brown rocky shore with green water

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve

Minnesota · Midwest

Habitat
Mountain
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free (donations welcome)

Hours

Open daily; main hawk watching season Aug-Nov

About This Location

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is a productive birding destination in Minnesota, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This mountain habitat attracts Mallard, Hairy Woodpecker, and American Crow among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

6/1/2026Park Point--Dune Bridge near airport3 observed

House Finch

Haemorhous mexicanus

5/31/20261305 E Fourth St, Superior US-WI 46.71411, -92.060491 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/31/2026Wisconsin Pt. (general)2 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

5/31/2026Wisconsin Pt.--Makwa Ziibiins Miikana (Bear Creek Trail) (west of Wisconsin Point Rd.)2 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

5/31/2026Wisconsin Pt.--Gull Bluff1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/31/2026Wisconsin Pt.--Gull Bluff1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Moccasin Mike Rd.1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

5/30/2026The Little Porch1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

5/29/2026Lake Superior (MN waters) viewed from Wisconsin Point1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

5/29/2026Osaugie Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/30/2026

Mallard

25/30/2026

Common Raven

15/30/2026

Song Sparrow

15/30/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

15/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

55/30/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/30/2026

Veery

35/30/2026

Cedar Waxwing

15/30/2026

Purple Finch

25/30/2026

Pine Siskin

15/30/2026

White-throated Sparrow

35/30/2026

Ovenbird

55/30/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

15/30/2026

American Redstart

55/30/2026

Chestnut-sided Warbler

25/30/2026

Black-throated Green Warbler

15/30/2026

Canada Warbler

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve?
Notable species at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve include Mallard, Hairy Woodpecker, American Crow, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Common Goldeneye, American Herring Gull, Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Rock Pigeon, European Starling, Pileated Woodpecker. The area supports mountain habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve?
Birding at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve?
The entrance fee at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is Free (donations welcome). Hours: Open daily; main hawk watching season Aug-Nov.
What amenities are available at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve?
Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.