Finding Minnesota: Superior Views Of Migrating Raptors
DULUTH, Minn. (WCCO) -- With cameras and binoculars in hand, bird lovers are starting to flock to Hawk Ridge, a scenic overlook on the edge of Duluth.
Because of its position along Lake Superior, it's considered one of the best spots in the country to witness the fall migration.
Raptors flying south take a turn to avoid the cold air of the lake and as they follow the shoreline, many of them end up directly over Hawk Ridge, a 365-acre nature reserve.
Steve Kolbe of Stow, Ohio, decided to join the staff this fall and take part in the annual count.
"There are things that you can see here that you can't see, to my knowledge, anywhere else in the country," he said. "This is what I love to do. I love watching birds, and I love bird migration. So this is the perfect job for me."
Workers have been counting raptors in their fall migration over this area for more than 40 years. By luring some of the birds to a nearby netting site, workers can also attach bands to their talons before sending them back on their way.
Some will settle in southern parts of the U.S. while others have a much longer journey ahead.
"The broad-winged hawk is actually going down as far as South America," said Janelle Long, the Hawk Ridge executive director. "All of that data that we're contributing is really helping us have a better understanding of what's happening to the health of our raptor populations."
Myron Peterson and his wife, Holly, drive up from Eden Prairie each fall to take it all in.
"This is about as pretty a place as there is in Minnesota," he said. "In fact, this is our favorite Minnesota destination. The birds going overhead are just so spectacular. Raptors are just unique, I think, in the animal kingdom. They are so interesting, so much fun to see."
The early part of the season brings smaller birds that often have farther to go. In the coming weeks, bigger hawks and eagles will be soaring overhead.
"For me, it's really unbeatable here in Duluth to have this view, have the birds, have a beautiful place like Hawk Ridge," Long said.
In general, the peak of the migration is the third weekend of September. That's when they host their annual Hawk Weekend Festival, with speakers and demonstrations.
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