Minnesota: Migratory Gems of Hawk Ridge & Western Lake Superior - September 2025
Dates: September 22 - 27, 2025
Leader: Erik Bruhnke
E-bird
Total Species: 91 birds
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Overall Summary
This year’s Minnesota: Migratory Gems of Hawk Ridge and Western Lake Superior tour was a thrill for our senses. Every day we enjoyed the many delightful sights and sounds of the area, relishing the Lake Superior landscape among the surrounding forests, fields, bluffs, and more that make Duluth what it is. This tour is like a Northwoods birding treasure hunt, with this sweet spot of migration unfolding day by day. I feel fortunate to share this special area of the Midwest that I have called home for most of my life. The weather conditions this year brought forth some exciting movements of birds right from the start, and our tour began along the world’s longest freshwater sandbar, moments from our lakeside hotel.
At our first planned birding spot that evening, we were greeted in the parking lot by beautiful sparrows shuffling around the grasses and rocks. To our delight, we re-found a Lark Bunting, which had been initially spotted just before the start of the tour. This “mega” rarity is often documented as close as the Dakotas but isn’t on the radar for Minnesota, let alone for the timing of our tour. This female-plumaged bird was so beautiful, showing off her cool brown tones, streaked flanks, and bold gray beak of heavy proportions. Around her fed several White-crowned Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows, as did some Swainson’s Thrushes that perched in the branches, feeding on occasional berries to fuel their migration. All within the one parking lot, we enjoyed spruce-top-foraging Cape May Warblers that fed against the sky as Northern Flickers migrated by. Nearby we saw Magnolia Warblers, American Redstarts, Black-and-white Warblers, a Blackpoll Warbler, and more (eight species of warblers on our first evening out). Dark-eyed Juncos provided the ground-feeding ambience. We ended our first evening with a wonderful dinner.
This tour delves into an exciting window of bird migration moving through the area. Typically on this tour, we save the day with the least optimal winds for our visit to Sax-Zim Bog, which ended up being the first day of our tour. Within moments of arriving in the vast realm of Sax-Zim Bog, we found ourselves looking at Northern Harriers and American Pipits. Once in the deep-woods habitat, both kinglet species (Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned) came into view, each tiny and delightfully dapper in their own way. Before lunch we enjoyed views of a pair of Trumpeter Swans, likely the ones that nest right there in the bog throughout the summer. Among the fields we also saw an American Kestrel, Eastern Bluebirds, and more. We found free-roaming Wild Turkeys feeding along field edges. A flock of introduced Helmeted Guineafowl brought some silly smiles to our faces (they weren’t on the radar for any of us) as they shuffled around their owner’s yard. In the afternoon we explored some new areas we had not checked earlier and made an obligatory visit to the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center. While birding the parking lot of the Welcome Center, we enjoyed views of Broad-winged Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and a Turkey Vulture migrating overhead. The Sax-Zim Bog staff and good energy were as welcoming as always. Heading down into the fields, we enjoyed amazing views of Lapland Longspurs perching alongside the road (one was in a bush at eye level, seen well from the van). On our way out we visited one of the boardwalks that meanders through old-growth bog habitat. The ambience was magical as we walked among ancient towering spruces and tamaracks. High-energy, adorable Red Squirrels fed on their favorite logs nearby as we left the boardwalk. Several of us opted for the legendary wild rice and walleye at the restaurant of choice that evening. Yum!
The next day we enjoyed another tasty breakfast in the field, as we had the day before, and made our way along Park Point. A chatty Merlin flew over us at the first spot before we locked our sights on a gorgeous Chestnut-sided Warbler and several Yellow-rumped Warblers. The sun was at our backs, and the foliage tips glowed with vibrant fall colors. Northern Flickers were seen moving through, and we had a glimpse of a Hermit Thrush. Over the course of a casual half-mile walk, primarily from two trees dubbed the “magical trees,” we saw no fewer than THIRTY-FOUR Brown Creepers flying past. It was unreal. These southbound birds would occasionally perch in the canopy of the trees as they flew over the sand dunes and dune grass. There were a few moments when we saw five Brown Creepers in the trees at one time (like 4–5 in one binocular view). Personally, I have never seen so many Brown Creepers in my life, even having worked at various bird-counting locations over the years, and the Brown Creeper spectacle alone was a thrill. Nearby juniper trees were full of Golden-crowned Kinglets (we counted 28 of them, with one Ruby-crowned Kinglet mixed in). Lapland Longspurs and a few sky-high Bobolinks flew past us, as did four species of warblers on our walk. Seeing open-winged Northern Flickers flying past, with their radiant yellow wings, was downright magical. What an exciting morning we had.
After a fun picnic lunch, we had a wonderful experience up at Hawk Ridge, a prominent part of this tour that we revisited several times. Just as we were pulling up to Hawk Ridge for our first visit, we saw that one of the friendly naturalists was showing and educating about an in-hand, recently banded Sharp-shinned Hawk. I quickly dropped everyone off there instead of heading to the formal parking area down the road, as this was a big treat to see a bird up close, and the clock was ticking before the bird would be released. We got our lawn chairs lined up for hawkwatching and enjoyed the views to come on this picture-perfect day to be outside. While at Hawk Ridge that afternoon, we enjoyed no fewer than seventy Sharp-shinned Hawks, twenty Bald Eagles, seventeen Broad-winged Hawks, a Red-tailed Hawk, and several Merlins and American Kestrels, too. An Osprey was seen passing by on the lakeside, and it was fun to study and compare IDs among the eagles we had seen earlier. It was exciting to see a squadron of American White Pelicans come flying overhead. Later that evening, after an early-planned dinner, we made our way back to Hawk Ridge for an owl banding workshop, a special part of this tour. Calm conditions are what is hoped for with owl banding, and that evening there was barely a noticeable draft at most (favorable), with cooler temperatures setting in, all great for detecting owls. We met up with my friend Margie Menzies from Hawk Ridge, who hosted the owl program that night. Throughout just over two hours we enjoyed four different Northern Saw-whet Owls in the hand. It was exciting to see how they were banded, with the banders taking great care in handling them. With our group size of four birders this year, everyone got to hold a Northern Saw-whet Owl! These adorably fierce and incredible owls are amazing to see up close—and to hold, too. Some people count sheep when they fall asleep. I think we went to bed counting hawks and owls that night. What a fun day it was!
On our next morning, we made our way to Wisconsin Point to mix up the scenery and provide a different angle of what makes the sense of place around the area so special. Along the beach we saw over 1,600 gulls collectively, with most of them being Ring-billed Gulls of various ages. American Herring Gulls were seen and studied, and with some careful scanning we locked our sights on both a young Lesser Black-backed Gull and, complementing the western winds from earlier days, a Franklin’s Gull. The Franklin’s Gull was a lifer for many on the trip, which was fun! I am a believer that, as complex and challenging as gulls are, learning about them and teaching about them can be fun if done in the right manner. We discussed pointers of what to look for, little by little, as the identification pieces came together. We took time to appreciate the small details of the gulls and had a great time. At the first Wisconsin Point birding area we found five species of ducks (Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Redhead, and Ring-necked Duck). Good comparisons of American Crow and Common Raven ensued. Later on we saw two Peregrine Falcons (one soaring and one perched) and some migrating Sandhill Cranes, with opportunities to study their distinct wingbeats and profiles in flight. An afternoon at Hawk Ridge was another joy with the great weather we had. During our few hours at the overlook, we witnessed ten species of raptors plus Turkey Vultures. It was neat to see Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, and American Kestrel during our visit that afternoon, achieving the falcon sweep for the day.
The last day of our tour always comes too soon. We were fortunate to have favorable weather conditions for yet another day. On this day we made our way up the shore to a few scenic places to enjoy morning flight. We visited select areas for savoring this spectacle. We started birding right along Lake Superior as the sun came up, and it was such a beautiful morning. An early morning Northern Harrier and Bald Eagle were seen migrating by as the sun rose. Waves of Blue Jays and a trickle of Northern Flickers fluttered through the air, as did Cedar Waxwings and flocks of Pine Siskins. At one of our earlier spots, we got to see a beautiful Lincoln’s Sparrow out in the early morning light, as well as several Red-breasted Nuthatches both flying by and feeding in the trees. A Horned Grebe was seen resting out in the open water. One of the birds possible at the timing of this tour (annual for the area but uncommon) is Harris’s Sparrow. Throughout the trip, we had checked a few places earlier and hadn’t seen one… yet. While birding the town of Two Harbors, we explored a lengthy stretch of scrubby grasses. With patience and appreciation, we found a Harris’s Sparrow, and we all got both binocular and scope views. A lifer for many. There was much to celebrate that morning, with birds of air, water, forest, and field. We made a brief visit to my apartment for a restroom break and some yard birding. It was fun to see chickadees feeding up close at the window feeder.
Our last visit at Hawk Ridge was another wonderful experience, as we enjoyed an exciting movement of raptors. All three falcon species came into view yet again, in addition to Bald Eagles (the most common bird of the afternoon at Hawk Ridge), plus Red-tailed Hawks, a Broad-winged Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and some Turkey Vultures. A lone Snow Goose was seen up in the sky among Canada Geese migrating by. Our day ended with glimpses of a beautiful Franklin’s Ground Squirrel scurrying around the hawkwatching area.
My thanks to the participants on this tour—friends from past birding experiences. I’m already looking forward to next year’s Fall Minnesota tour, with both a Winter Minnesota tour and late-Spring Minnesota tour taking place in the meantime, each with its own distinct highlights. There’s much to enjoy in this special part of the Midwest!
Day-by-Day Summary
September 22 - Arrival in Duluth and orientation along the world’s longest freshwater sandbar near Lake Superior. Evening birding produced an exciting start to migration, including a re-found Lark Bunting among sparrows and thrushes, along with multiple warbler species, Northern Flickers, and active passerine movement. First group dinner together.
September 23 - Full-day visit to Sax-Zim Bog in favorable migration conditions. Northern Harriers, American Pipits, kinglets, and Trumpeter Swans highlighted the morning, along with American Kestrel and Eastern Bluebirds. Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned Hawks passed the Welcome Center, while Lapland Longspurs and boreal boardwalk habitat provided classic Northwoods atmosphere. Evening meal featured regional specialties.
September 24 - Morning birding along Park Point produced an exceptional Brown Creeper movement, along with large flocks of Golden-crowned Kinglets, warblers, and passing raptors. Afternoon hawkwatching at Hawk Ridge included strong raptor passage with Sharp-shinned Hawks, Bald Eagles, Broad-winged Hawks, falcons, and more. Evening owl banding workshop produced close studies and hands-on encounters with Northern Saw-whet Owls.
September 25 - Morning at Wisconsin Point featured large gull concentrations, including Franklin’s and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, plus multiple duck species and migrating Peregrine Falcons and Sandhill Cranes. Afternoon return to Hawk Ridge delivered a broad raptor flight, including all three falcon species and a full “falcon sweep,” along with steady eagle and buteo migration.
September 26 - Early morning migration along Lake Superior produced Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Blue Jays, waxwings, Pine Siskins, and close views of sparrows and nuthatches. A highlight was finding Harris’s Sparrow in Two Harbors after searching multiple sites. A relaxed final stop included yard birding and close feeder activity.
September 27 - Final morning hawkwatch at Hawk Ridge featured continued raptor movement including falcons, eagles, hawks, and vultures, plus a Snow Goose overhead. The tour concluded with final wildlife sightings at the ridge, including Franklin’s Ground Squirrel, before departures and onward travel.
Wildlife Seen:
MAMMALS:
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
Least Chipmunk (Neotamias minimus)
Franklin’s Ground Squirrel (Poliocitellus franklinii)
Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
REPTILES/AMPHIBIANS:
Northern Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
BUTTERFLIES:
Monarch (Danaus Plexippus)
Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
DRAGONFLY:
Common Green Darner (Anax junius)
OTHER INSECTS:
Red-cross Shield Bug (Elasmostethus cruciatus)