Minnesota: Migratory Gems of Hawk Ridge & Western Lake Superior

Sharp-shinned Hawk © Erik Bruhnke

This tour explores the late-September spectacle of beautiful fall colors meeting diverse bird migration of land and water.

The western tip of Lake Superior is renowned for incredible scenery and exciting Northwoods birding. Throughout the tour, participants have ample opportunities for studying bird migration at Hawk Ridge and beyond. Hawk Ridge is one of the premier hawkwatching locations in the country, averaging 60,000 raptors every fall. The view from Hawk Ridge includes vibrant horizons of both Lake Superior waters and the stunning boreal forest. The birds seen migrating past this spot can be seen from below, at eye level, and even from above. The whirlwind of Broad-winged Hawk migration lingers into the latter part of September, while impressive kettles of Sharp-shinned Hawks and scattered Red-tailed Hawks make their way through. Although most likely observed during their peak in mid-October, a few elusive Northern Goshawks begin to show up at Hawk Ridge during the latter half of September. From the smallest American Kestrels and Merlins to Northern Harriers, massive Bald Eagles, and more, Hawk Ridge offers a robust spectacle of raptor migration to be savored. A special treat of this tour is a planned visit to observe Northern Saw-whet Owl banding research in action.

Complementing the Hawk Ridge experience are beautiful birding drives, like the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior, and possibly exploration of the renowned Sax-Zim Bog. We’ll be choosing the best locations for migration day-by-day, based on the weather conditions. We will be on the lookout for Harris’s Sparrows migrating through this time of year, among the many flocks of sparrows present. Diverse “morning flights” of Rusty Blackbirds, waves of Blue Jays, kinglets, a host of lingering warblers, and more can be seen migrating through. Along the Lake Superior shoreline just moments from our hotel, we’ll study a diverse array of ducks and geese species through this Central Flyway, in addition to the gulls that gather this time of year. Jaegers are uncommon but possible throughout the flocks of gulls in late September, and even fall rarities like Franklin’s Gulls, Sabine’s Gulls, and Red-throated Loons have shown up over the years. Scattered groups of shorebirds are always worth checking for along the nearby sandy shores. As for larger birds, we’ll be on the lookout for migrating Sandhill Cranes and American White Pelicans, which migrate through regularly in late September. There is much to be cherished while enjoying fall migration in Duluth.

Very good, single-site accommodation along Lake Superior; cuisine very good to excellent; physical demands range from light to moderate walking; temperatures range from cool/light-cold during night and early morning hours, and daytime temps are typically light-cool to warm.

Rainbow at Hawk Ridge © Erik Bruhnke