Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve
Minnesota · Midwest
Challenging
April-May, September-October
Free (donations welcome)
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
Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella magna
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellata
Great Egret
Ardea alba
Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)
Loxia curvirostra
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Stilt Sandpiper
Calidris himantopus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Northern House Wren
Veery
Cedar Waxwing
Purple Finch
Chipping Sparrow
Nashville Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Eastern Wood-Pewee
American Woodcock
Gray Catbird
American Robin
Northern Cardinal
Common Raven
Ovenbird
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Birding Tips
- 1
Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.
- 2
Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
- 4
Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Park Point Recreation Area
- Lester Park
- Duluth Lakewalk
More in Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Minnesota →