Minnesota: Migratory Gems of Hawk Ridge and Western Lake Superior - September 2026
Dates: September 21 - 26, 2026
Leaders: Erik Bruhnke & Glen Davis
E-bird
Total Species: 80 birds
Click Here to view list.
Overall Summary
Fall migration in northern Minnesota is a delight to the senses. On this year’s tour, we relished a wonderful array of migratory birds and more during our several visits to Hawk Ridge, a focal point of the tour, the adjacent scenic shores of Lake Superior, and a day trip to the legendary Sax-Zim Bog. This tour blends migration with a sense of place, and we enjoyed just that!
On our first evening, we did some welcoming birding along the world’s longest freshwater sandbar, just moments from our lakeside hotel. It was a treat to see a nice diversity of ducks among the sheltered waters of Superior Bay. Northern Flickers moved past, and we enjoyed watching a gorgeous female Rusty Blackbird casually walking and feeding in the grass. She was in no hurry to get where she was going, and, to our surprise, she walked within feet of us. We took time to appreciate her incredible bronze, brown, and black plumage! A tasty dinner topped off the fun start to our tour.
We began our first full day of the tour admiring a gorgeous Peregrine Falcon. Shortly afterward, we made our way to Wisconsin Point to explore the migration possibilities of the area. We were serenaded by Palm Warblers and Swamp Sparrows, while Blue Jays flew overhead. With gentle steps of discovery, we delved into the world of gull identification while looking at more than a thousand gulls in front of us. A beautiful Bald Eagle flew past while Trumpeter Swans paddled along the bay. A Belted Kingfisher and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker were also much fun to see. An afternoon at Hawk Ridge was pleasant and relaxing as we enjoyed the scenic vista of the hillside and Lake Superior while spotting Sharp-shinned Hawks, Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, a Merlin, and an American Kestrel.
The next morning was an exciting treasure hunt as we savored the morning flight. A Red-necked Grebe was a fun sight shortly after the sun rose over Lake Superior. A lone spruce tree near the shore attracted bird after bird. Over the course of less than an hour of birding at this one spot, we witnessed seven species of warblers feeding in the aptly dubbed “Magic Tree.” The experience left a lasting impression, with smiles that lingered long afterward. The warbler diversity at the Magic Tree included Tennessee, Nashville, Cape May, Palm, and Yellow-rumped warblers, Black-throated Green Warbler, and Northern Parula! The movements of flyby Yellow-rumped Warblers and Pine Siskins were much appreciated that morning, as were both species of nuthatches, Cedar Waxwings, and more. We enjoyed several more scenic spots just a few minutes farther up the shore, taking time to appreciate the sparrows and other birds. A fun lunch picnic at a woodland park fueled a fun-filled afternoon at Hawk Ridge, where we saw Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, Turkey Vultures, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and other stunning birds, including Golden-crowned Kinglets and Pileated Woodpeckers. After a fun dinner featuring wild rice burgers at the best brewpub in town, we made our way back to Hawk Ridge for a private owl workshop. Although the gentle winds weren’t in our favor that night for owls, we did get to experience the remarkably rare sight of an American Woodcock in the hand. It was great!
On this tour, we save the least migration-friendly day for our dedicated visit to Sax-Zim Bog, and even with some light drizzle, the day’s experience at the bog was a special delight! White-throated Sparrows serenaded us among the bushes while Sandhill Cranes and Wild Turkeys walked through the fields (at one point, we saw 21 Wild Turkeys altogether)! Several American Kestrels were seen actively patrolling the vast fields. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet fed among the spruces. The morning air was mild and refreshing, and a visit to the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center was delightful. It was exciting to explore the charm and features of this nonprofit organization, which takes pride in protecting so much bog landscape, providing outstanding public outreach, and more. That afternoon, we explored wonderful bog plants, including Labrador Tea, Creeping Snowberry, towering ancient tamaracks, the dried stalks of Pink Lady’s Slipper from earlier in the summer, and more. The experience of seeing bog plants up close along the boardwalk was magical. We ended our birding with glimpses of beautiful Wood Ducks. Among the many delicious dinner options that night, the perfectly cooked walleye and wild rice were a big hit!
Our last morning brought another adventure exploring the local migration scene. Throughout the morning, we enjoyed comparative views of Black-bellied and American Golden-Plovers perched together, Sanderlings, a Semipalmated Plover, ten different species of waterfowl, and a Common Loon! A parking lot Merlin greeted us at one of the birding hotspots while we enjoyed a tasty breakfast in the field. Sparrows, warblers, and flyby Northern Flickers delighted us through our binoculars. All of this was happening just minutes from the hotel! A fun lunch picnic was complemented by flyby Cedar Waxwings. The afternoon at Hawk Ridge was another fun and scenic experience as mid-afternoon raptors moved through. Thirty-two Sharp-shinned Hawks made an appearance, as did several Red-tailed Hawks and Bald Eagles. We were even treated to a flyby Common Nighthawk, a first for the tour (most migrate through considerably earlier in the season)! It was fun to see a fluffy, rock-dwelling Franklin’s Ground Squirrel out that afternoon.
Our delicious wrap-up dinner was special as we shared many cherished moments from our travels over the past few days. From the Magic Tree to those “aha!” learning moments at Hawk Ridge, with its migration spectacle and many friendly folks, to exploring the bog and enjoying the wonderful flavors of the area, this tour was a joy. With gratitude, I thank everyone who joined this year’s tour, including both longtime traveling friends and new ones alike! I’m already looking forward to this annual VENT tour next year.
Day-by-Day Summary
September 21 – Meet & greet at the hotel, welcome birding along Park Point, local dinner.
September 22 – Birding Wisconsin Point, lunch picnic at a park, exploring migration at Hawk Ridge, local dinner in town.
September 23 – Birding our way up the Lake Superior shoreline among an array of migration hotspots (including the spectacle of the Magic Tree), lunch picnic at a park, afternoon of exploring migration at Hawk Ridge, local dinner in town, post-dinner trip to Hawk Ridge for our private nighttime migration program.
September 24 – Sax-Zim Bog birding throughout the morning, lunch at the Wilbert Café, Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center visit, afternoon birding and up-close bog plant exploring around Sax-Zim Bog, local dinner in town.
September 25 – Birding several Park Point hotspots with breakfast picnic in the field, lunch picnic at a park, afternoon exploring migration one more time at Hawk Ridge, local dinner in town.
September 26 – Departures from Duluth.
Wildlife Seen:
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Red Squirrel
Eastern Chipmunk
Franklin’s Ground Squirrel
White-tailed Deer
Red-bellied Snake