your dog.

What Amenities are Available?

Food vendor service is available for lunch every weekend from mid-September through mid-October, selling burgers, brats, hot dogs, vegetarian choices, water, soda, chips, and hot drinks.

A portable toilet is also available during the fall season.

What Activities are Available?

The Hawk Ridge overlook staff is available at the main overlook every day during September and October. Demonstrations with banded raptors and passerines, "adoptions", and releases regularly take place. The overlook staff is also on site to help with raptor identification, answer questions, and sell Hawk Ridge merchandise. Regularly scheduled public programs are also available throughout the season.

You will also notice the hawk counters at the Main Overlook; however, they are searching the sky & counting the thousands of raptors that fly past Hawk Ridge, so please direct any questions/comments to a naturalist or a volunteer. Some fun links:

Cost and Parking:

There is no charge, although donations are gladly accepted. The main overlook is located along Skyline Parkway, a city roadway in Duluth. Access is by car and parking is available along the roadway near the main overlook.

Questions?

Direct additional questions to mail@hawkridge.org or call us at 218.428.6209.